John Richard Nelson

John Richard Nelson

September 2, 1938 – June 25, 2024

John Richard Nelson, known to his friends as “John R” or simply “JR”, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, June 25, 2024 in Las Vegas, NV at the age of 85. John was born on September 2, 1938, to Gustav Nelson and Beatrice Nelson in Menominee, MI. He grew up in Manitowoc, Wisconsin, lived for a time in West Allis, WI, eventually moving to Boulder City, NV in September of 1971.

Following his father and older brother Albert into the Merchant Marines, John embarked on an amazing career sailing with United States Steel’s Great Lakes Fleet. Starting out as a deckhand, he eventually retired in 1997 as a Captain, after 41 years of service. He was also a proud veteran of the United States Army’s 82nd Airborne Division, serving from 1962 to 1964.

Over the years, John had a passion for building model ships from scratch, as well as airplanes from aluminum cans. He donated two of his model ships to the Wisconsin Maritime Museum in his hometown of Manitowoc, which are continually rotated for display between other Smithsonian Institute museums today. In his leisure time, you could find John at the Boulder City Municipal Golf Course golfing with friends and family, and he was a long-time member of the Elks Lodge in Boulder City – Lodge #1682, where he enjoyed spending time there with friends, participating in the many events the Elks provided.

John was a loving husband, father and grandfather, who loved spending time with his family. He is survived by his wife of 57 years, Beverly Nelson, sons John Jr. and Mike, daughters-in-law Heather MacDonald Nelson and Heather Nelson, two grandchildren, Makayla and Landon Nelson, numerous nieces, nephews and cousins, and his beloved golden retriever, Dakota. His kindness and generosity extended well beyond his family, and his legacy will live on long after his passing.

His memory will forever live in our hearts, and he’ll be dearly missed by all who knew and loved him. May John’s soul rest in peace.

Order of Service

THURSDAY, AUGUST 1ST

Grace Community Church: 12:15-1:15pm

1150 Wyoming St.

Boulder City, NV 89005

Southern Nevada Veterans Memorial Cemetery: 2pm

1900 Veterans Memorial Drive

Boulder City, NV 89005

Please arrive by 1:45 for chapel Military Honors

service followed by gravesite burial

Celebration of Life: 3pm-6pm

Elks Lodge

1217 Boulder City Parkway

Boulder City, NV 89005