Richard John Nelson

Dick graduated from Escanaba High School in 1956, received his undergraduate degree from Asbury College in Wilmore, KY, then throughout his life received master’s degrees from North Park Theological Seminary in Chicago, IL (Divinity); Mankato State University in Mankato, MN (Education); and Keene State College, Keene, NH (Counseling). Obviously, he enjoyed learning and was called a walking encyclopedia by his grandchildren.

Ordained as a pastor with the Evangelical Covenant Church in 1965, Dick pastored Covenant churches for over twenty years in Butte, MT, Hector, MN and Orange, MA. Then he worked for twenty years as a vocational rehabilitation counselor for the State of New Hampshire. Following his retirement, he enjoyed spending more time on his hobbies of reading history, woodworking, chip-carving and painting. Known to always have a hammer or paintbrush in his hand, he would surprise and delight his children and grandchildren with beautiful furniture pieces and other keepsake treasures each Christmas. He loved to travel seeing historical sights and most of all visiting his children and grandchildren.

Dick was a charter member of Monadnock Covenant Church in Keene, NH where he faithfully served the LORD caring for the nursery’s children, cleaning the children’s ministry area, building elaborate sets for vacation Bible schools, and leading a small group Bible study.

He is survived by his devoted wife, Edie of 52 years, his daughter Kristin Karlson (Erik) currently stationed in South Korea, son Tim (Sally) of New Hampshire, son Mark (Corrie) of Ohio, and daughter Amy Almer (Erik) of Illinois and his twelve beloved grandchildren: Elijah (18), Tirzah (16), Anna (11), Isaiah (11), Lily (10), Jedidiah (9), Sophia (8), John (7), Seraphinah (7), Evangeline (6), Charlotte (5), and Oskar (3), his brother Robert Nelson (Barbara) of New Hampshire, and numerous nieces and nephews.

Visiting hours will be held Wednesday, October 28th from 5-7 PM at Monadnock Covenant Church 90 Base Hill Rd, Keene, NH. The memorial service will be Thursday, October 29th at 11AM also at Monadnock Covenant Church with burial and reception to follow. Fletcher Funeral Home & Cremation Services, 33 Marlboro St., Keene, NH have been entrusted with the arrangements. (www.fletcherfuneralhome.com).

In lieu of flowers, contributions in Richard Nelson’s name may be made to Monadnock Covenant Church, 90 Base Hill Road, Keene, NH 03431

Peace be to his memory.