Richard L. "Dick" Nelson Sr., 79 years, of Fort Madison, Iowa died at 4:07 pm Sunday, December 1, 2013 at the Donnellson Health Center, Donnellson, Iowa. He was born September 13, 1934 at Fort Madison, Iowa, a son of Ernest and Esther Marie (Einspanjer) Nelson. On November 24, 1956, he married Joan I. Jaster at Fort Madison, Iowa.

He worked for Freesmeier Dairy for 15 years, and as an assembly mechanic for 30 years at Fruehauf, retiring in 1997. He also operated Nelson's Bicycle Shop for 50 years. He was scoutmaster for Troop 7 BSA. He was of the Catholic faith.

He is survived by his wife, Joan Nelson, of Fort Madison, Iowa; two sons, Richard Jr. (Kathy) Nelson, of Fort Madison, Iowa and John (Kathy) Nelson, of Holts Summit, Missouri; four brothers, Jerry (Virginia) Nelson, of Des Moines, Iowa, John (Sharon) Tone, of Center Point, Iowa, Robert Nelson, of Fort Madison, Iowa and David Nelson, of Fort Madison, Iowa; one sister, Patricia Hammer, of Fort Madison, Iowa; seven grandchildren: Marie, Michael, Sara, Brianna, Rick, Rebecca, and DeWayne; great grandchildren, and one great great grandson. He was preceded in death by his parents, stepfather Gerhardt Nelson, one sister Nancy Hunsperger, and grandson Omar Nelson.

Per his wishes, his body has been cremated. A private family celebration will be held at a later date.