Richard Elmer Nelson, 88, of Carol Stream, IL, passed away peacefully on January 22, 2024 at the Illinois Veterans Home in Manteno, IL.

Richard was born on November 12, 1935 in Danville, IL.  Rich was raised by his adopted parents Hilder and Elmer Nelson in Sawyer, Michigan.  Richard grew up in Sawyer and had many fond memories of his time in Bethany Beach. Richard graduated from St. Joseph High School in St. Joseph, Michigan, where he was a member of the 1953 state championship basketball team. After serving our country proudly in the Army at the tail end of the Korean War conflict from 1954-1957, Richard studied and played basketball at Benton Harbor Junior College and San Diego State University. In was in California that he landed his first job as a carpenter, kicking off a 30 year career in carpentry.

Rich returned to the midwest, and in 1966, he met Cheryl Peterson, and they wed in 1967. Rich and Cheryl had four children, Brad (Amy) Nelson of Batavia, IL, Jill Nelson of Goodyear,AZ, Melanie Nelson of Goodyear, AZ and Aimee (John) Healy of Montgomery, IL. 

 After retiring in 2000, Rich met Carol Bollweg and they married in 2003. Rich and Carol spent their time staying active playing tennis, bike riding and traveling. Rich also enjoyed researching baseball history and meeting many former major leaguers with his best friend, baseball enthusiast and author, Bill Swank of California. Rich and Carol were active members of the Wayne Township Senior Center and loved participating in all of the activities and events that were offered. Rich was predeceased in death by his parents Elmer and Hilder, a sister Shirley, and his wife Carol in 2023. He is survived by his sister Rose of Bridgman, MI, all four of his children, along with 7 grandchildren and his wife Carol's four children David (June) Bollweg, Timothy Bollweg, Donna (Paul) Loomis, and Judy Moore.

A celebration of life will be held on Sunday, February 25th at Chapel Street Church Mill Creek campus located at 1S455 S Mill Creek Dr. in Geneva, IL. Visitation will be held from 2-4 pm followed by a service from 4-5 pm.  Burial will be private

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