Madison

Richard B. “Dick” “Fireball” Nelson, age 72, of Madison passed away on Monday, September 12, 2016 at home surrounded by his loving family following a four year battle with cancer. He was born April 3, 1944 in Madison the oldest son of the late Lester and Margaret (Hanley) Nelson.

Dick enlisted in the U.S. Marine Corps in 1962. He served his country in Vietnam from 1963 – 1964 and was honorably discharged as a Sergeant E5 in 1968. Dick lived” Semper Fi”, and never forgot he was a Marine.

Dick also lived by his motto “work hard”. He was the proud owner of Badgerland Erectors for the past 32 years. He took great pride in “Building America” as a member of Ironworker’s Union, Local 383, for the last 45 years.

Dick very much enjoyed his hobby of working on his Oldsmobile race cars, and the fun that came with taking them to the drag strip. 0-150 in nine seconds!

Dick was a devoted family man. The life and family he made brought him much joy and pride. He was married in Baltimore, Maryland to Diane Steele on May 21, 1966. Dick was so happy to have recently celebrated 50 years of marriage to the love of his life.

Dick is survived by his wife, Diane; two sons, Rick (Tiffany) and Scott (Esmerelda); six grandchildren, Gino, Daniel, Ricky, Ryan, Reid and Ruby; four brothers, Donnie (Judy), Jimmy (Connie), Denis (Carla) and Gary.

He was preceded in death by his parents and a sister, Kathy.

A Funeral service will be at 1 p.m. on Saturday, September 17, 2016 at RYAN FUNERAL HOME, 2418 N. Sherman Avenue with Father James McEnery presiding. Burial will follow at Highland Memorial Garden. Visitation will be on Saturday at the funeral home from 10 a.m. until the time of service. To view and sign this guestbook, please visit: www.ryanfuneralservice.com.

Ryan Funeral Home

& Cremation Services

2418 N. Sherman Avenue

608-249-8257

Richard Nelson

April 03, 1944 - September 12, 2016

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