Richard NelsonRichard (Rich) Nelson died peacefully at home surrounded by his family .on June 14th in Sioux Falls, SD at the age of 74.Rich is survived by his wife, Charlene (Hayward) Nelson, son Douglas Nelson and daughter Julie (Nelson)/ (Darwin) Hanneman, brother, Galen Nelson and sister Cherilyn Mudder. He is preceded in death by son Scott Richard Nelson, parents Clayton & Marie Nelson, nephew Jay Mudder and many brother & sister-in-laws as well as Aunts & Uncles.Richard was born on October 23, l942 in Omaha, Nebraska to Clayton and Marie (Pool) Nelson. Shortly after birth they moved to Avon, SD were he attended Bangert Country School, Avon Public High School and finished his education at Southern State College, graduating with a degree in Education. In December of 1962 he married Charlene Hayward, his high school sweetheart. Accepting a teaching position in Creighton Nebraska, he taught Math and English to Jr and Sr high students for three years.Realizing teaching was not his life long career, he pursued other avenues and was offered a position with International Harvester as a management trainee in Sioux Falls, SD. in 1967. One year later he was transferred to Watertown, SD, where he worked as a territory manger. This was the start of several moves including Tifton, Georgia, St. Paul Minnesota, Portland, Oregon and finally settling once again in his beloved state of South Dakota, in 1983. He worked for the remainder of his career with IH in Sioux Falls, close again to his family.Richard enjoyed working for IH and then Case IH for 39 years. He was highly respected by his superiors as well as his co-workers. His integrity and knowledge set the highest of standards. Rich was known for his meticulous work, getting things right the first time, and paying close attention to detail. Rich retired in 2006 and later became active in Red Power Club, attending conventions in various states as often as he could. He also became active in Granite Threshing Assoc., which helped him restore his grandfather's 1927 Farmall tractor. This gave him much pleasure in his last years of his life.Rich loved gardening and sharing his bounty of vegetables with family, friends as well as food pantries. Hunting, various shooting sports and time spent on his west river land doing various projects with Doug was something he enjoyed very much. God and Family were extremely important. His grandchildren ,Ashley Nelson, Jianna and Kolby Hanneman, had a special place in his heart. He spent as much time as he could with them. They were the light of his life especially when he retired and the little ones were born. Rich was a kind, gentle man, always smiling and often joking. He lived life with a great attitude, never giving up, and thanking God for each day he had here on earth.A funeral is scheduled for Tuesday, June 20th at 10:00 am at Linwood Wesleyan Church. Visitation will be on Monday, June 19, 2017 at Linwood Wesleyan Church from 5:00 to 6:15 with prayer and time of sharing of Rich's life. All are welcome to attend and celebrate Rich's life. (Wearing Red is even appropriate!) In lieu of flowers, please send donations to Linwood Wesleyan Church- 1101 E 57th St.-Sioux Falls, SD 57108, for their sanctuary remodeling. A special thank you to the Sanford Hospice care givers and nurses for their special care of Rich. www.heritagesfsd.com