Richard Andrew Nelles was a good man. Dick took his final breath at home overlooking Star Lake. He appreciated his home and lived a good life. He was not alone. His wife Mary of 65 years took care of him. She was his love, strength, and vow. 

His family holds his memory, survived by his sons Mark (Marlene), Michael (Yvonne), Paul, and Steve (Barbara). His five grandchildren loved him very much (Thomas, Richard, Abby, Anna, and Connor). Dick also took great delight being an uncle to his nieces and nephews.  Then there were canines. His neighbor’s dogs often liked Dick better than their owners.  The mutts would often be found on his front porch, ready for a walk or a pet. He was trusted by all.

Dick served in the Air Force in Europe, which took him a long way from his humble beginning in Fletcher, Minnesota. Along with his three sisters Elizabeth Ann “Betty” (Jerry) Dehn, Geraldine “Gerri” (Jerry) Gordon, and Elaine (Mike) McGlinch he overcame being an orphan and through hard work, faith and family he lived a virtuous life. In his home he kept the marriage picture of his parents Andrew Nelles and Elsie (Gardner), along with a picture of his sisters. Elaine is the last surviving sibling.

After the United States Air Force and Reserves (Staff Sargent), Dick graduated from the University of Minnesota. At the UofM he meet a nursing student from the College of St. Catherine’s and soon married Mary Alice (McGannon). A family was raised.  Dick’s long tenure working for Ragon Electronics and then Hartzell Manufacturing enabled him and Mary to raise his boys in Robinsdale before moving to Brooklyn Center, before retiring to the Minnesota Dream of building a home on a lake, Up North, on Star Lake in Ideal Corners, Minnesota.

In his retirement, he enjoyed watching the birds and spending time with family and friends. He enjoyed driving into town.  He volunteered teaching reading in Pequot Lakes and worked the trails and forest gardens with friends within the Uppgaard Wildlife Management Area. He cared about loons, loved their calls and flight, and protected their habitats.

The family would like to thank the entire nursing staff at Essentia Health St. Joseph’s Crosslake clinic, and Dr. Sara Lokstad for her expertise and dedicated care. In addition, the guidance and support from our Crosslake pharmacist Steve Kappes was greatly appreciated. And over the past six months, the responsiveness from the Good Samaritan Society Hospice, including Barbara Tuchtenhagen and her team (whom Dick was especially fond of) was extraordinary in vocation and service.   Dick had a certain charm and fondness for nurses, of course.

Along with his in-home care, Dick and Mary’s neighbor Sharon Schramm was always available with dedicated friendship, humor, and strength (and an occasional glass of wine). Finally, Dick’s sons Michael and Paul helped keep Dick safe and dignified with good humor and patience along the way.  His son’s Mark and Steve helped from out-of-state. Thank you to all who have kept Richard in your heart.

Mass of Christian Burial on Friday (4/26/2024) 11:00 AM at Immaculate Heart Catholic Church, 35208 County Road 37, Crosslake, MN. Visitation and gathering starts at 10:00 AM.   After mass, cremated remains interred at Pinewood Cemetery followed by a return to the church for lunch. 

In lieu of flowers, consider a donation to the Alzheimer's Foundation of America, or perhaps subscribing to Minnesota Conservation Newsletter to stay connected to Minnesota’s woods, waters, and wildlife.

Arrangements are entrusted to Brenny Family Funeral Chapel, Crosslake.