Obituary of Richard Nelson

MAPLE GROVE, MN- Richard (Dick) Nelson, 79, passed away on December 19, 2020 at home after a period of declining health.

He was born in Webster City, Iowa on March 17, 1941. He was the son of Harlen E. Nelson and Margaret A. (Wahlstrom) Nelson. After graduation from Eagle Grove High School, Iowa, he headed to Minneapolis, MN and attended Dunwoody Institute enrolling in a 24-month machine shop program. He graduated from Dunwoody in 1962. He became skilled in Tool and Die machining, specializing in injection molds. In 1978, he started his own business, Detail Tool and Engineering, Inc. He was successful in his trade thanks to his ability to visualize in 3D and accurately quote and build molds. He used this success to provide endowments and scholarships to encourage students to enroll in various trade programs.

An avid sportsman, he enjoyed hunting and competitive rifle matches. He was a qualified marksman. He enjoyed the competition, but also the comradery with his friends. He enjoyed travelling and experiencing the big hunts in many countries.

He considered his family one of his greatest successes. He is survived by his wife, Carol Olson Nelson; his daughters Detra Nelson Cleven (Curtis), Kingsport, Tennessee and Darcy Nelson Forman (Michael), Apex, North Carolina; grandchildren, Blake Cleven, Annika Cleven, Nolan Forman and Chase Forman; sister Mary Ellen Thorson (Ken), Carpentersville, IL; daughter of Carol Olson Nelson, Rhonda Olson (Ross), Cambridge, MN; grandchildren, Kyleigh Olson Cedarblade (Aleks), Westen, Jake; great grandchildren Ayla, Soren; son of Carol Olson Nelson, Troy Olson (Jessica), Lathrop, MO; grandchildren, Dylan, Jesse, Cameron, Julia, and Joshua.

Due to COVID restrictions, there will be no public visitation. The Cremation Society of Minnesota is assisting the family. In lieu of flowers, memorials can be given to Dunwoody Institute at https://8666.thankyou4caring.org/donate-now