Nelson, Richard Henry (1926 - 2026)

NELSON, SARGENT, LANGE

Posted By: Denise Wurner (email)
Date: 2/26/2026 at 15:24:18

Name of deceased: Richard Henry Nelson

Aged: 100 yrs, 13 days

Residence: Hiawatha, IA (a native of Elk Horn, IA)

Born: Jan 25, 1926; rural Kirkman, Shelby County, IA

Died: Feb. 7, 2026; Hospice House, Hiawatha, Linn County, IA

Funeral services: Graveside: Tuesday, Feb. 17, 2026; Elk Horn Lutheran Church Cemetery, Elk Horn, IA

Survived by: Son, Ned; daughter, Natalie; 4 grandchildren; 2 great-grandchildren; 3 Godchildren; other family members and friends

Predeceased by: Parents, Henry and Riffie (nee Sargent) Nelson; wife, Norma; daughter, Julie

Education: Attended grade school in Kirkman, IA for his first 3-1/2 years. The family then moved to a farm in Clay Township in 1935, and he completed grade school at Clay #3. Dick graduated from Elk Horn High School, Elk Horn, IA, with the Class of 1943; he later graduated from the American Institute of Business in Des Moines, IA.

Religious affiliation: Baptized and confirmed at Elk Horn Lutheran Church, Elk Horn, IA, where he later served as a board member and treasurer

Military service: no information provided

Marriage: Norma Lange; Jan. 30, 1949; Elk Horn Lutheran Church, Elk Horn, IA

Employment: Worked as a dairy farmer, office clerk, bookkeeper, and auditor for the Iowa State Tax Commission

Hobbies/Interests: Was a longtime volunteer at the Danish Immigrant Museum (now known as the Museum of Danish America). The Nelsons were honored to serve as King and Queen of the 1999 Tivoli Fest. At the Lange family Christmas celebration, Dick proudly reigned 3 years in a row as the beloved “Best Costume” champion. Dick and Norma enjoyed traveling throughout the United States, from border to border and coast to coast. In addition, they traveled to Norway, Denmark, England, and Scotland.

Sources: kjan.com; cedarmemorial.com