Richard "Dick" Nelsen

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Richard “Dick” Nelsen, age 80, of Atlantic, Iowa, formerly of Anita, passed away on Tuesday, September 16, 2025, at Heritage House in Atlantic. Dick practiced his faith quietly but confidently trusted in the promise of eternity with his Lord and Savior. He once remarked, “You know, there are worse things in life than dying.”

Richard Peter Nelsen was born on October 22, 1944, in a birthing house in Exira, Iowa, the son of Folmer Pete and Dorothea Phyllis (Rasmussen) Nelsen. He attended kindergarten at Highland Country School in rural Wiota and, as the youngest student, was given the class bell when the school closed. Dick continued his education at Wiota Consolidated School through the 10th grade, then transferred to Anita High School when Wiota closed. While attending high school, he also drove the school bus and graduated with the Class of 1963.

As a child, Dick spent many summers with his aunt and uncle, where he learned the carpentry trade—a chapter of his life that began rather spontaneously. During a visit to his home, they casually asked if he wanted to pack a suitcase and go with them. To their surprise, he went straight to his room, packed, and was ready to leave.

Dick returned to Anita and was drafted into the United States Army, beginning his service on July 5, 1965. He was stationed at Fort Irwin, California, before being deployed to Vietnam. He served with Company B of the 46th Engineer Combat Battalion, part of the 18th Engineer Brigade. Dick was honorably discharged in May 1967 with the rank of Specialist 5. He was proud of his military service and deeply respected the American flag—values he passed on to his family.

On June 17, 1967, Dick married Glennda Lee at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church in Atlantic. Their love story began thanks to a matchmaking cousin and a ride on the ferris wheel in Exira. They lived in Atlantic for a few years, then moved to Anita before returning to Atlantic in 2013.

In 1970, Dick co-founded N & H Construction with classmate Kenny Harrison. In 1986, it became Nelsen Construction. To Dick, carpentry was never just a job—it was a passion. He took great pride in his craftsmanship, whether it was a full home build, a remodel, custom cabinetry, birdhouses with his grandkids, or tiny toddler chairs. Though largely self-taught, he was meticulous—drafting his own plans and executing them with care and attention to detail.

Dick also valued time away with his family. Together they enjoyed vacations to places like Okoboji, the Ozarks, and various camping trips. Later, he and Glennda traveled to Hawaii, went on bus tours, and took an Alaskan cruise.

His shop was a favorite gathering place for friends and family—a space where coffee and donuts (always hidden in a toolbox) were shared freely. Dick had his own style of “organized clutter” and could direct anyone to the exact tool they needed—even if it took some digging.

Dick was a teacher at heart. He enjoyed hiring young people, sharing his trade, and encouraging them along the way. He spent hours at the kitchen table helping with homework, and in later years, he loved driving (or bussing) his grandchildren to doctor appointments, school, and countless ball practices.

He was a dedicated community member at the Anita American Legion Post #210, Holy Cross Lutheran Church, St. Paul’s Lutheran Church, and serving as a member on the Anita School Board—including a term as president.

Known for his patience and kind spirit—often saying, “Patience, grasshopper”—Dick leaves a lasting legacy with those he loved.

He is survived by his wife of 58 years, Glennda Nelsen; daughters, Holly (Gary) Hermann of Alexandria, VA, and April (Jonathan) Hansen of Anita, IA; 9 grandchildren: Hannah Hermann, Estelle Hermann, Alexandrea (Garrett) Schwanke, Cole (Jessica) McAfee, Paige McAfee, Peter McAfee, Sawyer (Kayleen) Hansen, Kassidy Hansen, and Grace (Tyler) McAfee; 5 great-grandchildren: Harlow Schwanke, Oliver and Hazel Hansen, and Miles and Kinsley McAfee; sister, Margaret (Mick) Heath; brother, Bob (Cheryl) Nelsen; and many extended family members and friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Folmer (Pete) and Dorothea Nelsen; his son, Adam Nelsen; brother, Raymond Nelsen; grandparents, Nels and Katherine Nelsen and Frank and Eva Rasmussen; and parents-in-law, Glenn and Annie Lee.

Visitation with the family present will be held from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m., Friday, September 19, at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church in Atlantic.

Funeral services will be held at 10:30 a.m., Saturday, September 20, at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church in Atlantic, with Pastor Lauri Boysen officiating. In honor of Dick’s military service, the Anita American Legion Post #210 will present military honors.

The service will be recorded and available on the funeral home website by the end of the day Saturday.

Burial will take place at a later date at Evergreen Cemetery in Anita.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to St. Paul’s Lutheran Church or a charity of your choice. Dick’s personal favorites included the Anita American Legion Post #210 and Iowa PBS.

Roland Funeral Service is caring for Dick’s family and his arrangements. Condolences may be left at www.rolandfuneralservice.com.