MIDDLETON - Richard C. Nelson, age 83, passed away on Monday, June 18, 2012 at the UW Hospital, Madison. He was born on July 11, 1928, in Racine, the son of Clarence Peter and Margaret Christine (Larson) Nelson. Dick was a 1946 graduate of Racine Washington Park High School, earned his Bachelor’s of Science from Lawrence University; and a Master’s of Arts, Post Masters work from Northwestern and UW Madison. He served his country in the US Army from 1951 to 1953. Dick was united in marriage to Roberta L. Thompson on Aug. 28, 1954. She preceded him in death. He worked for over 37 years in public education, most of these years at the Racine Unified School District, including 12 years as the Superintendent of Schools. He retired in 1990 as the assistant superintendent for the state of Wisconsin. Dick was a member of Good Shepherd Lutheran Church, a Bucky Ambassador, and a member of the Wisconsin Retired Educators Association. He served as board member of Oakwood Lutheran Village, the Racine Kiwanis Club (past president), Washington Park High School Hall of Fame. Southeastern Wisconsin Educators Hall of Fame, and the Middleton Couples Twilight Golf League. He is survived by a son, Kirby R. (Barbara) Nelson; two daughters, Janet C. (Heath) Quamme and Gail M. Nelson; four grandchildren, Ian Nelson, Sadie Nelson, Lydia Meier, Chase Quamme; three great-grandchildren, Bryant, Logan, Brooklyn and a special friend Nancy Fox. In addition to his wife, Roberta, Dick was preceded in death by his parents and a mother-in-law, Tillie Raddatz. Funeral services will be held at GOOD SHEPHERD LUTHERAN CHURCH, 5701 Raymond Road, Madison at 10:30 AM on Saturday, June 23, 2012, with the Reverend Rod Hank presiding. Burial will be in Sunset Memory Gardens, Madison with a luncheon at the church following the burial. Visitation will be held on Friday, June 22, 2012 from 4:00 PM until 7:00 PM at the GUNDERSON WEST FUNERAL & CREMATION CARE, 7435 University Ave., Middleton. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the ALS Association Wisconsin Chapter, 2505 North 124th St., Suite # 105, Brookfield, WI 53005. A principled man of strong moral integrity who walked his talk and embraced life with a sense of joy and purpose. A giver, he gave his all to his career, country, athletic endeavors, and above all his family. Thanks to his unwavering support and encouragement, his children learned to approach life with determination confidence and a strong sense of optimism. All lives he touched were the better for it. Words cannot describe how he will be missed. Gunderson West Funeral & Cremation Care 7435 University Ave 608-831-6761 www.gundersonfh.com