Richard A. Nelsen, Sr.

Richard A. Nelsen, Sr., 89, of Oak Harbor, OH passed away on December 7, 2025 at ProMedica Toledo Hospital. He was born on April 29, 1936 in Flint, MI the son of Lester and Alice (Swanson) Nelsen. Richard was a graduate of Flint High School and attended Weslyan Bible College and received his degree from the University of Toledo.

Richard married Beatrice Pattengill on November 29, 1956 in Owosso, MI. He was the Marine Maintenance teacher at Vanguard Career Center. He had also owned and operated RAN Reconditioning and worked at Whitey’s Towing, Happy Days Boating and held various other jobs.

Richard was an active member of the Church of the Nazarene where he served on the board, was an usher and taught Sunday school. He raced stock cars and collected mini-Tonka toys. Richard was also a member of S.C.R.A.P.

Richard is survived by his wife, Beatrice Nelsen, Oak Harbor; children, Vickey Nelsen, Findlay, Linda (Kenn) Meyer, Fremont and Rich Nelsen, Oak Harbor; grandchildren, Kristin, Kelly, Rory, Brook, Deanna and Michael; thirteen great grandchildren and four great-great grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his parents; sister, Nancy (Jim) Berg; granddaughter, Brandy and a great-great grandson.

Visitation will take place on Thursday, December 11, 2025 from 5 to 7 p.m. at Wonderly Horvath Hanes Funeral Home and Crematory, 425 E State St., Fremont, OH.

A funeral service will take place on Friday, December 12, 2025; 11:00 a.m. at Church of the Nazarene, 1925 N 5th St., Fremont, OH. Visitation will also take place from 10 – 11 a.m. at the church prior to the service.

Burial will take place at Hillcrest Memory Gardens, Owosso, MI privately at a later date.

Memorials can be made to Church of the Nazarene or plant a tree in his honor.