Richard J. “Dick” Nelson, 87, of Bronson, passed away on Thursday, October 25, 2012 at the Heartland Nursing Home in Three Rivers.

A visitation will be held on Thursday, November 1, 2012 from 11:00 A.M. to 1:00 P.M at Dutcher-Kolcz Funeral Home in Bronson. Interment will follow at Batavia Cemetery.

Dick was born on May 5, 1925 in Battle Creek, Michigan to William E. and Leona (Evans) Nelson. He grew up in Battle Creek and married Evelyn I. Harris on July 17, 1946 in Battle Creek. They lived in Kalamazoo from 1961-1992 and then moved to Bronson where they have lived ever since.

Dick had worked for Parker-Hannifin in Otsego as a machinist for 17 years, retiring in 1986. He enjoyed hunting and fishing and will be missed by his family.

Mr. Nelson is survived by his wife Evelyn, his son John (Terry) Nelson of Plainwell, his daughter Karen (John) Munson of Kalamazoo, his grandchildren Christopher Nelson, Lisa Callahan, Michael Campbell, Jason Wagner and his great-grandchildren Austin, Zackary, Sierra, Makenna, Nathaniel and Cheyanne.

He was preceded in death by his parents, 3 brothers and a sister.