Richard "Rick" M. Nelson

Richard Mark “Rick” Nelson, age 65, passed away peacefully at his home on November 26, 2025, having lived life to the fullest until the very end.

Rick was born on April 26, 1960, in Neenah, WI, the son of Richard and Carol (Vanden Boogart) Nelson. Raised in the Town of Menasha, he was a graduate of Menasha High School. Rick dedicated much of his career to Winnebago Color Press, where he worked from high school until the facility’s closing in 2011. He later transitioned to truck driving, a career that allowed him to retire at the age of 59. 

A lifelong athlete, Rick stayed active through basketball—competing in numerous StreetBall tournaments— as well as disc golf, golfing, darts, and wakeboarding. He was a devoted fan of the Milwaukee Bucks and the Green Bay Packers. Rick was also a true "transport aficionado" with a passion for sports cars, vans, trucks, motorcycles, and snowmobiles. He took great pride in keeping his vehicles in pristine condition, always detailed and ready for a road trip at a moment’s notice.

Rick cherished time outdoors deer hunting with his father and brother in Wild Rose. Though he was naturally quiet and a bit shy, he possessed a sharp competitive streak. His father affectionately nicknamed him “The Agitator” for his love of catching friends and family off guard with well-timed practical jokes. He enjoyed playing cribbage, poker, and sheepshead, and spent many weekends relaxing with friends over a game of pool.

Rick is survived by his mother, Carol; his siblings, Reynold “Bucket” (Laura) Nelson and Roxane Bruehl; his nephews, Nicholas Bruehl and Bo Nelson; his special friend, Tracy Bos; and many beloved aunts, uncles, and cousins. He was preceded in death by his father, Richard; his grandparents; and several aunts and uncles.

A Celebration of Life will be held on April 26, 2026, from 1:30-5:30 PM, at the Northland Pub in Appleton— one of Rick’s favorite spots for a Friday Fish Fry.

The family extends a heartfelt thank you to the doctors and nurses at ThedaCare Hematology/Oncology, as well as the ThedaCare Hospice team—especially Tina, Angie, Cristina, David and Stephanie—for their compassionate care.