Richard Nelson

Richard "Pinky" Nelson was born September 26, 1914, in Logan, Iowa to Nels George and Amelia (Larson) Nelson. He grew up in the Logan area graduating from the Logan High School in 1933. He worked at Harvey's Grocery Store in Logan from the time he was 14 years old and later became the manager of the meat department. He retired at the age of 65, but he still worked part-time until he was 85. Pinky married Wanda Armstrong on June 16, 1952 in Logan. With this marriage, Pinky assumed the responsibility of being a father to six children. He was a member of the Logan Christian Church and served as deacon on the church board. He served on the Logan Volunteer Fire Department as secretary-treasurer and was a member of the first First Aid Class. For more that 25 years, Pinky also enjoyed greeting people and assisting at the Welcome Center. Pinky enjoyed his family, gardening, fishing, and he and Wanda loved to travel.

Pinky died on December 26, 2003 at the Alegent Health Community Hospital in Missouri Valley at the age of 89 years and three months.

Pinky was preceded in death by his parents; infant sister Edna; brothers Raymond and Robert; son-in-law Dean Finken, M.D.; and infant grandson Robert Finken. Pinky is survived by his wife Wanda of Logan, Iowa; six children Dolores Finken of Rogers, Arkansas, Kenneth and Judy Mensching of Tacoma, Washington, Stanley and Elaine Mensching of Mexico, Missouri, Sandra and Jerry Straight of Logan, Iowa, Janis and Melvin Hall of Tifton, Georgia and Robert and Cynthia Mensching of Logan, Iowa; 18 grandchildren; 26 great grandchildren; sister Lucille Hennessy of Manilla, Iowa; and brother Arthur "Ace" Nelson of Denison, Iowa and other relatives and friends.
Services
Christian Church
Logan, Iowa
Wednesday, December 31, 2003 at 10:30 AM

Clergy
Pastor Ron Riley

Organist: Vicki Koenig
Vocalist: Rick Powell
"In the Garden"
"Worth It All" & "Amazing Grace"

Honorary Pall Bearers
Steven Finken Brian Mensching
Douglas Mensching Kenneth Mensching

Pall Bearers
Andrew Finken Brian Robert Mensching
Paul Mensching Michael Pirolo
Michael Shadden William Shadden

Final Resting Place
Logan Cemetery
Logan, Iowa
Funeral arrangements were handled by Fouts Funeral Home in Woodbine