Richard D. Nelson passed away Thursday, September 17th, 2020. He will be deeply missed by friends, neighbors and family. He thoroughly enjoyed the company of others and always had a bright
outlook. As the owner of Thompson-Nelson Kitchen Designers in Highland, Richard brightened the homes of many families beyond Lake County and across Chicagoland with his talent for designing
culinary workspaces. He was a member of the Ridge United Methodist Church in Munster and relished singing in the choir. He was known throughout Munster for his green thumb and achieved the pinnacle of success when he was showcased on the 2017 Munster Garden Walk. What he really savored were the many dinners he and Karen enjoyed at Teibel’s, Theo’s, Giovanni’s and particularly their 25th
anniversary with family and friends at Glenwood Oaks.
Born in East Chicago, Indiana on June 24th, 1939, he graduated from Hammond High School in 1957, and proceeded through the University of Kansas where he earned a B.S. Degree in Architecture and he
honorably served in the US Army Reserves until 1968. He was preceded in death by his parents, Elmer and Beatrice Nelson, and his beloved wife of 34 years Karen (Stansell) Nelson, whom he so
lovingly and selflessly cherished in the face of a 27 year valiant battle against multiple sclerosis. He was also preceded in death by his brothers Donald of Munster, Dale of Grand Rapids, Michigan and his
dear sister Carolyn and her husband William Lichtsinn of Scottsdale, Arizona, and his dear companions Eloise and the forever faithful Diesel. He is survived by 3 nieces, 8 nephews and numerous great nieces and nephews as well as many devoted, nurses, caregivers, friends and neighbors of long-standing. Dick has left us with many treasured memories.
Weather permitting, an outdoor funeral service will be conducted on Friday, September 25th, 2020, at 11:00 a.m., at Ridge United Methodist Church, 8607 Columbia Avenue, Munster, Indiana 46321. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions to the charity of your choice are appreciated.