Richard Dale Nielsen, 83, died Nov. 20, 2016. He was born in St. Charles, Minn., on Feb. 17, 1933. He served in the U.S. Air Force, working in communications in Germany in the 1950s.
After returning to Minnesota, he met Carolyn Jespersen at the Prom in St. Paul. They married on Feb. 18, 1959, and headed off to honeymoon in the frozen North. Richard promised Carolyn two rooms and a path, and that is what she got. They lived in a rustic farmhouse in Afton, Minn., prior to returning to St. Paul.
After moving to St. Anthony Park, they raised three children, Christine, Peter and Heather.
Following retirement from United Defense, where he worked as a locksmith, Richard and Carolyn traveled the country. Richard loved his two granddaughters, Maren and Hannah, with all of his being.
Richard’s hobbies included cross-country skiing, hiking, camping, photography and a good cup of coffee while discussing the affairs of the world. He was well-read and could discuss any person, place
or event in history. His favorite place was Grand Marais, Minn.
He was preceded in death by his wife, Carolyn; parents; and siblings, Charles, Warren, Esther Stahel and Alice Cowley. He is survived by his children, granddaughters and sisters, Charlotte Coleman and Mary Brunker.
A memorial service was held Nov. 26 at St. Anthony Park Lutheran Church, with private inurnment at Fort Snelling National Cemetery.
