Richard Dale Nelson, 78, of Steamboat Springs passed away Wednesday, July 19, 2017 at Yampa Valley Medical Center in Steamboat surrounded by his family.

Richard was born in Avon Township, Michigan, November of 1938 to Sarah Devries and George D. Nelson. He had 2 brothers, George and Jack; and one sister, Shirley.

He married Paulette Nelson whom passed away in 2012.

Richard earned his Machinist Certificate from the Front Range Community College and became self-employed working on small machine repair, carpentry, plastics manufacturing and was a Realtor.  His Hobbies and interest included Gun repair, Hunting, woodworking, Ham Radio and word puzzles.

He is survived by his children; Jeanette (Jack Refior), Newcastle, CO; Diane Sandelin, Steamboat Springs, CO; Nancy Nelson, St. Augustine, FL; Rick Nelson (Esther) Fontana, CA; Rebecca Phillips, Steamboat Springs, CO; Wanda (Rick Winkelmann), Ft. Collins, CO; Eleven grandchildren and 12 great-grandchildren; a sister, Shirley (Scott) Sims, St. Helen, MI; and a brother, Jack (Sharon) Sir, Ponce Inlet, FL.

Richard was preceded in death by his wife Paulette; a Grandson, Jonathan and a brother George and his parents George Nelson and Sarah Sir.

Private family services will take place in New Castle, July 21, 2017.   Condolences may be left at www.yampavalleyfh.com/Obituary/RichardNelson