Richard C. Nelson, 82, Owatonna, MN died on Monday, March 28, 2011 at St. Mary''s Hospital, Rochester. Richard Carl Nelson was born December 23, 1928 the son of Carl and Hulda (Kronbeck) Nelson in Chicago, IL. At the age of three he moved with his family to the Little Falls, Minnesota area. He attended school in Freedhem, Minnesota and later graduated from Little Falls High School in 1947. Following school, he helped on the family farm. Richard was united in marriage to JoAnn Nelson on February 28, 1953 in Little Falls. Richard''s dad gave them $100 and they went on a three week honeymoon. Later that year he was drafted into the United States Army and served two years during the Korean War. Following his honorable discharge, he returned to Little Falls and again worked on the family farm. Richard then began a career with John Deere and worked as a territory manager out of Minneapolis serving Southern Minnesota. In 1957, they moved to Owatonna. In 1965, he owned and operated Nelson Equipment in Owatonna until retiring in 1994. Richard enjoyed spending time with his family and grandchildren. Richard and JoAnn took them often on trips throughout the country. He was a wonderful grandfather and loved having his grandkids around him. He enjoyed country living and raising horses on their 62 acre farm outside of Owatonna. He worked hard and was a giving man up to his last breath. He is survived by his wife, JoAnn Nelson of Owatonna; four sons, Gregory Nelson of Mankato; Mark (and Carol) Nelson of Madison, SD; Allan (and Jolene) Nelson of Owatonna; Charles (and Kimberly) Nelson of Owatonna; two daughters, Deborah (and Leonard) Marti of St. Michael; Becky (and Daniel) Diesler of Mukwonago, WI; two sisters, Jean Davidson of Baldwin, MO; Lois Seufert of Van Nuys, CA; a brother Curt (and Diane) Nelson of Madison, SD; and eight grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents and a sister Vivian. Visitation will be held at Michaelson Funeral Home on Thursday, March 31, 2011 from 4:00 PM to 7:00 PM and also one hour prior to the service in the church. Funeral services will be held on Friday, April 1, 2011 at 11:00 AM in Trinity Lutheran Church with Reverend Dean Smith officiating. Burial will be held at Freedhem Cemetery, rural Little Falls. Memorials are preferred to the Special Olympics or donor''s choice. Visitation: 03/31/2011 16:00 03/31/2011 19:00 Service: and one hour prior to the service in the church 04/01/2011 11:00