Dr. Richard Usher Nelson, 65, of Clinton, Iowa, died peacefully on Saturday April 9, 2011, at his home.
A memorial service will be held at 5 p.m. on Tuesday, April 12, 2011, at Lemke Funeral Home - South Chapel. Pastor Becky Nissen-Weaver will be officiating.
Visitation will be Tuesday from 2 p.m. until the time of the memorial service.
Dr. Nelson was born April 12, 1945, in Brooklyn, New York, the son of Richard and Lois (Gardiner) Nelson. Dr. Nelson was a 1962 high school graduate in Pleasantville, New York. He then went on to receive his English/Literature degree at UCLA. He then received a Health and Science degree at the University of California. In 1980, he graduated from UCLA Medical School. From 1981 to 2010 he was an emergency room physician, for over 20 years practicing at Clinton Mercy Medical Center.
Dr. Nelson married Sally Thomas on April 22, 1978, in Grand Terrace, Calif.
Dr. Nelson was a military veteran serving during Vietnam from 1968-1970. Family always came first for Dr. Nelson. He was a top-rated bridge player and at one time was rated in the top 15 percent in the country.
Survivors include his wife, Sally of Clinton; two daughters, Melani Frantz, of Clinton, and Shari (Tim) Determan, of Clinton; three sons, James Nelson of Des Moines, Michael Nelson of Clinton, and Ryan Nelson of Clinton; eight grandchildren, Christine, Danny, Sean, Bret, Jordan, Taylor, Kali and Mathew; one great-grandchild, Bralynn, and one on the way, Parker; and one brother, Greg Nelson of Venice, Calif.
He was preceded in death by his parents and his son, David.
Memorials can be made to the Veterans Administration and Genesis Hospice.
Lemke Funeral Homes is assisting the family.
Online condolences can be left at www.lemkefuneral.com.

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