Richard Nielsen

RICHARD L. 'DICK' NIELSEN, 86 OREGON, Wis. - Richard "Dick" Nielsen, formerly of Rockford, Ill., more recently of Oregon, passed away Friday, Sept. 9, 2011, at HospiceCare, Fitchburg. Born Nov. 11, 1924, in Rockford, the son of Eva (Kalen) and Holger Nielsen. Married Betty L. Burt on May 26, 1951, in Rockford, and they recently celebrated 60 years of marriage. Dick graduated from Rockford East High School in 1943 and worked more than 40 years at National Lock Co., retiring from the company's fastener plant in 1988 as a customer service supervisor. During World War II, Dick enlisted in the U.S. Army and earned a battle star in the European Theater. After the war, Dick was stationed with the 7th Army in Heidelberg, Germany. In the late 1940s and 1950s, Dick batted leadoff and played shortstop for National Lock's Industrial A-league fast-pitch team. He was also an avid golfer, bowler and fisherman, once catching a 42-inch Muskie and recording a hole-in-one. In the 1970s, Dick played in the first two Greater Rockford Pro-Am golf tournaments. Dick was also active in his children's activities and kept a scrapbook of his children's and grandchildren's accomplishments. Survived by his wife, Betty; daughter, Heidi (Rick Rosen) Nielsen of Fitchburg; son, Adam (Dayna Brown) Nielsen of Normal, Ill.; granddaughter, Rebekah Nielsen of Normal; and grandsons, Max and Zack Rosen of Fitchburg, Josh Rosen of Arizona and Benjamin Nielsen of Normal. Predeceased by his parents and sister, June Carlson. No services. Memorial contributions may be made to HospiceCare, 5395 E. Cheryl Parkway, Madison, WI 53711.