Although he hadn't worn a badge in more than three decades, Richard "Dick" Nelson remained a champion for Minnesota's men and women in blue until he died April 27 from acute leukemia at the age of 85.
Nelson, who lived in West St. Paul, served 26 years as a Minneapolis police officer and also fought for officers and their families as head of several police groups and as a law enforcement lobbyist.
Born and raised in south Minneapolis, Nelson was the oldest son of Danish and Swedish immigrants. While in junior high, Nelson worked at a drug store soda fountain, where he met his future wife, Celia. They were married for 64 years; she died in 2008.
After graduating from South High School, Nelson was drafted into the Army. He served about a year and a half in Europe during World War II in the advanced infantry and military police before he was allowed to go home because his father had died and he had to take care of his family.
Nelson worked several jobs, including as a milkman for Franklin Creamery, before he found his calling and became a Minneapolis officer in 1950.
"My dad lived and breathed police and their families," said daughter Nannette Kaiser.
During his time on the force, Nelson served in a range of roles, including as a patrolman and ultimately as a detective lieutenant supervisor. He guarded President Kennedy during a presidential visit, and former Vice President Hubert Humphrey was a keynote speaker at Nelson's retirement party in 1976.
Nelson's dedication inspired others in his family to become cops. His family has 175 years combined law enforcement service. Even one of his grandsons plans to join the force.
