Richard Nelesen

Richard Nelesen of Sheboygan, age 90, passed away on Wednesday, July 28, 2021, at Morningside Nursing Home.  He was born on September 10, 1930, in Sheboygan to Hilbert and Anna (Behrens) Nelesen.

Dick graduated from Sheboygan Central High School in 1949.  He served his country in the United States Air Force for four years in the security service.  Dick was employed by Mullen Appliance Store, which later was purchased by his brother, Don Nelesen.  They expanded into furniture and appliances.  Dick was the furniture buyer and sold furniture for 27 years.  He was also involved with the rental business and owned Howle flats in the Sheboygan area.  Dick later opened Dick Nelesen Furniture at 1529 S. 12th St. in Sheboygan.  He ran the company for 12 years with the furniture outlet at 1233 Indiana Avenue in Sheboygan for six more years before retiring and selling the business in January 2001.

Dick was a member of Ss. Cyril & Methodius Catholic Church and the Men’s Society.  He was active in many of their social events, ran the church picnic for 15 years, was a member of the Catholic Order of Foresters and the Catholic Knights of Wisconsin.

Dick is survived by his brothers: John (Shirley) Nelesen and Joseph (Mary) Nelesen; nieces and nephews: Barb (Ed) Knauf, Tom (Mary) Nelesen, David (Sandy) Carter, Thomas (Dawn) Carter, Peter (Theresa) Carter, Anne (Mark) Adams, Lisa (Kasia Baldikoski) Carter, Marcia Nelesen Merrick, Susan (Doug) Diehl, Steven (Mary Allen) Nelesen, Michael (Meg Bertas)  Nelesen, Sarah (Dean) Gebhart, and Martha (Daryn) Woelfel. He is further survived by many great-nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents, brother Donald (Betty) Nelesen, and two sisters, Rosemary (Vic) See and Carole (Thomas) Carter.

Anyone who knew Dick knew he was one of a kind. Dick had a distinctive, hearty laugh.  He knew everybody in town and liked to talk and reminisce. He loved his mother and his family. His love of polka music and stumpf fiddle was legendary, and he followed the Jolly Slovenians by bus around the Midwest for years. Dick threw an annual birthday/polka party for himself, and it was the hottest ticket in town. He continued the tradition even in the nursing home. For many years, he was a member of a breakfast club that met at Smiley’s and then Schulz’s. He was a fan of a good breakfast. He was a bit of a curmudgeon, but he had a big heart. You had to love him.

Mass of Christian Burial will take place on Thursday, August 5, 2021, at 11:00 AM at Ss. Cyril & Methodius Catholic Church, 822 New Jersey Ave., Sheboygan, with Fr. Subi Thomas officiating. Burial will follow at Holy Cross Mausoleum in Sheboygan. Relatives and friends may visit with the family on Thursday, August 5, 2021, from 10:00 am until the time of Mass at the CHURCH.

If you are unable to attend the service for Dick, it will be live streamed on his obituary page on the funeral home website.

Memorials may be made to St. Cyril & Methodius Catholic Church, 822 New Jersey Ave. Sheboygan, WI 53081.