Richard Lloyd Nelson

The Reverend Dr. Richard L. Nelson, the only child of Lloyd and Lucille Mikelson Nelson, was born on June 24, 1946, in Minneapolis, MN and passed away November, 3, 2025 at 79 years old. Pastor Rick’s early years were spent in Minneapolis and Clarkfield, MN. In the third grade, he moved with his parents to Montevideo, MN.

He graduated from Montevideo High School in 1964. Following high school, he attended college for two years. In 1966, he enlisted in the U.S. Army. His time in the Army included a thirteen-month tour of duty in Vietnam.

Following Pastor Rick’s discharge, he returned to Minnesota. In 1970, he accepted Jesus Christ as his Lord and Savior and was also called to ministry. That same year, he enrolled at Bethel College in St. Paul, MN, completing his B.S. in Sociology in 1974. After graduating from college, he enrolled in Bethel Seminary. Prior to graduating from Bethel Seminary with a Master of Divinity degree in 1980, he served two churches as a lay pastor. In 1980, he was ordained at First Baptist Church in Danville, IA.

In 1994, he received his Doctor of Ministry degree from Midwestern Seminary in Kansas City, MO.

On June 17, 1972, he married Marlys Tungseth. Marlys supported him throughout his years of ministry as he served American Baptist Churches in Minnesota, Iowa, Delaware, and Kansas.

Pastor Rick and Marlys are the parents of Peter (Chauntel) of Lee’s Summit, MO; Christine of Winfield, KS; and Sarah (Gary) Yenzer of Wichita, KS.

Pastor Rick is survived by his wife, Marlys; his three children and their spouses; grandchildren Kaleb (Alexandria), Kristian, and Kassi Nelson; Brenden, Eli, and Gabriella Sanford; and Emma Yenzer; as well as great-grandchildren Victoria and Luke Nelson and Finnly Sanford.

When Pastor Rick married Marlys, this only child became part of the “Tungseth Clan,” which at times was overwhelming. Today, he is loved and survived by more than 100 Tungseths. He is also survived by his Mikelson and Nelson cousins and many friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents; parents-in-law, Marvin and Myrtle Tungseth; aunts and uncles; and brothers-in-law, Darrel Tungseth and Harold Pedersen.

In lieu of flowers, please consider donating in Rick's name to either Samaritan's Purse or Union Rescue Mission.

Memorial Service will be held at 10:30 A.M. on Saturday, November 15th, 2025 at Meridian Avenue Baptist Church located at 200 N Meridian Ave, Wichita, KS 67203