Rev. Richard A. Nelson

Rev. Richard A. Nelson, 64, of Fleetwood, went home to be with his Lord and Savior, on Thursday evening, September 21, 2023.

Born March 18, 1959 in Warwick, Rhode Island, he was the son of the late Melvin E. and Dorothy L. (Geng) Nelson. He and the love of his life, his wife of 35 years, Leanne E. (Newhard) Nelson, were married on November 14, 1987 at Good Shepherd Lutheran Church, Kreidersville.

Pastor Rick was the current pastor at Alsace Lutheran Church where he has served as pastor for the past 28 years. Prior to Alsace Lutheran, Pastor Rick served at Hope Lutheran Church, Bowers, from 1990 to 1995 and at Trinity Lutheran Church, Robesonia from 1985 to 1990.

Pastor Rick was active in his community, having served as a board member for the Muhlenberg Food Pantry, past President of the Fleetwood Area Music Association from 2009 to 2013, and served as vice president of the Clover Crossing Homeowners Association. He was a 1977 graduate of Tollgate High School, Warwick, RI, and a 1981 graduate of Upsala College in East Orange, NJ. He went on to study at the Lutheran Theological Seminary of Philadelphia, graduating in 1985.

Pastor Rick enjoyed reading and music. He loved attending Christian concerts and always focused on caring for the youth of his congregation and community. Most of all, Pastor Rick was a devoted and loving husband and father to Leanne and their children, Rachel and Aaron.

In addition to his wife, Leanne, Pastor Rick is survived by his two children, Rachel E. (Nelson) Morrison, wife of Christopher S. Morrison, Denver, PA, and Aaron R. Nelson, fiance' of Naomi C. Hniang, Philadelphia. He is also survived by his brother, Donald Nelson, his sister, Ruth (Nelson) Harrington, and by many nieces and nephews.

Along with his parents, Pastor Rick was preceded in death by his sister, Doreen Nelson.

Memorial Services for Pastor Rick will be held on Saturday, September 30, 2023 at 10:30 am at Alsace Lutheran Church, 2201 Kutztown Rd, Reading. Burial will follow in Alsace Cemetery.

Visitations will be held for Pastor Rick beginning Friday, September 29, 2023 from 6:00 to 8:00 pm at Walbert Funeral Home & Crematory, 14390 Kutztown Rd, Fleetwood, and again on Saturday, September 30, 2023 from 9:30 to 10:30 am at the church.

Contributions may be made in Pastor Rick's memory to Alsace Lutheran Church, 2201 Kutztown Rd, Reading, PA 19605.

Walbert Funeral Home & Crematory is honored to be caring for Pastor Rick and his family. Online condolences may be offered at WalbertFuneralHome.com.