Richard Allen Nelson

Richard Allen Nelson was born in Columbus, MT on October 17, 1931, the only child of Milo and Maud Nelson. He graduated from Laurel High School and attended Montana State University on a football scholarship. After one of his teammates was killed during a game, he dropped his scholarship and completed his degree at Eastern Montana College in Billings. He graduated from Washington University Medical School in St. Louis in 1957. While attending medical school, he met and married Betty Lowe, an RN. They had two daughters, Lisa and Kimberly. Richard was a Captain in the United States Army 82nd Airborne and 7th Special Forces (Green Berets) and served as a medical officer from 1959 - 1961. As one of the first doctors to serve in Viet Nam, he reported to Congress, recommending the formation of mobile medical units. He earned his Parachutist Badge and received the Army Commendation Medal and Ribbon. After military service, Richard completed a three-year program of residencies and more post-graduate work at the U of M Hospital in Minneapolis where he was a neurology instructor. Richard started private practice in 1965 and became a Diplomat of the American Board of Neurology and Psychiatry in 1967. He was Chief of Neurology at Jersey Shore Medical Center in Neptune, NJ from 1973 - 1975. He became a Fellow of the American Academy of Neurology in 1977; he was also a member of the Anti-Aging and Practical Pain Management sub-specialy groups. In 1975, he finally realized a long-term dream of returning to Montana and started a private practice in Kalispell. There he met Jerrie Lynn Peretto, and they were married in 1977. After an office fire in 1977, they decided to open a private practice in Billings, which was maintained until October 6, 2006, when his vehicle malfunctioned on the way to work resulting in permanent disability. Richard is survived by his wife Jerrie Lynn Nelson; daughters Lisa (David) Larson and Kimberly McLure; two step-sons Shawn and Monty Peretto; three grandchildren Timothy McLure, Jacob and Skyler Larson, who will all remember him for his warm affection, captivating smile, and great sense of humor. Dr. Nelson's patients will remember him for always working on their behalf. The family extends very heartfelt thanks to all of his wonderful patients and friends, who through their support and prayers, helped make his life more comfortable during his four-year attempt at recovery. A Memorial Service will be held 1:00pm Friday July 22, 2011 at the Joliet Community Center.

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