Obituary Richard R. Nelson, 73, of Washington, passed away at 3:25pm, Wednesday, January 8, 2014 at OSF St. Francis Medical Center, Peoria. Richard was born January 22, 1940 in Peoria to Philip and Ruth Kinney Nelson. He married Bonnie Landers on September 19, 1964 in Peoria; she survives. Also surviving are their children, Traci (Chuck) Diveley of Chillicothe, Barbara (Doug) Scherr of Washington, Melissa (Joel) Woerner of Trivoli, and Jason Nelson of Jacksonville, NC; daughter in law, Rachel Nelson of Japan; grandchildren, Kayleigh, Rachael, Quentin, Claire, Jacob, Grace, Shyla, and Trey; siblings, Judy (Jack) Kirkman, his twin of Peoria Heights, Barbara Psyllos and Daniel (Shirley) Nelson, both of North Hollywood, CA; his dog, Bowser; and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, grandparents, two aunts, and one uncle. Richard served in the US Army from 1958 to 1961, and worked as a machine operator at Caterpillar Tractor Co. for 30 years, retiring in 1994. Richard had a great love for all things history, especially Civil War battle reenactments, visiting every battlefield site and recreating Gettysburg in his basement. He was a long-time member and president of CITW, and enjoyed visiting the Game Room in Washington and Just For Fun in Peoria. He also enjoyed reading, the Beatles, and western movies featuring John Wayne or Clint Eastwood. Funeral Mass for Richard will be held at 12pm, Tuesday, January 14, 2014 at St. Patrick Catholic Church in Washington. Visitation will be two hours prior at the church. Father Stephen Willard will officiate. Cremation rites will be accorded after the service. Deiters Funeral Home & Crematory, Washington, is assisting the family. Visitation JAN 14. 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM St. Patrick Catholic Church 705 E. Jefferson Street Washington, IL, US Service JAN 14. 12:00 PM St. Patrick Catholic Church 705 E. Jefferson Street Washington, IL, US