Richard Hodsdon Sr.

Richard "Dick Nelson" Hodsdon Sr. 79, died peacefully at home on February 1, 2015 in Jenison, Michigan. Dick is survived by his best friend and wife of 57 years, "Lori" Loretta Nelson and their five children - Lori (Rick Whilden), Joni (Kelly Sheeran), Richard Jr. (Michelle), Vicki (Kurt Sheneman) and Mary Sherman, their 14 Grandchildren and 5 Great grandchildren as well as a wonderful extended family of relatives and friends. There was nothing more important to Dick than his family and he leaves a deep and meaningful legacy. Born in Chicago on July 19, 1935, Dick spent 3 years as the batboy for his beloved Chicago Cubs and remained a fanatic fan-always waiting for "next year". His love of sports resulted in a 50-plus year career in broadcasting on a national and local level, most notably 37 years as "the Voice" of Grand Valley State University's Laker Football - a team for which his passion was known by all who listened to his broadcasts. The Family will hold a memorial visitation on Friday February 6th from 1 to 5 pm at Grand Valley State University - Allendale Campus - Alumni House. A memorial Scholarship fund has been established in Dick's name to provide opportunities for students pursuing a career in broadcasting at Grand Valley. "The Dick Nelson Memorial Sports Broadcasting Scholarship" can be viewed at GVSU.edu/giving/nelson and is preferred in lieu of flowers. To share a photo, memory and sign the family's online guestbook please visit www.stegengafuneralchapel.com To send flowers or a memorial gift to the family of Richard "Dick Nelson" Hodsdon Sr. please visit our Sympathy Store.