Deceased:
On Saturday, September 4, 2021 Robert “Bob” Ritter Nelson passed away unexpectedly at the age of 78 in Goodyear, AZ. Bob was born in Ludlow, MA to Evelyn and Axel Nelson. He was raised by his aunt and uncle, Dorothy and Bill Read, in Needham, MA and became a brother to his cousins Barbara, Bill, Ginger and Susan. Bob attended Northland College in Ashland, WI. After graduation he joined the Marine Corps, training in Quantico, VA. Bob proudly served as Captain in Vietnam and was awarded the National Defense Service Medal, the Vietnamese Service Medal and the Vietnamese Campaign Medal. After being honorably discharged from active duty, Bob started his career at John Hancock Life Insurance in Boston, eventually working for AG Edwards as a financial planner in Denver. He was dedicated to his career, achieving CHFC, CLU and CFP accreditations. He developed many long-term and caring relationships with his clients. Bob met the love of his life, Ann Grau, in Denver in 1970, where she had a career in education. They were married in 1972 in Denver, welcoming their daughter Courtney in 1975, and their son Todd in 1977. Family was Bob’s top priority. If you weren’t blood family, he made you feel like family. He was open and welcoming, exuding support and enthusiasm to everyone he encountered. He was a great father, husband, brother, mentor and friend. Some of his favorite memories were made during family holidays and reunions - and he has the pictures to prove it! The Broncos provided Bob with hours of entertainment, joy and heartbreak. He was a season ticket holder for years and was a devoted fan even in the hard seasons. He loved skiing and hiking in the mountains, but felt just as home near the ocean. He cherished his time spent with family on Cape Cod as a child. Bob loved golfing and tennis, and many of his best friends were made on the course and court. He especially enjoyed playing with his buddies at Pinehurst Country Club and Pebble Creek and kept the patio fridge stocked to keep spirits high during a round. If Bob was not golfing he could be found at the pool, walking the lanes and meeting new friends. He was also a strong supporter and active member of the Life Long Learning family. Bob is survived by his wife Ann, his daughter Courtney (Luke) Knutson, son Todd and granddaughters Lauren and Lillian. He is also survived by his sisters Barbara McEldowney, Ginger Maloney and Susan Starr, his brother Bill Read, several beloved brothers and sisters-in-law, nieces and nephews. He was dearly loved and will be missed by all. A Celebration of Life Memorial service for Bob with full military honors will be held on Tuesday, September 14 at 2:00pm at the Sunwest Funeral Home in El Mirage , AZ. In lieu of flowers, the family has asked for contributions be made to either: Midwest Rett Syndrome Foundation PO Box 43155 Brooklyn Park, MN 55443 www.MidwestRett.org Or The Wounded Warrior Project www.woundedwarriorproject.org Bob’s ashes will be interred at National Memorial Cemetery in Cave Creek, Phoenix, AZ. A celebration of life will also be held in Denver next summer. Semper Fi!
OCS: C-3
TBS: D-4
- Wife: Ann
- Address: 15767 West Edgemont Avenue, Goodyear, AZ 85395
- Phone: (Home): -, (Work): -, (Cell): 303-919-0463
- e-Mail: -
