Dick Nelson, Voice of GVSU Football for 37 Years, Dies

Dick Nelson was the voice of Grand Valley State University football for 37 years before retiring prior to the 2014 season due to his health.

Nelson died Sunday morning.

In Nelson's 37 years as the voice of GVSU football he only missed two games.

In 1984, Nelson missed a game at Northern Michigan due to weather conditions. In 2013, Nelson missed a game when an irregular heartbeat forced him off of GVSU's flight before the national semifinals at Northwest Missouri State.

Last August, Nelson announced his retirement, "It has been a very tough summer concerning my health. I have had some good days and some bad days, but overall I just don't think it is in my best interest to continue calling Laker Football. It was quite a run, but not one that I was intending. I only planned on helping Grand Valley State get its radio broadcast off the ground for one year (1977), but it ended up lasting 37 years."

Grand Valley was 326-106-2 with four national championships during Nelson's 37 seasons.

Tim Selgo, GVSU's Athletic Director said, "He is not only a legendary broadcaster and GVSU Athletic Hall of Famer, Dick was a wonderful husband to his wife Lori and loving father and grandfather. We will miss him immensely, not just as a broadcaster, but more importantly, as a wonderful person and friend. The thoughts and prayers of the entire Laker Nation go out to Lori and family."

All are welcome to meet with family members at the GVSU Alumni House in Allendale from 1-5 p.m. on Friday, February 6.