Lynn Richard Nelson, 72, of West Lafayette died Tuesday, October 23, 2018, at his home surrounded by his loved ones.

Born January 24, 1946 in Evanston, IL to the late Richard and Viola (Kreger) Nelson, Lynn graduated from Prospect High School in Mount Prospect, IL and then continued his education earning his Bachelor of Science degree from Western Illinois University and his Master of Science degree from Illinois State University.   On August 27, 1967, he married the love of his life, Trudy Ann Schirmer. She still survives.

Dr. Nelson began his teaching career as a middle school teacher in Niles, IL and then a high school social studies teacher in Dwight, IL. After earning his Ph.D. from Indiana University in Social Studies Education and History of Education, he began his college teaching career at Widener University focusing on economic education. In 1989 he joined the faculty of the College of Education at the University of Maine teaching Social Studies education.

In 1996 he came to the Purdue College of Education. At Purdue, he received the Kappa Delta Pi Outstanding Professor Award in 2001. He served as the director of the James F. Ackerman Center for Democratic Citizenship (1996-2000), Executive Director of the Indiana Council for the Social Studies (2000-2003) and Indiana Director of Civics Mosaic Project (2002-2007). Dr. Nelson co-authored two books, published 16 refereed journal articles, and had more than 50 national and international presentations. He brought Purdue students to Russia and Germany and Russian and Lithuanian students to Purdue to study civic education.

Along with his wife, Trudy, he is survived by his son, Eric (Krista) Nelson of Merrimack, New Hampshire; daughter, Kristin (Andrew) Reed of Indianapolis; daughter, Kathryn (Matthew) Dodds of Lafayette; and 6 grandchildren, Tyler and Marissa Nelson, Eleanor and Phoebe Reed, Henry and Calvin Dodds.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Richard and Viola; and 2 sisters, Karen and Sharon Nelson.

Memorial contributions in Lynn’s name may be given to IU Simon Cancer Center, PO Box 7072, Indianapolis, IN 46207 or at https://cancer.iu.edu/giving/memorial.shtml.

Visitation from 5:00 – 8:00 pm, Monday, October 29, 2018 at Soller-Baker Funeral Home, Lafayette Chapel, 400 Twyckenham Blvd, Lafayette.

Funeral service at 10:00 am, Tuesday, October 30, 2018 at Soller-Baker Funeral Home, Lafayette Chapel with Dr. Will Miller officiating. Interment will follow at Tippecanoe Memory Gardens, 1718 W. 350 North, West Lafayette.

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