Nelson Richard Resch, 83, of Fort Smith, Arkansas, passed away on August 8, 2026. Born in Fort Smith on August 15, 1942, Nelson lived a life full of hard work, family, fishing, dancing, and making memories. Nelson was the devoted husband of Paula, his wife of 52 years.
He was a hard worker, a really, really, hard worker. He retired from Anderson Martin Machine Company after an incredible 62 years. He believed in showing up, getting the job done, and probably wondered why everybody else wasn’t working as hard too. To Nelson retirement meant more time to mow, fix something, or anything that allowed him to be outdoors.
Nelson loved fishing, family vacations, and dancing especially, dancing to Elvis. Give him some Elvis and a little room to move, and he was ready to put on a show. He had his own way of doing things and wasn’t particularly interested in changing it and honestly, his family wouldn’t have wanted him any other way.
He is survived by his beloved wife, Paula; his daughters, Stephanie Foldvary and her husband, Robbie, Pamela Resch Roberts, Ginger Spinas and her husband, Joe and Elizabeth Foster; his grandchildren, who call him “Pa”, Cody Foldvary, Zachary Cole, Chase Cole and his wife, Micayla and Jessica Foldvary and his great-grandson, Nelson Cole, who will carry on his first name as a piece of his legacy. He is also survived by his sister, Frances Nevels and his 4-legged buddy, Rogan and many other family and friends who loved him very much.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Richard and Marie Resch; his sons, Randall Lee Resch and Joseph Kelly Foster; his brother, Harlan Resch and Olivia Elizalde, a cherished member of the family.
This year, Nelson said he wanted a big birthday party. And, in true Nelson fashion, he is getting one.
His graveside service will be held 10 a.m., Saturday, August 15—his 84th birthday—at Oak Cemetery in Fort Smith, Arkansas. Visitation will be held Friday, August 14 from 5 – 7 p.m. at McConnell Funeral Home in Greenwood, Arkansas.
Nelson leaves behind much more than memories. He leaves behind a family who learned from him how to work hard, love deeply, show up for the people you love, and never be afraid to enjoy life. His hands may no longer be busy fixing, mowing, fishing, or working on something but everything he built, including his family, will carry his fingerprints forever.
We will miss having him here more than words can say.
Go Dance, Go find the best fishing hole!
And enjoy your party!
