Richard Stephen Nyssen

Richard “Dick” Stephen Nyssen, 82, of Salem, Oregon, passed away May 31, 2018. He was born in St. Louis, Missouri on July 31, 1935 to Carl and Elizabeth “Betty”. Dick graduated from Stadium High School of Tacoma, Washington in 1953 as a football, baseball and tennis star and received a Bachelors of Business Administration from University of Oregon in 1958. He was married to Mary Jo on May 29, 1982, and they were able to celebrate their 36th anniversary shortly before his death surrounded by family in celebration of their life together.

Dick was a hard worker, starting out as a manager in his father’s business, B.P. John Furniture, in Portland. His love of popcorn led him to start his own business out of Tualatin as “Popper Man” Popcorn selling complete “buttery fresh popped” popcorn setups to taverns and lounges. His family always looked forward to popcorn and movie nights with him where several batches took the place of a meal. In the years before his retirement, he worked as a salesman for National Write Your Congressman and NFIB, keeping small businesses up-to-date on politics affecting them.

Dick was a member of St. Joseph’s Catholic Church. His hobbies included golf, fishing, pool, horse races, board and card games, and movies. More than anything, he enjoyed attending his children and grandchildren’s sports events and BBQs with the family. He always had a great sense of humor and would do most anything to get a smile or laugh out of his children and grandchildren including standing on his head, making silly faces, and cracking jokes. He did great impressions of Donald Duck and Mickey Mouse. He loved reading books about inspirational people and kept motivational quotes in his back pocket. In his last years, he passionately promoted the children’s books written by his wife, Mary Jo, winning them several awards and helping with sales and advertisement. He will be deeply missed this July at the family beach trip, where his family celebrated his birthday each year.

Dick is survived by his wife, Mary Jo, and five children, Kristie, Charlene, Michelle, Joyce, and Beth Ann along with eleven grandchildren who were the highlight of his life. He was the middle child of five brothers. He is survived by Donald “Butch” and Jim. His older brothers Bob and Carl “Bing” preceded him in death.

A public viewing will be held at Howell, Edwards, Doerksen with Rigdon-Ransom Funeral Directors in Salem on June 14th from 4pm to 7pm with a rosary after from 7pm to 8pm. A mass will be held at St. Boniface in Sublimity on June 15th at 11am with the burial and a luncheon directly following.

Please make memorial contributions to the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society.