History

Nelsen Funeral Home was founded in 1892 by Rasmus Nelsen, a Danish immigrant, in the section of Richmond known as Fulton. Rasmus served families of eastern Richmond with the simple philosophy of offering a caring hand while extending professional service at moderate cost. That philosophy continues today.

Over the years, Nelsen Funeral Home has grown and expanded to serve families throughout Central Virginia. Our Laburnum Chapel, serving the eastern portion of Richmond and Henrico County, was built in 1984 to replace an outdated facility on Fulton Hill. In 1997, we opened our own crematory and are now one of the largest, if not the largest, provider of cremation services in Virginia. In 1999, the Williamsburg Chapel was opened to provide Williamsburg area residents with a locally-owned and operated alternative. In 2001, Nelsen acquired the former Gould Funeral Home in Hopewell. Our growth continued with the acquisition of the former Reid Funeral Home in Ashland. From four locations, we are committed to excellence in funeral service.

Nelsen Funeral Home & Crematory is recognized as a leading provider of death care services in Virginia. We have twice been recognized as one of the Top 5 small businesses in the Greater Richmond area by the Greater Richmond Chamber of Commerce and have received awards for service excellence from the National Funeral Directors Association, the International Cemetery, Cremation and Funeral Association and the Cremation Association of North America. Family owned and operated, we are proud members of the Association of Independent Funeral Homes of Virginia, Selected Independent Funeral Homes, and Preferred Funeral Directors International.

While providing the very best in personalized funeral service is our main priority, we know how important it is to devote community time outside of the funeral home. Each member of the Nelsen team remains active in civic and service clubs, church and other organizations that directly touch our community such as the YMCA, Rotary, Kiwanis, Optimists, Lions Club, Junior League, Chamber of Commerce and many others.