Staff Directory

Blair Nelsen, Funeral Director 

Blair is proud of his service to his community and country. A Command Pilot, he retired as a Major from the Virginia Air National Guard after previously serving 10 years on active duty with the United States Air Force. Blair holds a Bachelor of Arts with Distinction from the University of Virginia, a Master of Aeronautical Science from Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University and an Associate of Funeral Science from John Tyler Community College. He served on the City of Richmond School Board and as an officer and director of numerous civic and business groups, including the Richmond Chamber of Commerce, the Hopewell Prince George Chamber of Commerce, the Metro Richmond YMCA, the Henrico Police Foundation and the Hopewell Rotary Club.

Blair is a Mason and belongs to Acca Shrine and the Scottish Rite. He is a member of the Sons of the Revolution and was promoted to Lieutenant Colonel in the Virginia Militia (Unorganized) in recognition of continued service to the Virginia National Guard.

Blair is proud to be a funeral director. He currently serves as a Trustee of the Funeral Service Foundation and has previously served as a Director of the International Cemetery, Cremation and Funeral Association (ICCFA), and President of both Preferred Funeral Directors International (PFDI) and the Independent Funeral Homes of Virginia (IFHV). In 2006, Governor Tim Kaine appointed Blair to the Virginia Board of Funeral Directors and Embalmers. He, his wife, Darcie, and two daughters, reside in Richmond.

Ard Wollett

Mr. Ard Raymond Wollett was born and raised in the mountains of Pennsylvania. After graduating from Mount Union High School, I went to work for the Pennsylvania Railroad at the 30th Street Station in Philadelphia. Later, I was drafted into the Army and after completing my obligation returned home where many changes had occurred. I then made the decision to begin a new career and enrolled in Temple/Echols College of Mortuary Science. After graduation and becoming licensed in September 1956, I moved to the Shenandoah Valley and later to Richmond, VA. 

On September 29, 1956 I became a licensed Funeral Director in the Commonwealth of Virginia. Of the 54 years that I have been licensed, I am proud to say that on October 17, 2010, I will have completed 45 years of employment with Nelsen Funeral Homes and Crematory. 

I became associated with the Nelsen Funeral Home in 1965 at the Williamsburg Road Chapel on Fulton Hill, and have served as a Licensed Funeral Director, Manager, Vice President of Professional Services, and General Manager. I am always ready to greet families and fellow staff with a ready smile, warm hug, and a kind word. 

“I really like serving people and feeling the satisfaction of accomplishment. Working for the Nelsen Family has been very rewarding. They are an ethical family and keep their promises to their employees and the families they serve. Blair Nelsen is the 3rd generation of Nelsen’s I have had the privilege of working for. Under Blair’s leadership, Nelsen’s has progressed to four locations with over 90 employees, along with a separate facility dedicated to our beloved pets. This is quite a change from the one location and five employees I started with.” 

Ard is a member of the National Funeral Directors Association (NFDA) and Academy of Professional Funeral Service Practice where he holds “Emeritus” status. He continues to attend quarterly Central District Funeral Directors Meetings and stays abreast of current trends in funeral services. Ard was presented with a certificate from the Governor of VA recognizing him for over 50 years as a licensed funeral director in the State of VA. 

Being involved in the community has always been important to Ard as shown by his memberships in the Lions Club, Masons, Scottish Rite, Moose, American Legion, Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW), NRA, and 80th Division Blue Ridge Association. He is also a member of Carlisle Ave Baptist Church. 

Ard is married and lives in the Elko community. He has four daughters, one son, and a grandson. He and his wife Doris, along with their dog Zoë, enjoys traveling, fly-fishing, antiques, and neo-classic cars. 

“Over the years I have been honored to serve many families in their time of need. A very professional and quality staff assisted me. To all of you, I would like to say that I appreciate, love and respect each of you. Thanks for being my Friend.”

John Walker, Manager, Ashland Chapel

John, is a graduate of John Tyler College, Mortuary Science Program and proudly celebrated 30 years of funeral service in 2007.

Active in the community, he is a Past Master of Northside Masonic Lodge #292, A.F. & A.M., a member of Richmond Royal Arch #3, the Richmond Commandery #2, Knights Templar, the Civil War Lodge of Research #1865, A.F. & A.M. and the Ashland Masonic Lodge #168, A.F. & A.M. John, a history enthusiast, is a co-founder and honorary member of the Forty Fourth Virginia Volunteer Infantry Regiment ( Civil War Re-enactors), a member of the Monpelier Ruritan and is a avid Model A Ford Car enthusiast belonging to and a past president of the Old Dominion Chapter Model A Ford Club, a member of the Model A Ford Club of America and the Model A Restorers Club.

He is married to the former Tracy M. Lombardo of Richmond and they have one daughter English Ashton.

Jeffrey Frucht, Manager, Williamsburg Chapel

Jeff is a native of New York and a graduate of the State University of New York, where he received a degree in Mortuary Science. He is currently completing a degree in business management. Jeff has been a dedicated funeral director for over 30 years. Jeff is a graduate if the Mississippi Fire Academy. Prior to joining the Nelsen team, Jeff volunteered his time assisting a Mississippi Fire District rebuild following Hurricane Katrina. He currently serves on the board of the Newtown Lions Club and is a member of St Bede Catholic Church and the Hampton Roads Harley Owners Group. An avid yachtsman and motorcyclist Jeff makes his home in Williamsburg with his teenage son, Jeff II.