Harriet Nielsen

Harriet Jane Knudsen Nielsen was born in Exira, Audubon County, Iowa on October 10th, 1931 to Theodore and Harriet Pearl (Kness) Knudsen. She passed away Thursday Morning at Azria Health Park Place Nursing Home at the age of 88 years and 11 months.

Harriet’s ancestors include early settlers of Audubon County Iowa, survivors of the Civil War and three Patriots of the American Revolutionary War. Harriet attended Oakfield Township #5 country school until she entered high school and graduated from Exira High School in 1950. Harriet left the family farm at 20 years old to move to Des Moines. She worked for Equitable Life of Iowa from 1951-1962 and for the State of Iowa from 1981 until she retired in 2007. Harriet married Paul Nielsen on June 5, 1955. Harriet and Paul had 2 Children, John and Cynthia.

Harriet attended Luther Memorial Church of Des Moines for 68 years and was a member of the church’s Ladies Welcome Group. She was also a member of the Daughters of the American Revolution and the American Legion Auxiliary Unit 374 and was President in 1998. Harriet enjoyed sewing and caring for her grandchildren.

Harriet is preceded in death by her parents and 3 sisters: Norma Rasmussen, Rosalyn Fallgatter and Linda Knudsen. She is survived by one son: John Nielsen; one daughter Cynthia Nielsen; eight grandchildren: Sara, Ashley, Vanessa, Justin, David, Lynsi, Dylan, and Ciera; 22 great grandchildren; numerous nieces & nephews & great nieces and nephews & other relatives.

At her request, there will be no funeral services, but the family and friends will gather in memory of Harriet at Grandview Lutheran Church, 2930 E 13th St. for a celebration of life at 1:00 pm on 10/10/20.

Harriet will be inurned at the family plot at the Oak Hill Cemetery, Brayton, Iowa. Memorials may be made to Luther Memorial Church, Joppa or Azria Park Place.

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