Sean Alan Nielsen
November 10, 2013
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Service Details
Sean Alan Nielsen, 34, of West Des Moines, Iowa went to be with our Lord Jesus Christ on November 10, 2013.
He will always be remembered for his beautifully contagious smile, his joy in living, unconditional love and his never-ending faith in God.
He was born February 24, 1979 in Des Moines, Iowa. He graduated from Valley High School in West Des Moines, Iowa in 1999 and worked at Super Target in Urbandale since it opened in July 2000.
He was most passionate about God, family, friends and his independence. He loved all kinds of music (Garth Brooks and George Strait were his favorites), Iowa Regular Baptist Bible Camp (that brought him more joy than anyone can imagine), Bowling, Special Olympics (where he was a gold medal winner in the 50 meter dash and the Turbo-Jav throw), Karaoke, Candeo (that gave him the independence he craved his whole life) BUT most of all he worked his whole life to make people smile and to always feel loved and accepted.
Sean was an active member of LivingWaters Fellowship where he found love and acceptance beyond his wildest dreams and led numerous people to know our Lord Jesus Christ.
Sean is survived by his mom and dad, William and Marlys McKibben; grandparents, Leona and Harold Nielsen, JoAnn and Barry McKibben; Chip, Maria, Mia, Trey, Cole and Blaise Wittern (the second mom, dad, brothers and sister in his life); Jacob, Kathy, Kaylor and Khloe Johnson (the baby brother and "aunt" he always wanted), Rigo, Heather, Victoria and Noah Martinez (the best friends in the world); uncles and aunts: Barry Lee and Sheri McKibben, Ted and Marsha Hanson, Danny and Reva Gartin, Steve Gartin, Terry and Rosalie Nielsen, Darrel and Linda Nielsen; great-aunt, Francis Enyart; family friend, Daphne Hayes; father and step-mother, Steven and Yvonne Nielsen; numerous step-brothers and sisters, aunts, uncles and cousins. Know that he loved you all very much.
Sean was preceded in death by: Katherine Marie Nielsen (sister), Mayetta Grabin (great-grandmother), Ted Miller (great-grandfather), Marilyn Sue Butler (grandmother), Lewis Dean Gartin (grandfather).
In lieu of flowers, the family is requesting that donations be made to Iowa Regular Baptist Bible Special Camp or Candeo. Online condolences may be expressed at www.HamiltonsFuneralHome.com.
A celebration of life will be held Wednesday, November 13, 2013 from 4:00 - 8:00 p.m. with services on Thursday, November 14th at 10:00 a.m. at Hamilton’s on Westown Parkway, 3601 Westown Parkway, West Des Moines, Iowa.
Diane & Matt Dolan
11/18/2013
We were all shocked when we heard the news about Sean's passing. Our son Stephen was on Sean's baseball team the Yankees years ago, and he was Sean's bowling partner on Tuesday's. Sean was just an incredible young man, and he will be sorely missed. He radiated a joy from within. When we saw Sean at Special Olympic events, he always remembered us and was happy to give us a big hug. We are all so sorry. Sean will never be forgotten. He was a beautiful ray of sunshine in this world and will continue to shine his love on all of us. To his family, we can't imagine your loss.
We are thinking of you at this difficult time. God Bless.
Karen Morkin
11/18/2013
Marlys, Bill and Family - I continue to be in shock after reading of Sean's passing. He has never been far from my mind since working with him at 71st St. His smile, laugh, hand out for a handshake and all the happier if you agreed to a hug are some of my happiest memories. I spent many hours listening to country songs while he danced, clapped and laughed. He was such a joy to spend time with whether we were talking about Valley Basketball, getting ready for his Sundays with you, running the Torch Run or participating in Special Olympics. I'm a better person for having known him. You are in my thoughts and prayers.
Nathan DeLange
11/17/2013
Seeing Seaner in the paper shocked me! I am so sorry. I have seen him at Target many times over the years since I left Mainstream. I also am pretty sure he was at the Casting Crowns concert (way down front) this summer and it made me smile to see him with his hands in the air in praise along with me (many rows back). Much sympathy-Nathan
Grace Danner Peterson
11/16/2013
So sorry for your loss-I didn't know Sean but I remember when he was born and he must have been amazing, from all the tributes. Lots of water under the bridge since I saw you and I hope you are doing well-Lots of memories! I live in Russell with my cat Max and work at the Library in Russell.
laura genz
11/15/2013
i remember Sean for many years we played baseball, bowled together. I work with his roommate Drew Brown which misses him a lot Sean will be missed
Don & Dee Miller
11/15/2013
Marlys and Bill--
We were so shocked and saddened to hear of Sean's passing. He was a special person with a zest for life.
We remember how he loved going to Miss Kitty's and dancing with Sandy.
We would also see him at Target and he always had a smile for us.
Heaven is a happier place with Sean there.
Timothy Lawson
11/14/2013
Dear Marlys and Bill, my name is Timothy, and I worked with Sean both at 71st Street and 99th street. I am soo sorry to hear about this loss. Sean was a great individual full of energy and compassion for the people and things in his life. We to go to Iowa Regular Baptist Camp. My son enjoys Junior Boys Camp.
Please take care and stay strong. I know that Sean was the world to you and Bill.
Sincerely
Timothy
Lawson
Angie Telfer
11/14/2013
Marlys - it's been years. I've often wondered what became of you and "Seaner". So sad to hear this news, but it sounds like he led a full, rewarding life and had an impact on many people. I've never forgotten either one of you. Thinking of you and your family and friends during this sad time.
Deb Hart
11/14/2013
My son, Mike Turnure, played basketball at Valley and "Seaner" was definitely a part of the team. The guys loved him. What a special young man! I loved seeing his smiling face at the games. We always talked at the games and sometimes I was lucky enough to have him sit by me. We are so sorry for your loss because as we all know, he was a bigger than life person. My son and I have so many great memories of him and we will never forget.
Tanasha Taylor
11/14/2013
My heart goes out to your family for your loss. Sean was a wonderful man full of happiness and cheer. Even though our time was short it was a pleasure to get to know him while working with him at Target during my first year at Candeo. God bless we will miss you.
Miss Natalie
11/13/2013
Marlys and Bill- These are the words I finally found - you and the Lord gave us a beautiful gift in Sean. He walked around each day with the light of a thousand suns, and the heart of a thousand lions. He found beauty in everything, and nothing was hateful or ugly. I only hope that in his passing, I can live as he would want me to. Picking a wildflower to give to my best friend, and telling everyone how beautiful it is. Encouraging everyone that even though they didn't get first place, they still won. Looking up at the sky, grey or blue, rain or shine, and seeing opportunity. Imagining that everything truly is possible, because who says it isn't? Telling everyone that I see how much it makes my day to see them, and tell them I can't wait until the next time I get to see them again. Believing in Santa Claus because it's fun. Making as many people as I can smile. Holding my son close every day. And most of all, being happy with who I am, because there is only one me, and I can't change it.
Cara (Geery) Irving
11/13/2013
Marlys and Bill, I'm so very sorry for the incredible loss you must be feeling. I was heartbroken to hear of my sweet Seaner's passing. Though I had not seen him in quite some time, I thought of him often and always miss that smiling, cheerful face. That young man always had, and always will have a special place in my heart. He was always an angel to me here on earth. I can only imagine what he will be in Heaven. With all our love and prayers, Cara, Mike and Gracie Irving
Steve Ellens
11/13/2013
The Seaner is one of the most blessed people ever to walk the Earth. He is a man I will NEVER forget and I will ALWAYS consider him my friend and an amazingly positive influence in my life. When I think about his contagious enthusiasm for life, warmth consumes my heart. The Lord broke the mold when he made Sean and now The Seaner is back in Heaven, next to Him, probably looking around, rubbing his hands together saying, "Ok guys, ok! Here we go! This is great! This is gonna be fun! OH yeah!" Sean is home.
Chad Buchanan
11/13/2013
My heart was broken when I heard the news about Seaner. I have truly never come across a person with more spirit and enthusiasm for life and for others than him. I will never forget coming out of the locker room after Simpson games and seeing Sean so excited just to say hello - he made the wins even sweeter and the losses less painful for all of us. I was trying to explain to my 8-year old son about Sean and the best way to sum it all up was to tell him that Sean loved life and he loved people to the absolute max and we could all learn from such an amazing human being. He will be missed but his smile and spirit will never leave anyone who ever met him. My thoughts are with you and your family.
Dennis & Jan Quinn
11/13/2013
We met Sean when we visited Livings Waters with the Anderson family. He was such a kind and happy young man. He loved the Lord and I believe he is celebrating with him today. He truly was a special person. He will be missed.