Sean Alan Nielsen
November 10, 2013
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.
Melissa Hanrahan
11/13/2013
Sean was such an amazing person. I will always remember his smile and the joy he shared with everyone he encountered. My thoughts and prayers are with his family and friends.
Shawnda A
11/13/2013
Bill and Marlys
My deepest condolences go out to your family!! Sean Dog had a special place in my heart! What a loving soul he was, and always made me smile!! Praise GOD that he is holding him now, I am praying for your family! Much love.
Bob , Jeremy Neswold
11/13/2013
You probably don't know me, I'm a basketball official in the Iowa Conference and worked many a Simpson BB game. We sometimes don't get the friendliest people, but Sean was not in this mold. Personable, always willing to talk, and of course that smile. My disabled son Jeremy would often make the games and Sean always said hello, what a wonderful young man, praying for you.
Joyce Ellens
11/13/2013
I was just talking with Steve Ellens (my husband and former Simpson assistant basketball coach) about Sean's spirit. His enthusiasm about life was so contagious! He could get a whole room full of grouchy people to smile and laugh! He was the biggest Simpson Storm fan and got the teams going and the crowds pumped about the game! I could just hear his excitement about meeting Jesus in Heaven! Sean surely touched many lives on this earth. God bless you all at this difficult time.
Candi Bacon
11/13/2013
Marlys, I learned many things from you when you talked about Sean (all the time (; ) Although it has been many years I am glad I had the pleasure of meeting Sean several times. I echo what others are saying....great smile, laugh, zest for life. God bless you all during this difficult time.
Matthew Hagerty
11/13/2013
I am so sorry to hear about Sean. He always had a big smile on his face in school. Just seeing a smile from him would turn a bad day into a good day. I will never forget Sean. I am a lucky person to have known him.
Rose Russo - Hsg Svc.
11/13/2013
I'm so sorry to hear of your loss. My thoughts and prayers go out to you and the family.
Tracy Scott
11/12/2013
We didn't know Sean personally but the joy, smile, and enthusiasm for praising our Lord at church was an inspiration. Prayers for your family.
Kevin Boileau
11/12/2013
I'm very shocked and saddened to hear that Seaner is no longer with us. I worked with Sean at Target for a few years. Nobody could match the happiness, excitement, and energy that Sean brought to the store every single day. It was nearly impossible not to joke around with Sean if he crossed your path, and nothing made him happier than to know that he made you laugh and smile. I'll always remember how Seaner and I would get into playful arguments about who was more "trouble". God has a special young man with him now, and we were all lucky to have known Seaner and to have him touch our lives.
Dana Schaub
11/12/2013
I am so sorry to hear this! Sean was amazing and I loved working with him at Target! I loved hearing about the new CD's that he would get on paydays! He was so happy to help! He will be missed. Sending prayers for him, his family and friends.
Ben Riley and family
11/12/2013
To everyone that Sean ever touched we all have our memories. Sean's smile and energy are hard to ever forget. Define Irony. I was in Las Vegas seeing Garth Brooks when Sean passed. A wonderful experience accented by the memory of Sean receiving his CD player and collection of country CD's a radio station could admire. I will always remember the patented Sean excited reaction when opening his Garth CDs. Basketball practices and road trips with Sean allowed young adults to experience what really matters. Happiness and people in life make it complete. Marlys and Bill: Thank you for allowing Sean to live a normal, complete, and fulfilled life with many experiences that many cannot have. As much as he was blessed by his opportunities and friends - you blessed US closest to him with tremendous life lessons. Sean, Marlys and Bill - thank you for a lifetime of lessons and memories. Love you guys.
Sara Nichols
11/12/2013
I knew Sean from his visits at the Y with Miss Virginia and Drew. He was always so happy and smiley and truly enjoyed coming to the Y. Many members and staff members looked forward to seeing him each week and appreciated his zest for life. He will truly be missed.
Sara Nichols
Cory and Josh Obrecht
11/12/2013
My husband and I both had the pleasure of working at Target with Seaners. He always greeted us with nicknames and had the biggest smile and hug for us! He was so excited to see us but the pleasure was truly ours!! I always walked away from our conversations with a smile on my face and a brighter outlook on my day! His love of life was infectious and we will miss seeing his smiling face but know that he is smiling down on us each day!
Prayers and love,
Cory and Josh Obrecht
Jan Luce
11/12/2013
Marlys, my heart goes out to you & your entire family at the loss of Sean. He will forever be around you as your special Guardian Angel. I will always remember the day he got his slippers when you brought him down to the office & how excited he was! He is now bringing that excitement to the Heavens.
Carolyn & Mike Tysdal
11/12/2013
Marlys and Bill we are so sorry to hear of your loss. Please know you are in our thoughts and prayers. Sean was really something special! May God give you comfort and peace during this difficult time.