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.
Rich and Carolyn Conner
11/12/2013
Marlys and Bill - We were so sorry to hear of your loss. Our thoughts and prayers are with you, Know that I am sure Sean's smile and love for everyone he met will stay with us all.
Caroline Graeve Kelly
11/12/2013
I attended VHS with Sean and he left a lasting impression with me that I have continued to share with others since then. I can remember talking with him many mornings before school. His warmth, friendliness, and joy were and continue to be such inspiring qualities. My prayers are with his family and friends.
Nick Munson
11/12/2013
I had the privilege of working with Sean aka "Seaner" for 4 years in the electronics department of the Super Target in Urbandale. Each day he was there made me smile knowing that I had a great helper and someone with a great desire and work ethic to join me on my shift. We had many great moments together over the years and I am truly shocked and saddened to find out about his passing. May God enjoy him as much as we all have.
Laurie Ferguson
11/12/2013
I worked with Sean at the Super Target as one of his managers. It was always a great day seeing Sean working, showing all that he was able to do. He was so proud. He always brightened my day. I also got to watch Sean compete in the Special Olympics. He was proud of that medal. I am so glad I was able to be part of that special day. My prayers and thoughts are with his family and friends at this time.
Julie Taylor
11/12/2013
I did not know Sean very well yet through Drew Brown I felt I knew him extremely well. Drew loved Sean and he will miss him very much. I loved Sean, too, for always being there with Drew even though there were many fun things and times that took place over the years that they lived together. My thoughts and prayers are with you. Sean will truly be missed.
Steve Russell
11/12/2013
Sean was a great kid. He grew up to be a great man. When it came to understanding and sharing the love of God he put us all to shame. Sean was also a good fisherman. "Quiet boys catch fish, noisey boys don't catch fish" My condolences to Marlys and the rest of Seans family.
Nick
11/12/2013
I had the absolute privilege of interacting with Sean for the past few years at Hy-Vee. His contagious smile and laugh always brightened up the entire place and will be dearly, dearly missed. My deepest prayers are with his friends and family as heaven truly gained an unbelievable angel.
Larry & Linda Shriver
11/12/2013
Marlyn and Bill - our prayers are with you - we are so very sorry for your loss.
Roni McFall
11/12/2013
Marlys and Bill, my heart goes out to you. I am sad for your (and my) loss but so happy and thankful to know that we will all be together again some day in Heaven. Sean is getting the "lay of the land" right now for all of us to be our tour guide when God calls us home to Heaven. Hugs!
Allen and Gail Zagoren
11/12/2013
We are so very sorry for your great loss. Sean was the sweetest guy with a smile for everyone he came in contact with. He truly was the "King of Hearts"! Our thoughts and prayers are with all of you during this extremely difficult time. He will be missed - Allen, Gail, Josh and Jen Zagoren
Haley Wedmore
11/12/2013
Seaner, you had a special gift for making everyone feel like a rock star each time you saw them. I can still hear your voice, "You get over here, Haley!" In reality, you are the rock star and loved by so many. Your legendary light and unconditional love for all will live on in our hearts. Thank you for making the world a better place - love you, buddy!
Shannon Sampson
11/12/2013
Seaner,
You were a shining light in the halls at Valley and will be greatly missed by so many. I can just picture that contagious smile cheering the Tigers on to a victory. But, you're the victorious one! You truly made an impact on everyone you came in contact with and I'm SURE that is still the case, even in His kingdom.
Christy
11/12/2013
Seeing Seans' spirit shine bright during my early days at VHS is an energy that I can vividly remember, despite being far removed by years and miles from that setting. The sheer numbers of the VHS community who experienced and internalized Sean's shine...THAT is something incredibly significant, an impact that Sean can celebrate now with God.
Respectfully, just one of the students in the VHS stands
Austin Faux
11/12/2013
Sean,
We went to school Valley High School together, and like everyone else in the school you made me feel special. You are much loved. I find comfort knowing you're with our Savior.
Lynne Bell
11/12/2013
I will always miss Sean's smiling face and wonderful personality. He always brightened our day when he came into the library.
My thoughts are with his family.