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.
Ben Durham
11/11/2013
Truly a shock to find out that you were dead. I'm glad you came to our parties & invited me to your pad, I'm also glad Chelsea is telling everybody about your death. I'm going to miss you a lot. Your Friend, Ben
PS-- I liked seeing you at bowling.
Gary Stull
11/11/2013
Marlys and Bill, you have my prayers and thoughts in this time of sorrow.
Lynn Krie
11/11/2013
It was a blessing to know Sean and his smile and hugs were so contagious!! Love him as a sister in Christ!
Lori Axtman
11/11/2013
I remember Sean as a 7th and 8th grader at Indian Hills Jr High. He was a student of mine for those two years. He was always greeting others no matter who it was. He made everyone he met feel special. He never forgot a face or a name. We are missing one of God's bright lights here on Earth. So full of compassion for others. All of us were blessed by his presence. Sean ranked among those unforgettable people you meet. I just bumped into Sean for the first time two weeks ago. Thank goodness we were able to reconnect.
Becky Nelson
11/11/2013
I was lucky to meet Sean through Linda, (my sister), and Darrell. Since he was an avid Cyclone fan and I a Hawkeye, we had an ongoing rivalry that we both enjoyed a great deal. As a joke for his birthday last year, I put an Iowa shirt in a gift bag and gave it to him. Despite the fact that he didn't care for the Hawks, he was still very appreciative and thanked me. As I pulled a Cyclone shirt from another bag his eyes lit up and I saw that priceless smile. He was a wonderful fella who will be greatly missed.
Darrell and Linda.
11/11/2013
Going to miss you buddy :(
Sara Nadermann
11/11/2013
Marlys and Bill my deepest sympathy for the loss of Sean. He was a dear man and will be missed greatly. That smile could make my day. I am honored to have known him for 13.5 years