Gary Nielsen
June 27, 2014
Gary Gene Nielsen, 79, of Omaha, Nebraska died at home on June 27, 2014. Gary was born in Jewell, IA on October 11, 1934 to Russell and Elva (Grove) Nielsen. He graduated from Jewell High School in 1952 and the American Institute of Business in 1957.
Gary married Janice I. Olthoff on September 14, 1957 at First Presbyterian Church in Kamrar, IA. During his lifetime, he was an accountant at Solar Aircraft and was employed in various positions for 26 years at Firestone Tire and Rubber Company. After retiring from Firestone, he worked as Building Manager for United Way of Central Iowa for 12 years.
Gary was an active member of the Des Moines community, serving on the Firestone Credit Union Board for over 30 years, acting as president for many of those years. He was also a member of the Calvin Manor Board and was very involved in Park Avenue Presbyterian church, serving as an elder before moving to Omaha, NE in 2011.
Gary always enjoyed watching and participating in sports. He was a catcher on baseball and fast-pitch softball teams after high school. He also loved spending time with his family and friends, especially his two grandchildren.
Survivors include his wife of almost 57 years, Jan Nielsen, of Omaha, NE; daughter Deborah (Jason) Hormann, of Omaha, NE; two grandchildren, Isabelle and Isaac; sister, Sharon (Loren) Mortvedt of Ames, IA; brother, Norm Nielsen of Bonita Springs, FL and several nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents.
Visitation will be held on Thursday, July 3, 2014 from 11a.m. to 12p.m. at Park Avenue Presbyterian Church 3120 SW 9th, Des Moines, IA followed by a reception in Fellowship Hall and funeral services at 1:30p.m. Burial will be at the First Presbyterian Church Cemetery near Kamrar, IA.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Park Avenue Presbyterian Church.
Condolences may be expressed at:
www.HamiltonsFuneralHome.com
Danielle & Randy Rings
07/02/2014
So very sorry for your loss, Norm. Our condolences to you and your family.
Cheryle and Frank Mitvalsky
07/01/2014
We offer our deepest sympathy to your family. We met Gary in Cedar Rapids and immediately knew that the Nielsen brothers were two of a kind. Your memories together will be lasting and help you through the days ahead.
Clair Rierson
07/01/2014
My deepest sympathy!
Gary was one of my heroes as a kid growing up in Jewell. I saw him as Norm's big brother playing baseball and basketball. There are fond memories of riding in the Nielsen family car to many games to see Gary and Sharon play and hoping for the day I would be out there. But it wasn't just in athletics, he was a good student with high character and leadership that set a good example for us. If I could be like Gary, that would be good enough. He set a bar for me not only as an athlete but as a person. He touched my life and never knew it. God Bless his memory.
Carl & Joyce Sefl
07/01/2014
We send you our condolences for your great loss. Knowing you, we know you will have great memories of your life and times with Gary and hang on to those through the difficult moments. Prayers for you and your family.