Wilbert Nielsen (1922-2001)

NIELSEN

Posted By: Patrick Turner (email)
Date: 2/9/2003 at 10:02:56

Thursday, April 26, 2001

Minden

In Memory: Wilbert Nielsen

Wilbert Francis "Wilbur" Nielsen, 78, died of cancer April 17, 2001 at his home in Minden with his family by his side.

He was born July 6,1922 in Hancock, the son of Edwin Nielsen and Minnie (Boggs) Nielsen. He was raised in the Minden area and attended country school.

Wilbert married Frances Quirk in Rockport, Missouri on May 7, 1943. They were the parents of four children.

Wilbur and Frances lived in the Minden area where they farmed for ten years. Wilbur also worked for Omaha Standard Truck and Body for over 20 years and the Omaha Stockyards for several years.

In 1976 they put up their first new home in the town of Minden. After Wilbert's retirement in 1982 he continued to stay busy by going to farm sales and purchasing and selling tractors. Wilbur enjoyed being with his grandchildren and giving them rides on all of the different tractors. He also enjoyed playing an occasional hand of cards.

In December of 2000 the Nielsens sold their home and put up a new house across the alley. From this location Wilbur continued to buy and sell tractors over the phone, even through he had been struggling with cancer for over two years. Frances was his main caregiver throughout his illness. On May 7, 2001, Wilber and Frances would have celebrated their 58th wedding anniversary.

Wilbur was preceded in death by an infant daughter who died at birth; his parents; and his sister, Helen Stuhr.

Wilbur is survived by his wife, Frances; his four children, Jane Mitchell of Council Bluffs, Randy Nielsen and his wife Vickie of Council Bluffs, Denise Lundergard of Logan and Sharon and her husband A.J. Betancourt of Omaha; five grandchildren, Tracey and husband Kevin Rasmussen, Jason Lundergard, Tony Nielsen, Heath Graven, and Jonathan Betancourt; 2 great grandchildren, Amy and Rachel Rasmussen; two brothers, Larry Nielsen and wife Marilyn of Whittier, California and Donald Nielsen and his wife Fran of Council Bluffs; one sister, Shirley and her husband Charles Brigham of Shelby; nieces, nephews, other relatives and many friends.

Funeral ceremonies were held Saturday April 21 at 11 a.m. at Knutson Funeral Home in Avoca with the Rev. AI Hazelton officiating. Visitation with the family was held the previous evening at the funeral home. Interment was at the Minden Cemetery.