Harold Roger NIELSEN

NIELSEN, FELTON, YENTER, HEGMANN, TEMPLIN, HOFFMAN, MCSWEENEY

Posted By: Sarah Thorson Little (email)
Date: 4/2/2009 at 10:06:48

The Gazette, Cedar Rapids-Iowa City, IA
March 29, 2009

Harold "Doc" Nielsen, 84, of Monticello, died Thursday, March 26, 2009, peacefully at his home at Pennington Square in Monticello. Harold Roger Nielsen was born in Belmond, Iowa, on June 4, 1924. He was the son of Harold and Erma E. Felton Nielsen. Doc spent his early years in Belmond where he met his future wife, LaVore Yenter. They eloped to Missouri and were joined in marriage on May 23, 1943. Soon afterward, at the age of 20, he was called to service for his country and joined the Army Air Force during World War II. He served as corporal in the Air Transport Command from April 1944 until March 1946. After his return from service he attended pre-optometry school at Southern Illinois University and then the Chicago School of Optometry, graduating in 1953. Harold and LaVore then returned to Iowa, first in Newton and then Ida Grove, before finally settling in Monticello in 1964 where he developed a successful optometry practice. The couple was unexpectedly blessed with their only child, Eric, in 1961. Doc was a member of Burns Lodge 173 and the First Presbyterian Church. He was an avid golfer and an accomplished bridge player. He and LaVore loved to travel together with their favorite destination as the Southwestern desert in early spring, to enjoy the desert in bloom. All who knew Doc will miss his wit and humor. He was a practical, wise and loving husband, father, and grandfather.

Doc is survived by his son, Eric, Tucson, Ariz.; former daughter-in-law, Theresa Hegmann, West Branch; and granddaughter, Natasha Hegmann. He is also survived by a brother, Don Nielsen, Belmond; a sister-in-law, Ruth Templin, Mesa, Ariz.; a niece, Beth Templin Hoffman; and two nephews, Tom and John McSweeney. He was preceded in death by his parents; his wife, LaVore in February 1999; and a sister, Marion McSweeney. Arrangements for cremation are by Goettsch Funeral Home in Monticello. In keeping with Doc's wishes, there will be a private remembrance service for family and close friends.