(veteran)

Duane L. Nielsen, 72

Former Blair resident Duane L. Nielsen, 72, of Shell Knob, Mo., died Monday, Feb. 12, 2001, at Tablerock Retirement Village, Kimberling City, Mo.

Memorial services were held Thursday, Feb. 15, at Williamson Funeral Home in Shell Knob, with the Rev. Jim Easter officiating. His cremains will be interred at a later date at Lake Park Memorial Gardens in Shell Knob.

Duane L. Nielsen was born Jan. 5, 1929, in Hurley, S.D., to Lester and Lydia (Anderson) Nielsen.

He was raised and received his education in Viborg, S.D. He entered the U.S. Army in February, 1951, and served until January, 1954.

He then attended linotype school in Charles City, Iowa. Upon graduating, he went to work for the Lutheran Publishing House in Blair.

On Sept. 5, 1959, he married Karen K. Betts in Blair. In 1962, Mr. Nielsen moved to Fremont where he worked for Simplot Soilbuilders and Diers Supply. In 1987, he moved to Sidney, where he was employed by Cabela’s. In 1992, he retired and moved to Shell Knob to make his home. He was an avid gardener and he also loved all types of sports.

He is survived by his wife, Karen, two sons and daughters-in-law, Senior Master Sgt. Robert Nielsen and his wife, Jenni, of Cabot Ark., and Timothy and Kim Nielsen of Hendersonville, Tenn., one brother and sister-in-law, Robert and Betty Nielsen of Greybull, Wyo., a sister and brother-in-law, Beverly and Carroll Sorensen of Columbia Falls, Mont., and six grandchildren.

Mr. Nielsen was preceded in death by his parents.

Memorials suggested to the Community Hospice of America, 1756 Bee Creek Road, Branson, MO, 65616. Williamson Funeral Home in Shell Knob was in charge of arrangements.

~~~ Obituary courtesy of the Washington County Genealogical Society. Newspaper clippings on file in the Blair Public Library at Blair, Nebraska.~~~