Tom Nielsen, 58, of Blair, died Sunday, June 27, 2010, at Methodist Hospital in Omaha, of a cerebral hemorrhage. His desire to become an organ and tissue donor was carried out. A memorial service was held Thursday, July 1, at First Lutheran Church in Blair.

Tom Nielsen was born June 9, 1952, in Blair to John W. and Elizabeth (Solevad) Nielsen. He was the second of five children in the family. He was baptized and confirmed at First Lutheran Church, Blair. He graduated from Blair High Schol and was a 1974 graduate of Dana College.

He met the love of his life at college, Patti Meier. It was said that when the two saw each other they "lit up like Christmas trees."

The couple was married April 20, 1974, at St. Paul's Lutheran Church in Arlington. He enjoyed his family through camping and family vacations.

Mr. Nielsen obtained his Masters in library science at Emporia University. He was a member of First Lutheran Church.

Mr. Nielsen was an intelligent, generous man. He spent the majority of his life in Blair. For many years he served as Dana College's library director. He displayed leadership on various committees and at faculty meetings. Many students benefited from his kind, patient research assistance.

He was a concerned citizen and politics was his passion. He served as Democrat county chair for eight years, was involved in the Nebraska State Democratic Party, and served as Paul Simon's Presidential campaign manager for Nebraska. Since then, he stayed informed on national and global affairs. Tom loved to debate political matters with family, colleagues, and friends.

He was proud of his children's achievements, and welcomed their spouses into the family.

He loved taking his family on vacations and made several trips to Europe, as well as attending a year of high school in Oxford, England. Like his father, he delighted in history and had a remarkable memory. He loved telling family stories, especially those of his maternal grandparents' Danish immigrant experience. Other hobbies included reading, gardening, and family activities. Mr. and Mrs. Nielsen enjoyed watching foreign films and going for walks at DeSoto Bend.

He is survived by his wife, Patricia; daughter and son-in-law, Sonja and Emerson Adams of Seattle, Wash.; son and daughter-in-law, Erik and Jami Nielsen of Santa Barbara, Calif.; his parents, John W. and Elizabeth Nielsen of Blair; four brothers and sisters and their spouses, John M. and Dawn Nielsen of Blair, Jane and Doug Wilson of Farragut, Iowa, Anne and John Hibbing of Lincoln, and David Nielsen of Winfield, Kan.; many other relatives, colleagues and friends.

#2 Funeral leaflet

In Loving Memory of Tom Nielsen

Born June 9th, 1952 Blair, Nebraska ~ Entered Into Rest June 27th, 2010 Omaha, Nebraska

Funeral Services 2:00 P.M. Thursday, July 1st, 2010 First Lutheran Church, Blair, Nebraska. Officiating: Pastor Frank Philipp. Organist: Clare Cowing. Musical Selections: “Who Is This Host Arrayed in White”, “If You But Trust In God to Guide You”, “Abide With Me”, “Beautiful Savior”

Honorary Pallbearers: John Mark Nielsen, Anne Hibbing, David Nielsen, Jane Wilson, Lloyd Neve

Graveside Services: Blair Cemetery, Blair, Nebraska

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

FindaGrave # 117663247