Obit: Nielsen, Roger (1941 – 2020)

Transcriber: stan@wiclarkcountyhistory.org 

Surnames: Nielsen, Endres, Lindner, Bestul, Bushman, Martens

Source: Tribune/Record/Gleaner (Abbotsford, WI) 30 Dec 2020

Nielsen, Roger (13 OCT 1941 – 11 DEC 2020)

Roger Nielsen, 79, Iola, formerly of Greenwood, went to be at home with Jesus on Friday, Dec. 11, 2020. He passed away peacefully at home surrounded by his family after an almost two-year battle from a rare form of cancer. A celebration of life was held at St. John’s Lutheran Church, Weyauwega, on Saturday, Dec. 19.

Roger was born on Oct. 13, 1941, to Aage and Lilian (nee Endres) Nielsen of Beaver Dam. The family later moved to Greenwood, where they farmed. Roger graduated from Greenwood High School in 1960. He served in the U.S. Army from 1960-63. After returning home from the Army, he was an auto mechanic before he and his wife, Alice, purchased a dairy farm in rural Greenwood and farmed for 21 years together. After leaving the farm, Roger was an equipment operator for another 21 years for the Central Electric Co-op in Iola. His most rewarding calling was serving as pastor for 10 years at St. John’s Lutheran Church in rural Weyauwega. Roger had always known his purpose was to serve the Lord. Roger enjoyed spending time with his family. In his earlier years, he was an avid baseball/softball player. He also enjoyed hunting, building and flying remote control airplanes, tinkering in his garage, watching sports, and so much more. He enjoyed life. He also enjoyed spending time with his church family, leading Bible studies, and spreading the word of Jesus Christ.

Roger is survived by his wife of 55 years, Alice (Lindner) Nielsen; their only child: Amy (Daniel) Bestul; two grandchildren: Johnathan (Miranda) Bestul and Jordan Bestul; three great-grandchildren: Ellaina, Lukas and Allison; a brother, Wayne (Diane) Nielsen; a sister, Sharon (Edward) Bushman; two sisters-in-law: Karen Martens and Dianne Lindner; and many loving nieces and nephews.

Roger’s service was recorded and a link placed on his obituary page at www.linehansondahlkefuneralhomes.com.