Gilbert Nielsen

Gilbert Nielsen, age 78, of Storm Lake, Iowa died August 31, 2009 at Methodist Manor Retirement Community in Storm Lake, Iowa. Gilbert Raymond Nielsen, son of Herman and Elsie (Zaft) Nielsen, was born June 6, 1931 on a farm in Grant Township near Truesdale, Iowa. He was baptized on June 24, 1945 at St. Johnâ€™s Lutheran Church in Storm Lake, Iowa. On June 16, 1946, Gilbert was confirmed at the same church. Growing up, Gilbert attended grade school at country schools in the area and later graduated from Storm Lake High School in 1948. In July 1949, Gilbert joined the National Guard where he served his country. He was stationed in Iowa and received the rank of Corporal. Gilbert was honorably discharged in July 1952. On June 22, 1953, Gilbert was united in marriage to Barbara Joan (Otto) in the Storm Lake United Methodist Church. This union was blessed with four children: Barbi, Becky, Brenda and Tracy. They celebrated their 56th anniversary in June. Gilbert was a member of the United Methodist Church in Storm Lake where he served as an usher, a Sunday school teacher, and was a member of the Board of Trustees. He owned and operated Storm Lake TV Sales & Service for many years until he retired in 2003. Gilbert took great pleasure in spending time with his family. He enjoyed dancing, bowling, attending his sonâ€™s stock car races, and flying model rockets and airplanes. He enjoyed traveling with Jo in their motor home, seeing the country, and visiting family and friends. He had a passion for carpentry having built several of their homes. He was very resourceful and could fix anything. He took great pleasure in building keepsakes for his children and grandchildren. Gilbert was a kind, gentle, patient man who had a wonderful sense of humor and could always make you smile. He will be deeply missed and will remain in our hearts forever. He is survived by his wife, Barbara (Jo) Nielsen; children: Barbi (Steve) Hansen of Johnston, Iowa; Becky (Dave) Reeves of Danville, California; Brenda (Jon) Rogers of Albuquerque, New Mexico; and Tracy (Lora) Nielsen of Storm Lake, Iowa; grandchildren: Erin and Joshua Hansen; Emily and Andrew Reeves; Jason and Alisa Rogers; Allyson and Sara Nielsen; Wayne (Lindsay) Rogers; great grandson, Jonas Rogers; his brother, John (Pat) Nielsen of Arizona; his sister, Pat Richardson of Virginia; extended family and many friends. Gilbert was preceded in death by his parents, Herman and Elsie Nielsen. Memorials can be given to the Storm Lake United Methodist Church Memorial Fund or the Alzheimerâ€™s Association.

Gilbert Nielsen

June 6, 1931 - August 31, 2009