Harley Nielsen

Harley James, son of Chris L. and Dagmar (Christiansen) Nielsen, was born April 19, 1926 on a farm in Audubon County, Iowa. He attended country school near his home. Harley entered the United States Army in 1945 and received his honorable discharge in 1947 after serving in the military police. Harley lived and worked in the Harlan area until moving to Council Bluffs in 1956. On March 28, 1958 Harley was united in marriage with Bonita Alice Hermeling in Omaha, NE. Harley and Bonnie were the parents of one daughter. They lived outside of Council Bluffs until moving to a retirement apartment. Harley worked maintenance most of his adult life until retiring in 1988. Harley and Bonnie enjoyed going to car shows with their restored black cherry red Studebaker. He belonged to Studebaker Drivers Club. Harley was an avid reader and a member of American Legion Post 2. Harley was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer in December of 2012. After a courageous battle, he died early Friday morning at Josie Harper Hospice House, Omaha, NE on May 17, 2013 at the age of 87 and 28 days. Preceding him in death are his parents; brother Norman Nielsen and brother in law Delbert Criss. Harley is survived by his wife Bonnie Nielsen of Council Bluffs, and daughter Margaret (Peg) Stingley (Jerry) of Omaha, NE; three grandsons John Reese of Des Moines, Tony Reese (Judy) of Aurora, CO and Wesley Stingley (Eva) of Omaha, NE; six great-grandchildren; sister Myrna Criss of Wichita, KS; sister in law Barbara Nielsen of Wichita, KS; and many other family and friends. Officiant PASTOR KEITH MENTOR ELK HORN LUTHERAN CHURCH Casket Bearers JERRY STINGLEY JAMES BARKER JOHN REESE MICHAEL FLEEK TONY REESE JAMES RICHTER Honorary Casket Bearers GERALD HUEBERT JOHN HAAS Bonnie's Escort JIM HERMELING Interment with Military Honors AMERICAN LEGION POST 51 IMMANUEL LUTHERAN CEMETERY KIMBALLTON, IOWA