Howard R. Nielsen

Howard Rex, son of Rasmus L. and Louise M. (Sorensen) Nielsen, was born April 21, 1922 at Coon Rapids, Iowa. He attended rural school near his home and then went to school in Bayard, graduating with the Class of 1941. After completing his education, Howard worked on the farm with his dad until enlisting in the United States Army in 1942. On April 5, 1948, Howard was united in marriage with Dorothy "Dotty" White at the Fitzsimmons Hospital Chapel, Aurora Colorado, where his wife was stationed. Howard had reenlisted in the Army and the couple lived in numerous countries while Howard served in the Army of Occupation in Japan and Korea. He was also stationed in Germany. After returning to the states, Howard was stationed in El Paso, TX. Then in February of 1963 after 20 years and one month he retired from the Army. The couple moved to Bellevue, NE. In mid 1963, Howard joined the federal civil service at Ft. McCoy, WI. After a short time there he was transferred to Offutt Air Force Base in Bellevue in administrative duties. He retired from the civil service in 1984 and they remained in Bellevue until moving to Carroll, IA in November of 2004. After travelling much of their lives with the U. S. Army, Howard and Dotty enjoyed their home and caring for their poodles, as well as, visiting family and the farm of his youth near Bayard. Howard loved to dance throughout his life. He also enjoyed fishing and feeding squirrels near his home. Dotty died in 2005 and Howard continued to live in Carroll until his health began to fail and he became a resident of the Thomas Rest Haven in Coon Rapids. Shortly before his death, Howard had been admitted to the St Anthony Hospital in Carroll where he died on Wednesday, December 23, 2009, at the age of 87 years, 8 months and 2 days. Preceding Howard in death are his parents; wife and two brothers Paul Nielsen and Karl Nielsen and wife Mary Jo. He is survived by his brother Darrell Nielsen and wife Marjorie of Glidden; four sisters: Winona and husband Ralph Huffman of Audubon; Annie and husband Jerry Vincent of Jefferson; Marie Nielsen of Audubon and Judy and husband Dave Marques of Livermore, CO; sister-in-law Helen Nielsen of Coon Rapids; nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.