Francis Norman Nielsen, 88, died on Tuesday, July 6, 2021, at the Dunlap Specialty Care Center. He was the son of Sam and Laura (Boggs) Nielsen and was born near Hancock, on March 8, 1933. Norman was baptized at the Trinity Lutheran Church in Avoca, on April 15, 1935, and later joined the United Methodist Church. Norman grew up on the farm and received his education in the rural schools. Being the youngest in the family, he stayed home to assist his parents with farming and worked as a hired man for farmers in the area for many years where he earned his nickname “Wimp”.
On Nov. 1, 1952, Norman was united in marriage to Mildred McKnabb at the First United Methodist Church in Harlan. Their union was blessed with three daughters, Judy (Jude) Schoenherr, Janice (Ivan) Hansen and Joan (Lynn) Heimerman. In 1954, they started farming northwest of Earling. During his life of farming, Norman also worked for Gaul Implement, putting together farm equipment, and the Dunlap Sale Barn on Tuesday’s sale day. In 1966, they purchased land and made their home east of Dunlap. They lived on this farm for 43 years before retiring and moving to Dunlap in 2009.
Farming was Norman’s life and in his spare time he enjoyed sales, exotic animals, new cars and pick-ups and buying new farm machinery. Norman and Millie loved square dancing, taking bus trips and going to the casino. He was a member of the Dunlap Methodist Church and helped with church hay rack rides and activities.
Norman was preceded in death by his parents; brothers, Mervin, Floyd, Delmer, Marion and sister, Nadine Holtz, and their spouses. Those who remain to cherish his memory include his wife, Mildred Nielsen of Dunlap; three daughters; five grandchildren; one great-granddaugher; four step-great-grandchildren; three step-great-great-grandchildren; and many nieces, nephews and friends.
A funeral service was held on Friday, July 09, 2021, at the First United Methodist Church in Dunlap. Paster Aaron Terwilleger presided over the service. The musicians were Barb Amsberry and Judd Kirk. The musical selections were “How Great Thou Art”, “The Old Rugged Cross” and “Take Me Home, Country Roads”. The honorary pallbearers were Bill O’Day, Brad O’Day, Bernard Lapke, David Hamblen, Jim Stephens and Johnny Thraen. The pallbearers were Brent Kiesel, Jamie Schoenherr, Trent Heimerman, Trish Kiesel, Devin Melby, Doug Melby, Jill Melby, Shawn Hansen and Laura Heimerman. Norman’s final resting place is at the Harlan Cemetery.
Memorial donations can be made to the Dunlap Fire and Rescue Department or the Dunlap First United Methodist Church.
Fouts Funeral Home in Dunlap was in charge of arrangements. www.foutsfuneralhome.com
