In Memory of Walter T. Nielsen

Walter Thomas Nielsen was born on August 10, 1912 in Galva, Iowa, to Thomas and Anna Nathalia (Oberg) Nielsen and was baptized in Ida Grove, Iowa.

On November 22, 1939, he married LaVerne Schiernbeck, the couple was blessed with a daughter, Arlene.  He farmed with his parents until his father’s death in April, 1940. He continued to farm on the farm northwest of Arthur in Blaine Township.

In 1944, they moved to a farm east of Arthur in Richland Township. He farmed until retiring in 1980 and moved to Odebolt. He continued to live there after LaVerne’s death in 1999, doing his own household chores. In the warm months, he spent many hours sitting outside and visiting with friends.

Walter enjoyed fishing, dancing, Big Band music, his livestock and farming in his younger years, family and friends.

Walter was a faithful member of the Arthur Methodist Church, serving as Trustee and on the church board for many years. He was able to attend church every Sunday with his faithful friend, Jerry Miller picking him up. He enjoyed the close relationship he had with his church family.

Left behind to cherish his memory are his daughter, Arlene (Richard) LaGrange of Odebolt, Iowa. Grandchildren: Deb LaGrange of Carlisle, Iowa, Terri (Mark) Dunn of Polk City, Iowa, Brian (Gayelee) LaGrange of Prior Lake, Minnesota. “Big Grandpa” (as he was known to his great-grandsons) will also be dearly missed by his great-grandsons: Kyle, Jason, and Eric LaGrange of Prior Lake, Minnesota.

Walter was preceded in death by his loving wife, LaVerne, his brothers, August(Infancy); Thorvald; Peter; Evert; and his sister, Elna Lorenzen and their spouses, and several nephews and nieces.