In Memory of Ronald "Ron" G. Nielsen

Ronald G. “Ron” Nielsen, age 81, of Ida Grove, Iowa passed away on Tuesday, October 2, 2018, at the Horn Memorial Hospital of Ida Grove, Iowa.

Funeral Services will be held at 10:30 a.m., Saturday, October 6, 2018, at the St. Paul Lutheran Church of Ida Grove, Iowa. Rev. Richard A. Salcido and Rev. Neil Wehmas will officiate. A Visitation will be held from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m., Friday, October 5, 2018, at the Christensen – Van Houten Funeral Home of Ida Grove, Iowa. The Christensen -Van Houten Funeral Home of Ida Grove, Iowa is in charge of the funeral arrangements. Condolences may be sent online at www.christensenvanhouten.com

Ronald Gene Nielsen was born September 9, 1937, in rural Arthur, IA, to Thorvald and Helma (Albertsen) Nielsen. Ron grew up in Ida County and attended Ida Grove High School graduating with the class of 1956. After high school, Ron enlisted into the U.S. Marines Corps. While in the service he became pen pals with a girl he knew from Holstein, IA, that he would eventually marry after his honorable discharge. 

On June 10, 1960, Ron married Janet Dittmer, in Ida Grove, IA. The couple was blessed with a daughter named Ruth. The family made their home in Ida Grove where Ron was employed in the ag and manufacturing field. He was employed at Hultgren Implement and Midwest Industries. In 1979, Ron and Janet moved to Harlan, IA, when he became employed with Jacobs Tool. Ron retired in 1998 and in 2007 the couple returned to Ida Grove to live.

Ron enjoyed attending high school sporting events as well as watching college sports. He was an avid reader and enjoyed his walks around Prairie Rose State Park in Harlan while living there.

Left to cherish his memory include his loving wife of 58 years Janet Nielsen of Ida Grove, IA; daughter Ruth (Terry) Oxendale of Arthur, IA; grandchildren April (fiancé Ryan) Oxendale of Des Moines, IA and Patrick (Toni) Oxendale of Westside, IA; great-grandchildren Taryn, Tayli, Emyree and Raven Oxendale; twin brother Donald Nielsen of Oceanside, CA and brother Melvin (Rose) Nielsen of Ida Grove, IA; many nieces, nephews, extended family and friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents Thorvald and Helma Nielsen; brother Roy (Viola) Nielsen; a sister in infancy; grandson Terry Oxendale, Jr.