Carol Nielsen

Carol Nielsen, formerly of Dawson, passed away at his home in Buffalo on Monday, August 19, 2019  at the age of 93 years. 

A Memorial Service will be held on August 31, 2019 at 11 am in the Chapel at Park Terrace Assisted Living, Buffalo, MN.  A committal will be held at a later date at the cemetery in Dawson, MN.

Carol Eugene Nielsen was born on May 2, 1926, at the family farm near Lake Benton, MN, the 4th son of Peter and Mary (Andersen) Nielsen. He loved to talk about his growing up years on the farm. His older brothers often had fun that sometimes involved some risk. While riding in an unattached wagon going downhill, Carol fell off and broke his right arm. His brothers swore him to secrecy so he lived with it for a couple of days before his parents took notice. The doctor set the arm incorrectly and a few weeks later, had to re-break and re-set the bone.  One good outcome - Carol learned to use his left hand as well as his right hand, a skill that came in handy when he later worked with his oldest brother doing carpentry work. 

Carol attended Morris Agriculture High School.  He was the valedictorian of his graduating class in 1943.  He was preparing to join the military and serve in World War II but the war ended before he left.  

In November 1945, he married Marcella Martens. They lived with his parents, working on the family farm until finding employment on a farm near Fairmont, MN. Their first daughter, Karen, was born the following year.  They returned to the Lake Benton area where he worked with his brother doing carpentry work and first son, Harlan, was born. In 1948, they rented a farm near Morris, Minnesota.  Second daughter, LeAnn, joined the family in 1949. They moved to another farm rental near Elbow Lake, MN where in 1953, third daughter, Judy, was born. In fall of 1956, they purchased a farm near Evansville, MN. In 1958, they welcomed their second son, James (Jimmy), into the family. The family all worked together and were taught the value of hard work, along with many family fun times.  In 1966, the farm was sold and the family moved to Dawson, MN where he worked at the Dawson Soybean Plant. During his time at the plant, he held various positions. For several years, he drove a semi-truck, delivering soybeans to customers as far away as the Canadian provinces.  In 1976, following the tragic death of Jimmy at age 18, he began working in the lab at the plant.  He continued working at the plant until retirement in May, 1988.

Carol and Marcy began square dancing while living in Dawson. A good friend was a “caller” and they went with him to many dances. They also enjoyed camping. Following retirement, they left Minnesota in their small camper, spending the summer in Alaska. They traveled and square danced extensively, visiting all 50 states and many Canadian Provinces. They did volunteer work with the Christian group SOWERS (Servants On Wheels Ever Ready). After selling their home in Dawson, they became “full-time” campers, living in Florida during the winter, spending summers at the campground in Dawson. In time, Lakeland RV Park in Lakeland, FL, became their permanent home. Carol loved gardening; their RV lot looked like a small arboretum. In January 2015, they moved to Park Terrace Assisted Living in Buffalo, MN. They were avid Twins fans, loved playing bingo and attending services in the Chapel.

Carol was a man of quiet faith and his life clearly reflected his love for the LORD  He took his family to church on Sundays and as much as it was possible on a dairy farm, Sunday was a day of rest. Prayers were always said before meals. He worked hard to take care of his family, was a loving husband of 73 years and was always there to help family and friend. He was a kind, gentle, fun-loving man. He delighted in teasing his grandchildren. He loved the challenge of learning and figuring out new things. 

Survived by Marcy, his wife of 73 years, children: Karen (Ron) Larson of Crosslake, MN, Harlan (Sue) Nielsen of Casa Grande, AZ, LeAnn (Peter March) Fremo of Buffalo, MN, and Judy (Steve) Thompson of Roper, NC, 11 grandchildren, 32 great-grandchildren, 3 great-great grandchildren, sister Caroline (Art) Shook, many nieces, nephews and friends.

Preceded in death by: son, James, granddaughter, Jenny, son-in-law, Dennis Fremo, great-granddaughter, Brittany, parents, brothers Walter, Erwin, Earl and Harry, nephew Warren Shook, Sister-in-law, Norma, Brother-in-law, Duane.

 Blessed be his memory.