Ned Norton Nielsen

NIELSEN, Ned Norton passed away Thursday, March 6, 2009, after a courageous battle with cancer. Born December 9, 1921 in Dannebrog, Nebraska, he was a U.S. Air Force B-24 bomber pilot stationed with the 13th Bomb Group in the South Pacific during World War II. After military service, he attended the University of Richmond. Always a lover of cars and food, Mr. Nielsen began his career at J.B. Hughes Motor Company, and later owned the Hughes House Restaurant on Broad Street and Nielsen's 3 N Restaurant on Thalbro Street. He was part owner of Nielsen Motors in Fredericksburg, Va. which began as a Volkswagen dealership. Mr. Nielsen and his son, Ned, acquired the Audi franchise and later the Dodge franchise. Retiring to Hertford, N.C., he continued his involvement in civic and church activities, serving as treasurer of the Hertford United Methodist Church and a commuting board member of Covenant Woods (formerly Richmond Home for Ladies). An accomplished private pilot and avid skier, he was a founding member of the Richmond Ski Club along with life long friend, Edwin Estes. A great cook, he enjoyed hosting parties, large and small, in his homes in Hertford, N.C. and Richmond. Mr. Nielsen is survived by two sons, Ned (Sally) of Hilton Head, S.C., and Christopher of Orlando, Fla. He is also survived by his sister, Elaine Dalhgren of York, Nebraska, and three grandchildren, Ned N. Nielsen of Atlanta, and Robin Anne and Bardwell Nielsen of Orlando. A memorial service will be held Monday, March 9, 2009, at 2 p.m. at Trinity United Methodist Church. In lieu of flowers, remembrances may be made to Hertford United Methodist Church, 200 Dobbs St., Hertford, N.C. 27944, Covenant Woods, 7090 Covenant Woods Drive, Mechanicsville, Va. 23111 or the charity of your choice.
This obituary was originally published in the Richmond Times-Dispatch.