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Sean Alan Nielsen
West Des Moines
Sean Alan Nielsen, 34, of West Des Moines, Iowa went to be with our Lord Jesus Christ on November 10, 2013
He will always be remembered for his beautifully contagious smile, his joy in living, unconditional love and his never-ending faith in God.
He was born February 24, 1979 in Des Moines, Iowa. He graduated from Valley High School in West Des Moines, Iowa in 1999 and worked at Super Target in Urbandale since it opened in July 2000.
He was most passionate about God, family, friends and his independence. He loved all kinds of music (Garth Brooks and George Strait were his favorites), Iowa Regular Baptist Bible Camp (that brought him more joy than anyone can imagine), Bowling, Special Olympics (where he was a gold medal winner in the 50 meter dash and the Turbo-Jav throw), Karaoke, Candeo (that gave him the independence he craved his whole life) BUT most of all he worked his whole life to make people smile and to always feel loved and accepted.
Sean was an active member of LivingWaters Fellowship where he found love and acceptance beyond his wildest dreams and led numerous people to know our Lord Jesus Christ.
Sean is survived by his mom and dad, William and Marlys McKibben; grandparents, Leona and Harold Nielsen, JoAnn and Barry McKibben; Chip, Maria, Mia, Trey, Cole and Blaise Wittern (the second mom, dad, brothers and sister in his life); Jacob, Kathy, Kaylor and Khloe Johnson (the baby brother and "aunt" he always wanted), Rigo, Heather, Victoria and Noah Martinez (the best friends in the world); uncles and aunts: Barry Lee and Sheri McKibben, Ted and Marsha Hanson, Danny and Reva Gartin, Steve Gartin, Terry and Rosalie Nielsen, Darrel and Linda Nielsen, great-aunt, Francis Enyart; family friend, Daphne Hayes, father and step-mother, Steven and Yvonne Nielsen, numerous step-brothers and sisters, aunts, uncles and cousins. Know that he loved you all very much.
Sean was preceded in death by: Katherine Marie Nielsen (sister), Mayetta Grabin (great-grandmother), Ted Miller (great-grandfather), Marilyn Sue Butler (grandmother), Lewis Dean Gartin (grandfather).
In lieu of flowers, the family is requesting that donations be made to Iowa Regular Baptist Bible Special Camp or Candeo. Online condolences may be expressed at www.HamiltonsFuneralHome.com.
A celebration of life will be held Wednesday, November 13, 2013 from 4:00 - 8:00 p.m. with services on Thursday, November 14th at 10:00 a.m. at Hamilton's on Westown Parkway, 3601 Westown Parkway, West Des Moines, Iowa.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Sponsored by His Loving Family.
Sean was such an incredible man! I will always remember his Seaner hugs and his love and participation in all of the Valley sports especially basketball. It was wonderful getting to know Sean throughout high school and my parents enjoyed running into him throughout Des Moines in recent years. I am deeply saddened to hear about his passing. Mr. and Mrs. Nielsen you did a such an incredible job raising such an incredible son! My thoughts and prayers go out to you during this difficult time.
Lisa Deutch
November 18, 2013
Mr. and Mrs. Nielsen, your son was a wonderful man to work with and I did demos for target and had the pleasure of working with him. My thoughts and prayers are with you all
Mari Mansker
November 14, 2013
It was a pleasure getting to know Sean in the past two years from Link activitys, he always had a way of getting everyone in the room to smile, he will be greatly missed by all of his peers and staff members!
-Brock Cunningham, Mainstream Living, Des Moines IA.
November 14, 2013
Every one of us who was blessed to know you took a lesson about faith,joy,love,and unselfishness. You were the TEAM leader ...and a friend and role model to everyone. We love you 'Seaner'! Thanks to you and your wonderful family for all the sweet memories.
Jerry and Jan Dickmeyer
Jerry and Jan Dickmeyer
November 14, 2013
It's been truly a pleasure getting to know Sean these past couple of years. His energy and bright personality was uplifting to all of us. God Bless you and your family, Marlys. Thanks for being a part of our lives, "Seaner"!
Tam and Joe Billerbeck/Meyers
November 14, 2013
Sean's presence was a gift to those whose lives he entered. I will always remember his smile, passion, and the joyful interactions I experienced with him in the hallways of Valley. My thoughts and prayers are with his family.
Sean Horrigan
November 13, 2013
im going miss you at link and at karoka and say hi megs meghan mahoney
November 13, 2013
im sorry for the lost
meghan
November 13, 2013
I can honestly say that i've never came across anyone with as much spirit and enthusiasm for life than Sean. His attitude and love for people was truly amazing. No matter the circumstances Sean always had a smile on his face and he brought joy to everyone who came across him. The world will miss Sean's smile and love for life and others. I feel blessed to have known such an outstanding human being. -Chad Buchanan
November 13, 2013
Sean's enthusiasm was captivating and contagious! He loved life, his friends and family. We will all surely miss him. Our thoughts and sympathies are with his loved ones.
Sincerely, Link Associates Leisure Department
Laura Housel
November 13, 2013
Sean was the most positive person you could ever meet. His smile let up the halls at Valley. He will be missed.
Mike Harrison
November 13, 2013
who can forget the smile, happiness and enthusiasm that Sean brought into every life that he touched. I remember a player telling me "wouldn't it be great to be that happy all the time " Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
Coach Dick Fazio and Family
November 13, 2013
Sean - Today we are celebrating your life. When I think of you, all I can do is smile! I know that almost no time will pass for you before I meet you again in heaven; you will be so busy greeting all your friends and family who pass over! The world has lost a bright light in you, Seaner.
Marlys & Bill - God be with you! Hugs and prayers, Cathie & Dave Yakum
November 13, 2013
SEAN I WILL BE LOOKING FOR YOU AROUND EVERY CORNER I COME TO. UNTIL WE MEET AGAIN MY GOOD AND FAITHFUL SERVANT
JIM. B LWF
November 13, 2013
I worked with Sean at Target. He started my day off with a smile, hug, and Good Morning Miss Kathy every week. His contagious smile, sense of humor and energy will be missed. He was the brightest part of my day.
Kathy Larson
November 13, 2013
Sean made everyone smile. If you were having a bad day and you saw him, he could turn your frown upside down. I will never forget his smile or how nice he was. He will be missed.
Hillary Shelton
November 12, 2013
Sean...you always put a smile on my face when you called me "big guy"...see you when I get there
Craig Thomson
November 12, 2013
I remember sitting with Sean at lunch at Valley High School. He knew everyone's name and had a way of making you feel so important and loved. Even the mention of his name, 13 years later, brings a smile to my face.
Emily Holmertz
November 12, 2013
What an amazing and inspirational person. I didn't know Sean well in school, but he always put smiles on our faces and was so nice. So sorry the world has lost a better person to a better place.
Alon Naggar
November 12, 2013
My heart goes out to you. Sean was such a bright and shining star. I can't imagine that he ever met anyone he couldn't call his friend. We were all drawn to him with his endless smile and the kindness he showed everyone. He will be missed.
Cindy Ford
November 12, 2013
So very sorry for your loss Marlys. Praying for you and your family.
Jackie Reynolds
November 12, 2013
Sean made me smile every time we saw each other and I felt energized just being around him. He will be missed by all.
Nicholas Valdez
November 12, 2013
Sean you will always be loved by the tiger boys basketball team ; You kept us loose and and gave us courage to succeed on and off the court.
always a Valley Tiger
Coach Bill Harris and family
November 12, 2013
We loved Sean! His love of life and others were unmatched making a huge impact in all of us who knew him. We send hearts full of love to you.
Barb and Gary Rosberg
November 12, 2013
I am so sorry to hear of Sean's passing. He was such a joy to be around. He could light up a room with his smile and glowing personality. He was loved by all. My thoughts and prayers are with you.
Katie (Nemgar) Long
November 12, 2013
Sean will be greatly missed by everyone that knew him. You and your family are in our prayers.
You will have all the great memories in your heart forever. Love you guys!
God will be watching over you to give you strength.
Bunny & Mark Griffin
November 12, 2013
Sean was loved and will b missed greatly by our family! We r so very sorry for your pain! Sean was a pure heart and brought smiles to a lot of faces!
Dawn and Jamie Stepp
November 12, 2013
My heart is breaking for you, Marlys. My heart is rejoicing for you, Sean. May our Father, Abba, hold you all tightly within his arms, covering you with the comfort that only can come through His Holy Spirit. You are in our thoughts and prayers.
Ron & Lee Dawson
November 12, 2013
I never had the pleasure of meeting Sean, but he seemed like a wonderful person. Him and I were born on the exact same day (Feb 24, 1979). Rest in Peace kind sir.
Eric Machholz
November 12, 2013
Our thoughts & prayers are with all of you as you go through this time of loss. But it is certainly a celebration of a great life that Sean lived. I believe that we only met Sean once many years ago and he had that contageous smile that others have mentioned.
Bill & Linda Vanderpool
November 12, 2013
Sean's Joy & Happiness will forever live on in so many lives he has touched... He will forever be missed. God Bless your family during this difficult time - Many prayers and love are coming your way!
Missy Cox
November 12, 2013
Sean really knew how to turn a get-together into a party. He loved to engage those around him. It didn't matter if it was 2 days or 6 months since you last saw him, he made it known he was so excited to see you again! We sure loved him. He'll be missed. Our prayers to go out to all of his family and friends.
Sincerely,
Tom, Keli, Gage, Hadley & Jack Papich
Tom Papich
November 12, 2013
My deepest sympathy. I loved Sean he was so awesome and he alone could light up a room. Sean I will miss you. You have always been one of God's shining stars.....Love Aunt Connie
Connie Goff
November 12, 2013
Fly with the Angels now Seaner! Don't forget us in your prayers. I wish we could be with you to see God's loving face right now. We'll see you again someday Buddy.
We love you!
Dave, Sarah, and Grace Papich
David Papich
November 12, 2013
So sorry to see this sad news. We always enjoyed Sean's company at the bowling alley.
Jenifer Mercer-Klimowski
November 12, 2013
Sean you can spend time with Grandpa John now. Love you and will miss you very much.
Grandma Janet
Janet Dunham
November 11, 2013
We will miss his ear to ear smile at camp He was a joy to me !! He now is in Heaven a complete person!!Faith Zellweger a counselor from camp
November 11, 2013
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