Kenneth G. "Ken" Nielsen
Battle Creek
Kenneth G. "Ken" Nielsen, age 85, of Battle Creek, MI, went to be with his Lord and Savior on Tuesday evening, September 24, 2013, at his residence, following a lengthy illness and surrounded by his loving family.
Ken, the son of Kenneth H. and Zelma H. (Wilder) Nielsen, was born on October 30, 1927 in Battle Creek; was a lifetime resident; was a 1945 graduate of Battle Creek Lakeview High School and immediately after graduation enlisted in the U.S. Army Air Corps, where he served his country honorably until the end of World War II.
He was a member of the IBEW, Local 445 for 60+ years; retired from the State of Michigan as Chief Electrical Inspector in 1991; was a volunteer at the Cancer Center for over 10 years and a member of Calvary Baptist Church for 46 year, where he served as a Deacon, Sunday School teacher and on the visitation committee. He was an avid golfer & also enjoyed hunting, fishing.
He married the love of his life, best friend and soul mate, the former Merle J. Hendershot, on September 29, 1945 in Battle Creek.
Kenneth is survived by his wife of 68 years, Merle; his son, Kenneth H. (Phalli) Nielsen of Palestine, TX; his daughter, Kathy G. (Gary) Pross of Portage, Ml; five step brothers & sisters: Ed (Ann) Baum of Huntington Beach, FL; Helen Casper of Sheboygan, Wl; James Baum of Battle Creek, Ml; Judy Baum of Marshal, Ml; Mary Ann (Gene) Haakonson of Green Bay, Wl; Jack (Jackie) Baum of Aiken, SC; four grandchildren: Katrina (Scott) Stene of Littleton, CO; Kenneth M. (Ai) Nielsen of Okinawa Japan; Karla (Chris) Faulk of Schoolcraft, Ml; Angela (Bobby) Hicks of Frisco, TX and sixteen great-grandchildren and many nieces and nephews. Ken was preceded in death by his parents.
The Funeral Service to celebrate Ken's life will be held on Monday, September 30th at 11:00 a.m. at the Calvary Baptist Church, 1625 Capital Avenue, NE with the Rev. Thomas C. Townsend, Pastor, officiating. Interment will follow at Memorial Park Cemetery, Battle Creek, where the United States Air Force Honor Guard will bestow Military Honors. Friends will be received from 10:00 a.m. until service time at the Church and immediately following the committal service family and friends are invited to return to the Church's Social Hall to continue Ken's life celebration with a time of fellowship and a luncheon. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in Ken's honor may be directed to the Church; the Great Lakes Hospice Foundation, 900 Cooper Street, Jackson, MI 49202 or the Cancer Center of Southwestern Michigan, 200 North Park Street, Kalamazoo, MI 49007.
The Farley-Estes & Dowdle Funeral Home, Battle Creek is in charge of all the arrangements.
Personal messages for the family and/or favorite memories of Ken may be placed at www.farleyestesdowdle.com
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
We are so sorry for your loss. He was such a kind and loving man! We are praying for peace and comfort for all of you!
Mike and Lisa Goldin
October 7, 2013
Always a kind word came from Ken! Praying for you Merle and the rest of the family!
Tim & Beth Nesseth
October 6, 2013
What a sweet, loving man. Our children thought of Ken & Merle as their 3rd set of grandparents while growing up. May God be with you and comfort you, Merle, and your family. Love & miss you.
Steve & Sharon Aust
October 4, 2013
Condolences to the entire Nielsen family. Ken was a fine God loving man who was instrumental in my getting into the electrical trade. Thanks Ken! God Bless and enjoy the Glory of our God my friend!
Mike
Mike Belt
October 4, 2013
Pray that God will give total peace to all of you. You cannot lose someone when you know where to find them.
Clifford and Ruth Owens
September 30, 2013
A wonderfully sweet man of God. Our thoughts and prayers are with the family.
Bryce & Joy Sherwood
September 30, 2013
We will miss our very best friend on the golf course. Great times and memories. He was a very caring and compassionate person. Our love and prayers go out to you Merle and the family.
Gerry Hecht
September 29, 2013
May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.
Melanie Morris (Douglas)
September 29, 2013
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