Donald Dean Nielsen

Donald Dean Nielsen, 84, passed on November 24, 2011, in the comfort of his home with his family by his side.

Don's life was filled with many successes. His experiences, knowledge & wisdom came from a life well lived. Don's life partner & wife of 51 years Rosella T. Nielsen preceded him in death in 2002. They owned & operated the Sky Valley Motel for 26 years, where they raised & nurtured their family. In his retirement years, Don worked full time as the Senior Incline Operator at the Royal Gorge Bridge in Canon City, CO. Don excelled in his professional trade as a Heavy & Highway Superintendent building & engineering many of Colorado's highways & bridges. His skills and talents led him to be a part of building the infamous NORAD in Colo. Springs, CO.

He proudly served his country as a Sergeant in the U.S. Army, 1st Infantry Division, "The Big Red One", stationed in Germany during the Korean War. Prior to his military service, Don was a Singer Sewing Machine Rep & Repair man in the South Dakota/Nebraska area.

Don was born on May 22, 1927, in Verdigre, Nebraska. He believed in honest hard work, loved a good cigar and a good running truck. He loved prospecting and would trek for miles, deep into the Colorado mountains.

Don was a dedicated father. Family life was a priority for him.

We, his children, honor his life and strive to live our lives ever grateful & mindful of his; Pamela Nielsen Tirk (Dallas Tirk), Kimberly Nielsen Noorzai (Mohammad Noorzai), Stacey Nielsen (Heather Hitchcock Nielsen), Kelli Nielsen Myers (Mark Myers); his two grandsons; Asef Noorzai (Nura Afia) & Arian Noorzai (Chelsea Rieu-Noorzai); and great granddaughter, Laila Noorzai. Don is also survived by his sister, Rosalie Nielsen LaGree.

A sincere thank you to all our dear family, friends & Fremont Regional Hospice who assisted in this last year of our father's life. We are eternally grateful.

Daddy, you are forever cherished. Thanks for being our Dad! Rest in peace & comfort, our beloved father.

Funeral will be held in his home church, Shepherd of the Hills Lutheran Church, 801 Sheridan Ave, Canon City, CO. Visitation 10:00 till 11:00 a.m., prior to Funeral Service at 11:00 a.m., Wednesday, November 30, 2011, Pastor Robert Kippley officiating. Interment will follow at Lakeside Cemetery in Canon City. Reception will follow interment at Shepherd of the Hills Lutheran Church.

Arrangements handled through Holt Family Funeral Home. Online condolences @ www.holtfamilyfuneral

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