ERIK NIELSEN

RACINE - Erik Nielsen, age 84, passed away Wednesday, December 24, 2014 at his residence. Erik was born in Aalborg, Denmark, October 2, 1930, son of the late Ejler and Petra (Nee: Sloth) Nielsen. After graduating high school, Erik worked for Bing and Grondahl Porcelain before enlisting in the Danish Army. He moved to the United States in 1955 where he proudly served in the United States Army and was honorably discharged in 1963. On September 1, 1956 Erik was united in marriage to Anita Nielsen (nee: Nielsen) at Bethania Lutheran Church in Racine. He began working at what was then J.I. Case Company as an Inspector in the Gear lab and after 34 years of employment, retired in 1989. Erik served on the Board of Directors of the Dania Society and was involved in NAMI for a number of years. He enjoyed fishing, bowling, playing pool and ping pong in the rec room of his home, hosting outdoor barbeques for neighbors and friends, traveling and above all else, spending time with his wife, children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. He was a loving and devoted family man who will be deeply missed. Survivors include his loving wife of fifty-eight years, Anita; his daughter and son-in-law, Kim (Daniel) Drasen and son Tom Nielsen; his grandchildren, Stephanie (Russell) Rediske and Andrew Drasen; and four great-grandchildren, Cheyenne, Allison, Hunter and Brooke, all of Racine. In addition, Erik is survived by nieces and nephews throughout Denmark as well as many dear friends. In addition to his parents, Erik was preceded in death by his twin brother Borge and four sisters; Helen, Margaret, Edith and Evelyn all of Denmark. Funeral services will be held Saturday, January 3, 2015, 12:00 P.M. at the funeral home with Rev. Heather Baumstead officiating. Relatives and friends may meet with the family Saturday at the funeral home from 10:30 A.M. until time of service. A Private interment will be held at Mound Cemetery at a later date. Memorials to NAMI or Bethania Lutheran Church have been suggested by the family. A special thanks to Dr. Nicholas Akgulian, Hospice Alliance, Wheaton Franciscan Hospice, Ridgewood Care Center, Society’s Assets and Brightstar for their compassionate care during Erik’s illness. MARESH-MEREDITH & ACKLAM FUNERAL HOME 803 MAIN ST. RACINE, WI 53403 (262) 634-7888 Please send condolences to www.meredithfuneralhome.com