Kent Dean Nielsen

Graveside Service for Kent Dean Nielsen, of Sisseton, SD will be held on May 15, 2024 at 10:30 A.M. at the Peever Cemetery, Peever, SD. Officiating will be Pastor Kay Reeb and Urn Bearer will be Shane Nielsen with Military Rites provided by Otto Quande Renville American Legion Post #50 and Fort Sisseton VFW Post 3342.
Kent was raised on his family's farm north of Peever, SD. He attended grade school at the country school down the road and often told stories of the old schoolhouse. Growing up, he spent much of his time outside of school, helping his father on the family farm. In 1968, he graduated from Sisseton High School. Kent attended SDSU for two years to study agriculture education and was in the ROTC. He enlisted in the South Dakota National Guard and served from 1970-1976. It was at SDSU that he met his first wife, Linda (Dzenek). They married in 1970 and moved back to Sisseton where they began farming and managing dairy cattle. Kent and Linda had two daughters, Jennifer and Jacqueline. He quit farming in the early 90's. In 1994, Kent married his second wife Carol (Erickson). They had three children, Danielle, Shelby, and Shane. Kent worked various jobs after he was done farming, eventually settling at Bobcat, where he retired. He was a man who always worked hard for his family, but still tried to enjoy life. Woodworking, canoeing, card playing, and target shooting were only some of his many hobbies. Kent wasn't afraid to try new things and "take the bull by the horns". In his 20's and 30's he had his pilots license and enjoyed telling stories of his time in the air. The love he had for his family was undying. He wasn't ever afraid to go the extra mile for his wife and kids, but especially his grandchildren. His grandchildren received the softest version of him, and he referred to them as his "little sweeties". When Kent received his diagnosis of ALS in February, he was at peace with the answer. He said, "I've had a good life". Kent was a strong and stubborn man and those traits hung in there until the very end. He didn't go out easy and fought a good fight to remain himself for as long as he could. He will be forever and deeply missed by all those who loved him.
Kent is survived by his wife Carol Nielsen of Sisseton, SD; children Shane Nielsen of Sisseton, SD, Jennifer (Darrell) Vander Esch of Brandon, SD, Shelby (Joe) Nielsen of Rosholt, SD; one brother Keith (Mona) Nielsen; grandchildren Lauren and Riley Vander Esch of Brandon, SD and Zane and Daizy Diekmann of Rosholt, SD.
He is preceded in death by his parents; two daughters Danielle Erickson and Jackie Kleinhesselink.