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Jack Nielson Obituary
Funeral services will be held 3:00 p.m. Monday, March 18, at New Grace Christian Church, 10821 Totem Road in Anchorage. The visitation will be at 2:00 p.m. and a reception will immediately follow at the church.
The only son of Darrel and Gladyce (Gustafson) Nielson he was born in Bemidji, Minnesota on November 12, 1947. In his youth, he lived in Minnesota and Wyoming before moving to Montana. Jack spent many summers fishing and boating at the family cabin in Bemidji.
The 1966 Billings West High School graduate received his BS in Business Management from Montana State University in 1971. He then served with the U.S. Army for two years as an MP. After his service he returned to school and received his BS in Accounting from the University of Montana in 1975. He became a CPA in 1976 and began a career with the State of Montana.
Jack was a family man. He met Helen in 1978. A year later, they married in Helena, Montana. In 1980, the couple moved to northern Minnesota and worked the family farm. Two years and one son later they moved back to Montana. Jack spent several more years working for the state. During that time Erik, 29, and Drew, 24, joined firstborn Luke, now 30. Jack's passion for outdoor activities was the catalyst for a move to Anchorage, Alaska in 1988. The family immediately put down roots. Jack got a job with the Alaska Dept. of Health and Social Services, and made it his career. He retired in January 2013 as Executive Director of the Medicaid Rate Advisory Commission.
Two more children joined the family in the 1990s: John, now 21, and finally, his daughter, Marie, 16. Jack's greatest joy was spending time with his family, especially fishing, hunting and camping together. As they grew, he attended as many sporting events and music recitals as he possibly could.
His favorite holiday was Christmas; Christmas eve, he'd go crazy buying gifts to put under the tree. On Christmas Day 2012 it was Erik and his wife Meagan who gave the best gift - the promise of a grandchild in 2013.
Jack was caring, calm and thoughtful, some thought him reserved because he preferred to sit back, listen and think before speaking. Those who knew him were struck by his kind nature and ready smile. Jack maintained his amazing spirit and sense of humor, even through his thyroid cancer treatments. He always woke with a smile for Helen who never left his side.
In lieu of flowers, the family asks donations be made to Providence Alaska Foundation Palliative Care.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Jack Nielson
Jeremiah Osborne
April 2, 2013
I am so sorry for your loss, and sad that I didn't find out about the funeral until today. I have a lot of great childhood memories with your family, and with Jack, and he will be missed.
Our thoughts and prayers are with you during this solemn time of mourning. May you find peace and comfort in those who surround you with their love.
Kay Branch
March 22, 2013
I was so sorry to hear about Jack. Everything that is written is so true of my experience with him and his work with ORR. He was such a joy to work with, the epitome of the best state employee. Always there to answer questions and help in any way he could.
Kim & Keith Busch
March 22, 2013
We are sad to hear of Jack's passing. We both greatly enjoyed working with him from his first days in Alaska until our retirements. Still, our strongest memories of Jack are of his deep love of his wife and children. His office always held your photos and he was proud to share your accomplishments. Those moments are when we saw his very best smile. He has left a wonderful legacy in all of you.
March 21, 2013
Dear Helen
We were so saddened by the news about Jack, and are so sorry for your loss. The years we spent together in Montana Medicaid brought us together as friends. Even though the move to Alaska put distance between us, we always held you and Jack as our friends.
We will truly miss him.
Bob and Lois Olsen
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Michael Bailey
March 19, 2013
I regret missing the memorial service yesterday due to sickness, but I want to take the opportunity to express my deep respect for Jack, as a professional and a gentleman. Blessings to his family and my condolences on your loss.
Rose
March 19, 2013
I attended the Memorial yesterday and came away knowing that your faith in God will continue to sustain you. It was, although heartbreaking, an inspiring tribute. May God continue to bless and comfort each of you. Somehow, I know He will!
Deanna Patz
March 18, 2013
Dear Helen and Kids,
I am so sorry for your loss. Jack was a true gentleman as well as a gentle-man of honor and integrity. He just quietly went about doing what a good man should be doing. I always enjoyed his sense of humor, and I always think of him smiling.
My prayers are with you. May the Holy Spirit bring you comfort.
Love, Deanna and Kids
Diane Bianchi
March 18, 2013
His family and people who knew Jack lost a great guy. I was happy to read Jack was blessed with a large family as he was born to be a great Dad and husband. To get news of a grandchild on Christmas must have kept his brilliant smile on his face for weeks.
Greg Toben
March 17, 2013
Helen and family, our deepest sympathy to your family. You are in our thoughts and prayers during this journey. I always enjoyed the time with Jack during our years in the Army. He was so kind and always had a great attitude. So glad to keep in touch all these years as we always looked forward to the letters from the Nielson's. Jack will be missed.
Margie Summers
March 17, 2013
Helen,
Jack was a wonderful man and a wonderful boss. When I left the Rate Commission in 2000 it was that hardest choice I ever had to make, because I knew I would never get a boss as wonderful and caring as Jack. He will truely be missed.
March 17, 2013
Nielson's -- We are shocked and saddened to hear of Jack's passing. As we grew up, we never lost our admiration and respect for Jack. We never witnessed an ego, just a warm, friendly, focused friend/cousin. He was so likable and came across as an intelligent and trusted person. Please know we share in your loss of him. We pray for God's help and healing during this difficult time.
Our Sympathy,
Duane, Claudia & Family
March 17, 2013
Helen and family,
We are saddened by the news of Jack's passing. His love for you and your children will always be a treasure for you to enjoy. I remember meeting him in Baraboo, Wi for the wedding of Erik and Meagan and he was such a warm and caring person. Our thoughts and prayers will be with you and your children as you recall the memories you shared together. Pete and Rhonda McCall, West St Paul, Mn.
Carol Makar
March 17, 2013
Helen, Erik, Luke, Drew, John, & Helen,
My thoughts, prayers & support are with you. May you keep the wonderful memories of Jack with you always.
Love,
Carol
Amy Galloway
March 16, 2013
Amy and Les Galloway here, stopping bye to show our love and support. Wishing so badly that we could be there with you all. Always in our prayers, we love you all so much.
Mario & Tuula Perzan
March 16, 2013
Helen and family,
We are so saddened to hear of Jack's passing. Although we have not had opportunity to see you all in recent years, you all have been close in heart. It is a special memory we have of Jack and Eric visiting Mario in hospital in Calgary. Jack's passing is such a loss for all who knew him. But it is precious in the Lord's eyes. We wish we could be there to celebrate Jack's life and pay our respects, but please know that you are all in our hearts and prayers. May our great God and Saviour, Jesus Christ keep you in his peace and comfort. With much love, Tuula & Mario
Ron Cowan
March 16, 2013
Helen,
We've never met, but I was fortunate enough to have worked with Jack for eleven years, and we periodically kept in touch during the years that followed. Jack was a wonderful man with a wonderful spirit. I feel blessed that I was able to know him. My sympathy for your and your family's loss. His passing is a loss for anyone who had the fortune of meeting him. May you find peace and comfort.
Darcie Shaffer
March 15, 2013
You were always one of my favorite people to pass in the hallway! I am saddened to learn of your passing. You were a great man and will be missed!
Martin Michiels
March 15, 2013
The state of Alaska has lost a great man, one that has forged healthcare in our great state for decades. He will be sorely missed by all of us. a very respected man to say the least.
Steffi Sellers
March 15, 2013
Jack RIP - Helen may god be with you and your wonderful children forever more. I know Jack's values & morals will live within his children. Blessing to you ALL.
Steffi - STO/ORR
Mike & TaraBeth Giebel
March 15, 2013
Our thoughts and prayers are with you all during this dificult time. God Bless.
Andrew Sandusky
March 15, 2013
It feels like only yesterday that Jack was at the table, hammering out state business plans with us. His laughs and smiles were indeed his hallmark and I think it helped keep us all from taking ourselves too seriously. We all miss you Jack. I miss you. Can't wait to see you again, on the other side of the big mountain. Until then my friend....
Mark Bryson
March 14, 2013
Helen even though we are not there, You,Jack and the kids are in our thoughts and prayers. We are so sorry for the loss. Mary will be there to help provide support.
Mark, Sarah and Grady
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