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Daniel Nielsen Obituary

Daniel P. Nielsen of Crystal Lake The funeral Mass for Daniel P. Nielsen will be celebrated at 10 a.m. Friday at St. Thomas the Apostle Church in Crystal Lake, with Monsignor Daniel Hermes officiating. Interment will be in Crystal Lake Memorial Park,Crystal Lake. Friends may call from 3 to 9 p.m. Thursday at the Skaja Bachmann Funeral Home, 7715 W. Route 14 (one block north of Route 176), Crystal Lake. Born Aug. 31, 1965, in Detroit, the son of Dennis and Sandra (nee Lyons) Nielsen, he passed away Monday, Dec. 12, 2005 after a short battle with Pancreatic cancer. Mr. Nielsen worked at the Golf Course of Illinois as a superintendent and belonged to the Midwest Association of Golf Course Superintendents. Daniel loved sports, especially baseball, and he played in the minor leagues in the Pittsburgh Pirates organization. Survivors include his wife, Kira Nielsen (nee Galioto); two sons, Tyler and Travis Nielsen; two stepsons, Zach and Nick Siedlecki; his parents, Dennis and Sandra Nielsen; a brother, Michael Nielsen, his mother-in-law, Maridy Galioto; brothers-in-law, Brien (Jennifer) Galioto and Marcus Galioto; and many aunts and uncles. In lieu of flowers, memorials to the Pancreatic Cancer Action Network (PanCan), 2141 Rosecrans Ave. Suite 7000, El Segundo, CA 90245 or Masses appreciated. For information 815-455-2233.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Daily Herald on Dec. 14, 2005.

Memories and Condolences
for Daniel Nielsen

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Dan Michaels

January 3, 2006

To the family of Dan Nielsen I send my deepest sympathy and all my prayers to you. Nellie was a great friend. Unfortunately, as it tends to work out, we don't stay in touch as much as we should. I was able to talk to Nellie in early December and it was like we had been talking all along. From our two years of High School together (who will ever forget those Spanish study sessions) to our time at Western Michigan playing ball, we went through a lot together, made many new friends together and had many great times. None better than just sitting around talking baseball. Nellie was a good man. I'll miss you Big Nell. Your buddy Dig.

David and Kristine Romanik

December 27, 2005

The Romanik family is saddened to hear of the death of Dan. Dan was my friend and bodyguard at Moraine elementary. Although I haven’t spoken with Dan in many years, I will always have fond memories of our friendship and recall his sincere attitude and respect for life.

Lisa West (Cahill)

December 23, 2005

I have not seen Dan since highschool, but I have alot of great memories about Dan and they make me smile every time I think of them. I wanted to give my deepest sympathies to all of his family and friends. Take Care Always.

John Daly

December 19, 2005

To Dan's family: I was very sorry to hear of Dan's passing. Eventhough I have not spoken to him in a number of years (which is regretful), I still have a lot of memories. I just ran across our 7th grade O.L.V. basketball photo trophy - of which were teammates. As stated earlier by someone... it was far better to be on his team than to be playing against him. One thing that I always admired about Dan was his self confidence in just about all that he did. It is something that I still try to improve in myself even today, and Dan is still one that I remember as having what I still want in life. From the responses read on here and the email that I got - Dan touched a lot of lives. Which is how it should be. God picked Dan to leave this world a better place - along with leaving all of us with the message that we can do the same - Dan has done that many times over. To all those Northville kids that I grew up with too (kids... here I am ready to turn 40... I still can remember how tight kids were growing up in Northville - heck, all their families too) let's keep in touch. We always say that, and we always seem to let "life" get in the way. I have been on a quest over the last couple of years to change my life, finding my purpose, trying to serve others, and also to try and find as many old friends and to let them know how much they meant and still mean to me. I did not get that chance with Dan to tell him that I remember him fondly. Let's all keep in touch and not let things get in the way of it. To Kira and family along with Dennis and Sandra and family - you all were very blessed to have Dan in your life, we all were. My prayers and thoughts to all of you. God Bless us all!

Dirk Nowka

December 19, 2005

Dan will be missed. An outstanding person with a ton of class and one heck of a fastball. Our deepest sympathy and God bless his family.

-Dirk & Kristen Nowka and family

Margaret Wojcicki - Waddington

December 19, 2005

Dan,

It was great knowing you in our high school days and I am sure you lived your life full of that same youth we all remember you as having. My sympathies go out to your family at this difficult time.

Jeffrey Lauer

December 19, 2005

I have many fond memories of times spent with Dan as kids in Northville. It was back then he helped me make a connection to God. I have never forgotten that. I am sorry to hear of his passing. May God keep him close and bring comfort to his family.

John Kaley

December 17, 2005

I remember the days of playing baseball with Dan practically every day in Lexington Commons. Dan claimed to have hit 500 homeruns over the tennis courts fence. (I'm sure he did) God bless Dan's family. We are praying for you. Love, John, Karen, Emily, Anna and Benjamin.

Dale "Augie" Hongisto

December 17, 2005

All I remember about "Nellie" is being a true friend while we were college roommates at Western Michigan. Nellie helped me through tough times when I first got to Western and I truly appreciate what he had done for me. I am extremely happy I got to speak with him 2 days prior to him passing away. He seemed to be doing so well that it was a total surprise to me when I found out just a couple of days later that he had passed on. Our 15 minute conversation will always be remembered by me! He was able to recall alot of our good times that we had together at WMU. Prior to ending our conversation I told him that I felt a little silly about what I was about to tell him. I told Nellie that he meant alot to me and that I loved him for the person that he was. He responded by saying, "I love you, too Augie" This conversation took place 2 days prior to his death and I am forever grateful that we spoke after growing apart after so many years. Nellie, you will always be remembered by me, Augie!

Bob Pegrum

December 16, 2005

Nielsen Family & Friends,

I was truly saddened to learn that Danny (as I new him) passed away. Although I have not seen or talked with Dan in years, he will always be remembered to me as a great person, friend, teammate and obviously a wonderfully gifted athlete. Having to play against him and with him growing up, I sure can tell you I enjoyed playing more with him! Danny you are a wonderful human being. God bless you and all your family during this difficult time.



Love Bob Pegrum & Family

Randy Sweitzer

December 15, 2005

We'll all miss Dan's sly, "in-on-the-joke" smile. That'll always be my first thought of him. His smile.

Our thoughts and prayers are with Kira and all his family. God bless.

Ardis McLeod

December 15, 2005

Sandy, Dennis and Mike,

My heart goes out to you at this sad time. Please know that you are

in my thoughts and prayers.

Larry Nee

December 15, 2005

I always looked for the that beat up golf cart. You know the one, it had everything and anything. It looked like a mintenance and garbage cart all in one. I came to think of that cart as Dan's signature. No one else could drive it. If you saw the cart, you knew Dan was on the course, checking out details, talking with members and other players. Finding out how everyone felt about the course conditions.



We had quite a few conversations over the years. He somehow would spot me and stop by. It seemed he always had the time to speak with anyone. His friendliness was far reaching. His personality contageous. His smile, infectious. Never heard him say anything negative about anything or anyone.



I can't begin to list the number of compliments I would hear regarding the course conditions. I know the course was and is a testiment to who Dan Nielsen really was in life.



I am really going to miss not seeing that golf cart. My friend Dan would be driving and we can a chat about anything and everything.

Jerry Pawloski

December 15, 2005

Dan was the epitome of a friend. With a smile that always "lit up the room", he made everyone around him feel comfortable and welcome. From the court to the grid iron to the diamond, he was the ultimate teammate. To a man, his loyalty was unsurpassed. Dan, Steve and I will always be a trio. I cherish the memories and consider it an honor to be known as his friend. I miss you, Dan. My deepest sympathy to Mr. and Mrs. Nielsen, Mike, Kira and family. God bless.

Jerry Pawloski

Bill and Judi Bartling

December 15, 2005

We have many fond memories of Danny not only was he a good athlete but he was also an exceptional human being. He will truly be missed by all his friends. Our sympathy goes out to Dennis, Sandy, Mike, and his children.

Margaret Grojean

December 15, 2005

Our son David played on Continental Little League's Dodger's team with Tyler during the 2004 season. Dan helped Joe coach the team. My husband got to know Dan better when he took the coaches golfing one afternoon. We are so very sorry for your loss. Your family will be in our thoughts and prayers.

Michael Kaley

December 14, 2005

I am very saddened to hear about Dan's passing. I remember playing baseball with him at Northville High and he was a great person and teammate. You all are in my prayers.

David L. Longridge, III

December 14, 2005

To the Family of Daniel P. Nielson:



Dan will always have a place in my heart. As a friend and team-mate for many years, Dan always enjoyed life...and will be missed dearly. If ever one was needed to bring the "heat" or shoot a long "J", Dan was our MAN. I will miss Dan...God Bless.

Jeff Bainbridge

December 14, 2005

I was sorry to hear of Dan's passing. He was such a gentle giant in high school and always took the time to talk to a lowly underclassman like me. My prayers are with all of you.

John & Maxine Hemingway

December 14, 2005

Dear Dennis, Sandy & Mike

John & I are truly saddened to hear of the death of Dan. Our thoughts and prayers are with you at this very sad time. We remember the good times watching Dan as he pitched Western Michigan University to another win. Please know that we share your loss. You have our sincere sympathy.

Jack Harding

December 14, 2005

I have been a member at The Golf Club of Illinois for 12 years. Over the 8 or 9 years that Dan was superintendent there; I became friends with a man that was great at what he did, and moreover, truly loved what he did. I will miss his quiet but strong demeanor. My prayers go out to his family.

JoAnn Kissel

December 14, 2005

My thoughts and prayers are with you all. What a sad time.

Sue Forbes

December 14, 2005

I am very sorry to hear that Dan lost his battle with cancer. I had met Dan during his days at WMU when he played ball with my brother, John Hemingway. My thoughts & prayers are with you and your family.

Steve Frellick

December 14, 2005

Quite nearly half of my life was spent having the best friend and "brother" that a person could hope for. Dan exemplified the terms "honor" and "dedication" in how commited he was as a friend. Jerry, Dan, and I ran inseparably as the "3 Musketeers", and that friendship shaped me into the man, husband, and father that I am today. Through the loss, I believe in my heart that God just needed a new best friend, and he knew Dan would fit the bill perfectly. All my love to Dennis and Sandy. Peace.

Frel

Alice Gainer

December 14, 2005

Kira, Im so sorry for your loss. You and your family are in my prayers. Know you are loved.

Alice Gainer( your hairdresser)

Connie Conder

December 14, 2005

You have our prayers. We are so sorry. John and Connie Conder

Judy/Jim Kohl

December 14, 2005

Dennis, Sandy and Mike, We are sorry to hear that Dan lost his battle with cancer. We are thinking of you at this difficult time. Judy and Jim Kohl

John Quinn Jr

December 14, 2005

Danny will be missed. He was one of the BOYS OF NORTHVILLE HIGH SCHOOL. God bless his family and keep them well



John & Prudy Quinn Jr & Family

Don and Barbara Willoughby

December 14, 2005

We remember such a bright, talented guy next door from elementary school on to baseball career and beyond. Marge let us know, and we and our children are greatly saddened by all of your loss of son, brother, father and husband. Please know our prayers are with you today and every day.

Love, Don and Barbara Willoughby

Dave & Marge Longridge

December 13, 2005

We have fond memories of Dan playing baseball at Northville High School. He will be sadly missed. Our sympathy goes out to his family.

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