Roger Lynn Nielsen

1942 - 2025

Roger Lynn Nielsen

August 10, 1942 - August 1, 2025

Roger Lynn Nielsen, age 82, of Crystal Lake, IA entered his eternal home with our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ on August 1st, 2025, after a long and hard-fought battle with dementia. Roger was born on August 10th, 1942, although he would joke that he was hatched since he was born by c-section. His parents, Albert and Cordelia (Ristau) Nielsen, raised him on a farm near Luverne, IA and later moved to a farm south of Hutchins, IA. He attended country school until they closed and then attended Britt High School where he graduated in 1960. He married his bride of 64 years, Beverly Gelder, on January 7th,1961.

Roger, also known as "Jolly Roger", was a man who "wore many hats". Being a husband, father, grandpa, great-grandpa, brother, farmer, carpenter, fisherman and school bus driver were among the things he cherished most. His love and devotion to his family was unwaveringly selfless. He always put others above himself and loved with every bit of his being. This was especially evident with raising his 4 daughters, whom he adored. Roger loved to rockabye his grandkids while singing "bio, bye". Not only was his love felt by those around him, Grandpa Rog was so well loved by his family too, but it didn't stop there. His approachable personality drew in others that also considered him family. His great sense of humor, radiant smile, and infectious laugh have left a lasting impression on so many hearts.

Roger farmed many years around the Britt, Crystal Lake, and Forest City areas and drove school bus for Woden Crystal Lake Titonka and Forest City Community Schools.

Roger was preceded in death by his parents, Albert and Cordelia Nielsen, his in laws, Henry and Julia Gelder, his daughter, Debra Alphs, and his son-in-law, Michael Alphs.

Roger is survived by his wife, Beverly Nielsen, daughters Pamela (Kevin) Hofmann, Kimberly (Jason) Redenius, Tara Nielsen, brothers Jerry (Joan) Nielsen, Jim (Joyce) Nielsen, Dale (Rose) Nielsen, Ron Nielsen, 12 grandkids, 10 great grandkids, and many nieces and nephews.

A Celebration of Life will be held, August 17th, 2025, at Kluver Community Center in Crystal Lake, IA from 3:00 6:00 p.m.