Kenneth Neilson, Sr.

In Loving Memory
Kenneth G. Neilson
June 10, 1927 - January 13, 2022

The family requests that memorials be given to:
Bethel Lutheran Church in Graettinger
Graettinger American Legion

VISITATION
Saturday, January 22, 2022
9:30 - 10:30 A.M.
Martin-Mattice Funeral Home
Emmetsburg, Iowa

SERVICE
Saturday, January 22, 2022
10:30 A.M.
Martin-Mattice Funeral Home
Emmetsburg, Iowa

CLERGY
Rev. John Wolf
Bethel Lutheran Church
Graettinger, Iowa

INTERMENT
Eastside Cemetery
Estherville, Iowa

Kenneth George Neilson, Sr., son of George and Rachel (Holte) Neilson, was born June 10, 1927 in Iowa.  He left school early to serve his country. Kenneth served as an Able Seaman during WWII.  In March, 1945, Kenneth was serving on the SS John Howard Payne.  They received word that they were to locate and assist possible survivors of a downed Army plane in the Pacific Ocean.  Upon reaching the aircraft in darkness, a systematic search was conducted and continued for several hours.  The seaman finally sighted a flare which proved to be from the plane’s  life raft, supporting two Army servicemen.  Weather  conditions were unfavorable for rescue but Neilson and another seaman entered a life boat and made the rescue of the survivors.  Kenneth G. Neilson was awarded the Meritorious Service Award for this heroic effort.

Upon returning home, Kenneth worked with his family’s trucking and shelling business.  He later was employed at Boggess Construction and then began his own independent trucking firm, hauling grain.  Kenneth retired due to health issues.

Kenneth was a member of the Graettinger American Legion, the National Rodeo Association, the N.R.A. and Disabled American Veterans Organization.   Kenneth was very proud of his military service.

Kenneth loved attending rodeos and in his younger years had participated in rodeos.   He also enjoyed going to horse sales.  Kenneth helped at the children’s home in Forest City.

Kenneth passed away Thursday, January 13, 2022 at Lakeside Lutheran Home in Emmetsburg, Iowa, at the age of 94.  He was preceded in death by his parents, George and Rachel Neilson; a son in infancy, Curt Neilson;  sister, Glenadine Boecker; and son-in-law, James De Berg.

He is survived by his children, Don Nita De Berg of Sibley, Iowa, Kenneth Neilson, Jr. of Graettinger, Iowa, Michelle Neilson of Sioux Falls, South Dakota, Brian Neilson of Sioux Falls, South Dakota, David (Lynn) Neilson of Graettinger, Iowa; six grandchildren; five great grandchildren; as well as many other relatives and friends.

Arrangements by Martin-Mattice Funeral Home