Niel Nielsen

Niel Peter Nielsen, age 82, of Manhattan, passed away Sunday June 15, 2025, at the Good Shepherd Hospice House in Manhattan.
Niel was born in St. Cloud, Minnesota on July 22, 1942, the son of the late Peter and Rose (Kieko) Nielsen. He was a graduate of Sauk Rapids High School in 1960. After high school Niel worked at Thoele Dental Laboratories for five years.
Niel served in the U.S. Army and served in Saigon, Vietnam from November 10, 1965, to November 8, 1968. He served time in Fort Riley, and he received a National Defense service medal, Vietnam service medal, Vietnam Campaign medal, W-60 defense technician service medal, honor medals, sharp shooter rifle medal, and two overseas medals.
Niel married Shirley (Kaufholz) in Manhattan on August 3, 1968. Niel and Shirley have been married for almost 57 years. Niel and Shirley adopted two children, a girl, Bonnie Nielsen at three days old and a son, Bryan who was five days old.
He enjoyed and had a talent for creating things out of steel and made knives and letter openers. Niel also loved making things out of wood. Niel was a member of a Forge Club and Woodworkers Club.
Niel is survived by his wife, Shirley of Manhattan, a sister Esther Hackett of Rice Minnesota, a brother-in-law, Larry Hackett both of Rice Minnesota; sisters-in-law Sharon Neugent and Carol Kaufholz of Manhattan, and many nieces, nephews, and cousins.
He was preceded in death by his parents and his son, Bryan and his daughter Bonnie Kay.
Funeral services will be held at 10:00a.m. Tuesday June 24, 2025, at the Yorgensen-Meloan-Londeen Funeral Chapel in Manhattan, with Pastor Kevin Larson officiating. Interment with military honors will follow at the Sunrise Cemetery in Manhattan.
The Yorgensen-Meloan-Londeen Funeral Home, 1616 Poyntz Avenue, Manhattan, Kansas 66502, is assisting the family with service arrangements.