Holger J. "Hoagie" Nielsen

Holger "Hoagie" J. Nielsen

November 14, 1931 - March 17, 2024

OLYMPIA - Holger "Hoagie" J. Nielsen, 92, passed March 17, 2024 in Olympia, WA after a short illness. He was born on November 14, 1931 in Aarhus, Denmark, an only child, to Niels and Anna Nielsen.

Hoagie was raised in Kelso, WA, where he graduated from Kelso High in 1950. He was a student body leader and all-around athlete participating in football, basketball and track. He was the 1949 Washington State long jump champion holding the school record for many years. He also was a member in the Madrigal Singers group and was extensively involved in Luther League.

Hoagie graduated Midland College in Fremont, NE earning his bachelor's degree in English in 1954. He started his career with JCPenney in Berkeley, CA. During his 18 years with Penney's he was transferred several times: Longview, WA store from 1961-1966; Payette, ID store from 1966-1969 and Kennewick, WA store from 1969-1972. He finally settled as manager of the local JCPenney store in Goldendale, WA in 1972. The company eventually closed the store, but Hoagie, wanting to remain in Goldendale, acquired the Coast-to-Coast Hardware store, eventually converting to Ace Hardware until his retirement in 1996. He served as president of the Goldendale Chamber of Commerce and held leadership roles for Goldendale's centennial celebration in 1972 and the 1979 solar eclipse event.

In 1954, Hoagie married Miriam Holman, also from Kelso High and together they had three children. Early family life was camping vacations exploring Idaho and Ocean Shores (along finding the closest restaurant for breakfast) and spending time at the family spots, "The Lakes" and "The Clam Farm."

During his retirement, he and Miriam moved to Olympia to be closer to family and became avid "cruisers", embarking on 23 adventures as well as a trip to his native Denmark where they spent time with his extended family. They also enjoyed road trips especially down to the high desert areas of Nevada. He was an avid reader with a passion for opera and Mozart. He also had interests in collections including insulators, coins and antique cash registers. He will be remembered for his outgoing, friendly nature.

Hoagie is survived by his wife of 70 years, Miriam; son, John (Denise); daughters: Janet (Mark) and Jody (Tim); eight grandchildren; six great-grandchildren, relatives Marilyn and Gary (predeceased) and numerous extended family.

As remembered, the one phrase of Danish Hoagie only spoke when leaving family was "Tak Farvel", which means thank you and goodbye. Husband, Dad, Pa and Uncle....Tak Farvel. Rest in Peace. You will be missed.

A private inurnment will be held at Cowlitz View Memorial Gardens, Kelso, WA.