Pat Nielson

1928 - 2025

Patricia Ann (Gagnon) Nielson
Pat Nielson died peacefully in her home in Valley City, North Dakota, on September 25, 2025, surrounded by the love and care of her family.

Patricia Ann Gagnon was born September 4, 1928, in Fargo, ND, to parents Anna (Peterson) Gagnon and Gayle H. Gagnon of Page, ND. She was raised in Page and attended school there.

Pat married Allen Everett Nielson, of Pillsbury, ND, at Page in the Methodist Church on October 24, 1945. They lived on the Nielson family farm in Baldwin Township, where they bore four children. Pat and Allen purchased an apartment house in Valley City and moved there in 1963 but continued going to the farm in the summers. Starting in the 70s, they wintered in Cape Coral, Florida.

She was a member of the Baldwin Homemakers Club for many years. She was active in the Gideon Auxiliary, serving as State President. Pat and Allen were State Coordinators for Lay Witness Missions in the United Methodist Church, traveling extensively. They were also delegates to the church's Annual Conference for 6 years.

Pat served in several capacities at Epworth United Methodist Church in Valley City -- as Sunday School Teacher, Senior High Youth Counselor, president of United Methodist Women, and Circle chairperson. She also worked on Outreach for Missions, sang in the church choir, and chaired the Serving group.

She started Christian Women's Club in Valley City in 1976, serving as Chairman and Bible Study Coordinator, as well as other offices.

Pat and Allen volunteered both in Valley City and Cape Coral working at the hospital and delivering Meals on Wheels. Pat served with the Respite program and Rhynlander program until they dissolved. She also served on the Advisory Board of the Valley City Senior Center.

Pat and Allen traveled extensively, taking their family tenting to two World Fairs (New York, and Seattle). They later bought a motor home to travel the county. They visited all fifty states, Ireland for Lay Witness Ministry, and Israel with the United Methodist Church.

She leaves to mourn her loss daughters Sally (Mike) Didier, Valley City, ND; Nancy (Myron) Grueneich, Henrico, NC; son Steven (Mary Lee) Nielson, Valley City, ND; eight grandchildren, Michelle (Robert) Steiger, Kristy Kappel, Brad (Tiarra) Kappel, Michael (Miriam) Grueneich, Greg (Kerry) Grueneich, Peter Nielson, Matthew (Annette) Nielson, Mark (Cathy) Nielson; 16 great-grandchildren, Emily (Kaitlyn), Samuel, and Joseph Grueneich; Ethan and Maleah Steiger; Teagan and Sofia Kappel; Cameron and Gavin Barbour; Gracelyn and Bailey Grueneich; Kailee, Skye, and Lane Nielson; Anika and Lily Nielson; and many nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her life partner and best friend, Allen, husband of 66 yrs (d. July 9th, 2011); a son, George Allen, at age 5; her parents; 1 sister, Joyce Webber; and 4 brothers, Baby Brother Kent, George, Wayne, and Richard.

Visitation will be at 5:00 PM, Sunday, September 28, followed by a prayer service at 7:00 PM at Epworth United Methodist Church in Valley City. Funeral will be at 10:30 AM on Monday, September 29, at Epworth United Methodist Church. Burial will be in Woodbine Cemetery, Valley City.

Memorials can be made to the Gideons, Epworth United Methodist Church, or the VCSU Allen & Pat Nielson Scholarship.

Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to the care of Oliver-Nathan Funeral Chapel. An online guestbook is available at www.olivernathanchapel.com