Norman Harry Nielson, 90

Norman Harry Nielsen passed away on December 27, 2009 at the LakeWood Health Center at the age of 90.
Norman was born on April 4, 1919, in Indus, MN to Sarah Jeanette (Scholta) and Howard W. Nielsen. He moved with his family to Westhope, ND in 1923, later returning to Loman, MN and attending school in Indus. Following his High School graduation from Indus in 1936, he moved to Baudette and worked on the International Ferry with his father for J.W. Collins. He later volunteered for the U.S. Army in June of 1941 and served until his honorable discharge in August of 1945, after serving 50 months with the 3rd Armored Division, earning 5 campaign stars, the Silver Star, Bronze Star and the Purple Heart. He returned to work on the ferry that was then owned by his father Howard Nielsen. He and Jessie Sawchuk were united in marriage on December 7, 1946. Norm was employed by Rowell Laboratories from 1951 until his retirement in 1986.
Norm was very active in the community, including coaching youth hockey, a goal judge at hockey games for many years, a member of the American Legion, the Sacred Heart Catholic Church, and President of the Twin City Athletic Club. He truly enjoyed getting his family together at his lake cabin in Ontario. He was an active outdoorsman and loved to hunt, fish walleye and garden. He was an avid reader and was known for making his own horseradish.
Norman is survived by his wife, Jessie; son, William (Cheryl) of Sauk Rapids, MN; daughter, Kathy Caldwell of Baudette; grandchildren, William, Brent and Tony; great-grandchildren, William, Sophia, Reese, Kiley, and Blake; and brother, Robert E. Nielsen of Midland, TX.
He was preceded in death by his parents; and brothers, Donald and Jack.
Memorial services was held on Wednesday, December 30th at 10 AM at the Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Baudette. Interment was at the Elm Park Cemetery. Military honors by the Baudette Ceremonial Squad.
Online guest book at: www.helgesonfuneralhome.com
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