Ronald Edward Nielsen

Ronald Edward Nielsen of McCook died Wednesday, February 26, 2014 at Great Plains Regional MedicalCenter in North Platte. He was 71 years old. He was born on Dec. 9th, 1942 in Tacoma, Washington to Richard Andrew and Verna Pauline (Lohr) Nielsen He was baptized in January of 1943 in Tacoma. After Richard was discharged from the Coast Guard in 1946, the family moved to Vernas home town of Prairie du Sac, Wis. In 1948 the family moved to McCook, NE. Ronald was confirmed in the faith at Peace Lutheran Church where he was a life long member. In 1959 at the age of 15 he underwent heart surgery at Mayo Clinic for congenital heart problems. Ronald graduated from McCook High School in 1961. During summer vacations, he worked for Loar Electric and Kramer Electric as an electricians helper. He attended Palmer College of Chiropractic in Davenport, Iowa, graduating in 1965 with a Doctor of Chiropractic Degree. He was unable to enter practice due to health concerns, but was licensed in the state of Kansas. From 1974 thru 1987, he worked as a licensed electrician, wiring Westland Homes for R. A. Nielsen Realty. He also worked there as a carpenters helper. In addition he helped his mother at her Vernas Health Food Store from 1963 to 1978. After her death in 1978, he owned and managed Vernas Health Foods in down town McCook until the year 2000 when he was unable to continue due to health concerns. His passion for health foods and for helping others led him to enjoy gardening and sharing his knowledge with whomever he met. He loved watching old time shows and listening to old time music including rag time. He was a dedicated member of the McCook Concert Association for many years. Some of his favorite times were being with family and listening to news about his nieces and nephews and their families. Preceding him in death was his mother, Verna Nielsen on April 11, 1978, brother, Dr. Gary Nielsen on Dec. 18, 2008 and father, Richard, on Aug. 20, 2009. Survivors include his brother Dr. Michael (Linda) Nielsen, step mother Dorothy Eisenbarth, sister-in-law Patricia Nielsen, nephews Matthew (Angie) Nielsen, Nathan Nielsen, Andrew (Laura) Nielsen, nieces Amy (Robert) Stanley, and Adrienne (Guang) Zhang. He is also survived by uncles cousins and friends. Herman-Jones Funeral Home in McCook is in charge of arrangements. Visitation will be Saturday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sunday from 2 p.m. to 6 p.m. Funeral Services will be Monday, March 3, 2014 at 11:00 a.m. at Peace Lutheran Church, McCook, NE with Pastor Tom Albertson officiating. Burial will be in Memorial Park Cemetery.