Margaret Frances Nielsen

January 2, 1932  -  March 7, 2026

Margaret F. (Trail) Nielsen

Passed away March 7, 2026, at Bergan Mercy Hospital following a brief illness.

She was born January 2, 1932 at home to Doane and Frances Trail in rural Red Willow County, Nebraska. She attended McCook schools and McCook Junior College, and later attained her Bachelor of Arts degree from Chapman College in Orange, California.

Growing up in McCook, she was active in 4-H and earned numerous blue and purple ribbons at county fairs, a reflection of the dedication and pride she took in all she did. A gifted student, she was chosen to represent McCook at Nebraska Girls State. During her college years there, she was also nominated for Ivy Queen.

She was united in marriage to Dale Nielsen on June 30, 1953 at the United Methodist Church in McCook. She immediately embraced the life of an Air Force wife, supporting her husband through many assignments and managing their household with dedication and care. Her commitment to the military lifestyle was unwavering, and she ran a warm yet organized home wherever they were stationed.

In 1968, she was nominated as an Outstanding Young Woman of America. Following retirement, they settled in Lexington, Nebraska and later moved to Papillion, Nebraska in 2016. She was known for her many hobbies, her exceptional cooking, and her talents as a homemaker—her pies were especially beloved by family and friends. A skilled and generous crocheter, she lovingly created and donated more than 6,000 hats to charitable organizations around the world.

Throughout her life, she held several bookkeeping positions and also taught school in McCook and South Dakota. She remained active in her community as a member of Eastern Star, P.E.O., the Nebraska State Quilt Guild, and the Daughters of the American Revolution. She devoted countless hours to volunteer work, her church, and the care of her farm, and she found special joy in teaching children how to crochet and knit after school. She will be remembered for her intelligence, her industrious spirit, her generosity, and the love and care she showed to all who knew her.

She is survived by her husband of almost 73 years, Dale Nielsen, brother Richard (Ann) Trail, son Gary (Susan) Nielsen, daughters Karen (Dan) Hannon, Marta (Richard) Dempsey. Six Grandchildren, Tyler Nielsen, Wesley Nielsen, Portia (Dan) Kormylo, James Hannon, Erin Hannon, Katelynn (Chris) Ives. Three great grandchildren, Penn, Lev and Mack Kormylo.

A memorial service will be held on Thursday, March 19, 2026, First United Methodist Church in Lexington, NE at 11:00 am with the committal service at 1:00 pm at Fort McPherson National Cemetery in Maxwell, NE.

Memorials made in Margaret's honor will be directed by the family.

https://www.johnagentleman.com/obituaries/Margaret-Frances-Nielsen?obId=47498423