Dr. Gary L. Nielsen of McCook, died Thursday, December 18, 2008 at Community Hospital after a short courageous battle with inoperable pancreatic cancer. He was 63 years old.
He was born on August 31, 1945, at Tacoma, Washington to Richard Andrew and Verna Pauline (Lohr) Nielsen. At the age of two, he and his family moved to the McCook community. He attended grade school at West Ward, graduated from McCook High School in 1963, McCook Junior College in 1965, and the University of Nebraska at Lincoln in 1968 with a degree in Business Ed. He continued his education at Palmer Chiropractic School, Davenport, Iowa graduating in 1975 with a Doctor of Chiropractic Degree.
He met Patricia “Pat” Pearl Moritz in 1971, at a Christmas caroling event at the University Campus Chapel. They were later married on July 9, 1972. Two adopted sons, Matthew Gordon and Nathan Richard, joined this union. They made their home in McCook where Gary was a Dr. of Chiropractic for his brother for one year. They later went into partnership in 1976 and opened Nielsen Chiropractic Health Center.
He was a long time member of Peace Lutheran Church where he had served as past-president of the congregation and on the financial board. He loved turkey hunting, ice fishing, gardening, and going to garage sales. He was known for having a dry sense of humor and being the family jokester. He was an avid Husker and Denver Bronco fan. His most enjoyment in life came from spending time with his family, especially his grandchildren.
Preceding him in death was his mother, Verna Nielsen.
Survivors include his wife of 36 years, Pat Nielsen of McCook; father, Richard Nielsen of McCook; step-mother, Dorothy Nielsen of McCook; two sons, Matthew Nielsen and wife, Angela, and Nathan Nielsen and wife, Amanda, all of McCook; two brothers, Dr. Michael Nielsen and wife, Linda, and Ronald Nielsen all of McCook; father and mother-in-law, Gordon and Gladys Moritz of Norfolk; sister-in-law, Cindy McKusick of Keene, NH; four grandchildren, Isaac, Abigail, Alexander, and Aaron Nielsen all of McCook; numerous nieces, nephews, relatives and a host of friends.
Patty Gray (Myers) (1963)
My parents were friends with the Neilsons, and they often played cards together in the evening throughout the year. My brother and I would go along. Since Gary was my age, he and I played together the most, but we all loved hide-n'-seek the most. I suppose our church, Peace Lutheran, was the source of our parents acquaintance, but the Neilsons were wonderful people, and raised their sons to work hard, be honest, and to love family.Strangely enough, Gary was the one I sat with the Sat. night of our 45th reunion. Even though I was having a ery "large" time, he tolerated my many hugs and a couple of harmless kisses. What a neat guy. He was so sick at that point but made the valiant effort to attend the reunion dinner. God keep you in the palm of His hand, Gary.