Carl Nielsen

Carl G. Nielsen, 58, of Atlantic, Iowa, passed away Saturday, August 22, 2009, at Creighton University Medical Center in Omaha, Nebraska.

Carl Gene Nielsen was born March 28, 1951, the son of Leroy "Dane" and Lola Mae (Highsmith) Nielsen in Atlantic, Iowa. He attended school in Atlantic, graduating from Atlantic High School in 1969.

On January 16, 1971, he was united in marriage to Janet Lee Rabe at St. John's Church of Christ in Lyman, Iowa. Three children were born to this union.

Following graduation, Carl was employed by the Highway Commission until he enlisted in the United States Air Force in 1971. After his discharge in 1976, he was employed by the United States Postal Service as a mail carrier. He retired in 2008, after 32 years of service.

Carl was a member of the Atlantic United Church of Christ, the Elk's Club, the Nishna Hills Golf Course and was a member of the National Association of Retired Federal Employees (NARFE).

He was a friendly, soft spoken man with a kind word for everyone and a great sense of humor. Part of his everyday mail delivery route was the downtown area of Atlantic. He valued the opportunity to get to know the people on his route and created many friendships along the way.

In his leisure time he enjoyed bowling, fishing, golfing and driving his dream car, the Corvette, which he acquired about a year ago. His greatest joy came from the time he was able to spend with family and friends. Retirement made it possible for him to enjoy even more precious moments with the grandchildren he adored.

Carl is survived by his wife, Janet; his children, Brenda Nielsen, Beth (Jason) O'Brien and Brian Nielsen all of Atlantic; his mother, Lola Nielsen-Weuve of State Center, Iowa; his grandchildren, Austin and Hannah Alff, and Tanner and Tyson O'Brien all of Atlantic; his sisters, Susan (Ray) Guffey of Stanton, Iowa, and Ann (Jerry) Richardson of Omaha, Nebraska; his sisters-in-law, Janice (James) Gaines of South Bend, Indiana, Diane (Kelly) Curtis of Schleswig, Iowa, and Sherry (Mike) Pelzer of Griswold, Iowa; many nieces, nephews, other relatives and countless friends.

He is preceded in death by his father, Leroy "Dane" Nielsen; his stepfather, Dale Weuve; his brother, Roger Nielsen; and his parents-in-law, Maurice and Mary Rabe.

Funeral services will be held on Wednesday, August 26, 2009, at 10:30 a.m. at the United Church of Christ in Atlantic, Iowa.

Burial will be in the Atlantic Cemetery.

Visitation will be held on Tuesday, August 25, 2009, with the family present to greet friends from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. at Hockenberry Family Care in Atlantic.

Hockenberry Family Care in Atlantic, Iowa, is in charge of arrangements.