Edward "Zeke" Leroy Nielsen

     Edward LeRoy “Zeke” Nielsen, the son of Lauritz M. and Astrid (Andreasen) Nielsen, was born December 3, 1925, at his parents’ home in Audubon, Iowa and died January 14, 2024, at the Audubon County Memorial Hospital in Audubon, Iowa at the age of 98 years, 1 month, and 11 days.

     Zeke was born premature and they were unsure of his longevity so the Pastor of Our Saviour’s Lutheran Church came to the home and baptized him. Zeke was placed in a cotton lined shoebox near the wood burning stove. He was fed with an I-dropper and with the nurturing of his family he survived. He was later confirmed at the church. Zeke attended the Audubon Community Schools and the Audubon High School. On December 21, 1943, he enlisted into the United States Navy. During his tour of, he duty he was stationed in the Pacific Theater and served as a turret gunner on a torpedo bomber. Zeke was honorably discharged on August 25, 1949, and returned to Audubon.

     On October 5, 1949, he was united in marriage to June Rose DeHart at Our Saviour’s Lutheran Church in Audubon. They were blessed with three children Joy, Lee, and Dean. Zeke worked for his father’s painting business and at Louie’s Standard Service Station for a short time. Zeke then was employed by Iowa Power Service as a lineman and combination (gas and electric) service man for over 37 years before he retired. Over the years Zeke, helped the city with the housing shortage by building two homes.

     Zeke was very active in the Shriner’s and took children to the Shrine Hospital in

Minnesota and also took cancer patients to various locations for treatment. Zeke served on the Our Saviour’s Lutheran Church Council. During retirement June and Zeke traveled around the United States visiting most of the states including Alaska and Hawaii. They also traveled international to Denmark, Paris, Canada, and Mexico. During the winters they enjoyed spending time at their home in Weslaco, Texas. He was an avid golfer and continued playing until last year. Zeke enjoyed his coffee group, that met at the Bakery on Broadway. He was a Lifetime member of the American Legion and Veterans of Foreign Wars. Zeke was a Mason and a member of the Shriners. He was a member of the Audubon Fire Department and had served as Fire Chief.

     Preceding him in death were his wife June Rose Nielsen; his daughter Joy Nielsen; his parents; his brother Robert and wife Marjorie Nielsen; and his brothers-in-law Gordon Gude and Arthur Camp.

     Survivors include his sons Lee and wife Norma Nielsen of Ross, Iowa and Dean and wife Jane Nielsen of Papillion, Nebraska; his six grandchildren and eight great-grandchildren; his brother and sisters Beverly Gude of Lincoln, Nebraska, Paul and wife Janet Nielsen of Harlan, Iowa, and Barbara and husband Gary McFarland of Sandy, Oregon, nieces, nephews, other relatives and many friends.

     The family will meet with friends on Sunday afternoon, January 21,2024, from 2:00 p.m. until 4:00 p.m. at the Kessler Funeral Home in Audubon, Iowa. Funeral services will be conducted by Pastor Ben Unseth on Monday morning, January 22, 2024, at 11:00 a.m. at Our Saviour’s Lutheran Church in Audubon, Iowa. Interment will be in the Maple Grove Cemetery in Audubon. The casket bearers will be Christen Auge, Dean Nielsen Jr., Benjamin Nielsen, Danielle Derry, Myles Nielsen, Logan Nielsen, Ken Auge and Curtis Derry.

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