RACINE – Mr. Carl V. Nielsen, 93, passed away peacefully at the Wisconsin Veterans Home – Boland Hall in Union Grove on Friday, May 1, 2015.
A lifelong resident of Racine, Carl was born on March 24, 1922, the son of the late Gotfred and Ingeborg (nee: Christensen) Nielsen. He was baptized and confirmed at Bethania Lutheran Church and graduated from Washington Park High School in 1940. On October 23, 1943, he married Lucille Yerdon in Monroe, LA.
Carl served his nation with the U.S. Army, 8th Air Force, 303rd Bomb Group, 359th Squadron. He flew 31 missions as a navigator; earning the Distinguished Flying Cross, 3 Oak Leaf Clusters and a POW Medal.
He retired from Webster Electric as a foreman after 33 years of service. He was also a longtime member of Resurrection Lutheran Church; the American Legion Post 310, the 303rd BG Association, the 8th Air Force Historical Society; and formerly a member of the Eagle’s Nest and Kenosha Country Club. Mr. Nielsen was an avid golfer, hunter, fisherman, bird watcher and gardener. He was happiest, however, when in the company of his family and friends.
In addition to his loving wife, Lucille, Carl is survived by his daughters, Carla (Jim) Wilks of Racine, Christine (Scott) Olsen of Sturtevant, Cathryn McDowell of Burlington, Connie (Mike) Suwalski of Racine; his grandchildren, Elizabeth Wilks, Jenny Workman, David (Kathy) Wilks, Lisa Wright, Jennifer (Tom) Cramsie, Michelle Wright, Benjamin Murphy, Sarah (Chris) Haase, Jessica (Chris) Lodes, Amanda Suwalski, Lindsey (Adam) Tippery, Brian Olsen; 16 great grandchildren, brother-in-law, Arnold Froode, and many nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his son-in-law, Tom McDowell; sisters and brothers-in-law, Lily (Al) Kreul, Eleanor (Bill) Kreul, Eva (Larry) Wittstock and Remore (Don) Olsen.
A private service with military honors was held in the Southern Wisconsin Veterans Memorial Cemetery on May 7, 2015. Rev. Dr. M.A. Miritz officiated. Condolences to the family may be made at www.draeger-langendorf.com.
The Nielsen family sincerely thanks Dr. Howard Short and his staff for the compassionate attention our dad received while under his care, and those on the staff at the VA in Union Grove who cared for him with kindness and dignity.
Bill @ Elba Bengtson says
Elba and I send our condolences and prayers for God’s comfort to Lucille and all your family. I recall Carl during our growing up years and our worship and participation at Messiah Lutheran Church and appreciate all he meant to you all and to the Racine community.
All the best to all the family and especially to Lucille and to Carla. with whom I attended school and was confirmed and to her husband, Jim.
Bill Bengtson
Steve Rehwinkel says
I’ve know Carl for several years through the Airport Breakfast Club. I enjoyed having breakfast w/ him & I was in awe as I learned about what he endured for our freedom. He was special.