Racine – Reynold I. “Rey” Nielsen, 88, passed away peacefully at Wheaton Franciscan – All Saints Medical Center Cardiovascular Unit on Thursday, July 2, 2009. A lifetime resident, Rey was born in Racine on June 6, 1921 to the late Niels and Elsie (nee: Svenningsen) Nielsen. A 1940 graduate of William Horlick High School, he faithfully served our country with the United States Navy in WWII. On February 8, 1947 in the parsonage of St. Stanislaus Catholic Church, Rey was united in marriage with the love of his life, Evelyn Kucharski. He was employed as an Item Control Supervisor for Goldblatt’s Department Store until his retirement in 1981. Among his interests, Rey was an avid reader; liked to keep in shape by hiking and swimming; and enjoyed watching sports of all sorts….including golf, baseball and football. Rey loved and cherished being in the surroundings of his entire family. Surviving are his loving wife of over 62 years, Evelyn; their children, Daniel (Elizabeth) Nielsen, Janet (Kim) Berard, John (Lisa) Nielsen, Allan (Deborah) Nielsen, Patricia Nielsen and Anthony Nielsen; 17 grandchildren; 12 great-grandchildren; and 1 great-great- granddaughter; sister-in-law, Nora Nielsen; brother-in-law, Raymond (Helen) Kucharski; many special nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends too numerous to mention by name. In addition to his parents, Rey was preceded in death by his son, Mark Nielsen; daughter, Elizabeth Nielsen; sisters, Verne, Marge, Beatrice and Hattie; brothers, Eugene, Carl, Fred, Kenneth and Allan; and Evelyn’s parents, John and Kasmira Kucharski. In accordance with Rey’s wishes, cremation will take place. A memorial service will be celebrated in the funeral home on Wednesday, July 8, 2009 at 11:00 am with Rev. Richard J. Molter officiating. Interment will follow in Holy Cross Cemetery, Hwy 32. Visitation will be in the funeral home on Wednesday from 10-11 am. A special note of thanks to Dr. Howard Short for the many years of being Rey’s dedicated cardiologist and to the entire staff of All Saints Cardiovascular ICU for the compassionate care and support so warmly extended to Rey and to our family. May God bless all of you!
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