Kenneth (Ken) Nielsen, age 86, of Broken Bow, NE passed away Friday, February 16, 2024, at Brookstone View in Broken Bow.
Kenneth (Ken) Nielsen was born to Hans and Irma Nielsen July 7, 1937, south of the Basin near Mason City, NE.
He attended elementary schools in several country schools. The family moved to Ansley, NE, and he completed the rest of his education there. Following his high school graduation in 1955, Ken joined the army. He spent 31 months in Germany in the MedCor. He was honorably discharged in 1958.
Ken married Aletha Imogene (Jean) McNulty in 1963. A son Ricky Dean Nielsen was born November 28, 1964. Ken and Jean divorced in 1967.
He was employed by various companies, then in 1972 went to work as assistant manager for Cash and Carry Lumber in Broken Bow, NE. He worked there for twenty-seven years and retired in 1999.
Ken married Olive (Mills) Turner in 1968. Olive had three children, Joseph, Toni, and Terri. A son, Scott Michael, was born and they became a yours, mine, and ours family. Ken and Olive were married 55 years.
Ken enjoyed hunting, fishing, bowling, and playing pool.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Hans and Irma Nielsen, his father and mother-in-law, Fred and Clara Mills, and stepdaughter, Toni M. Turner and son-in-law James Oehm.
Those left to cherish his memory are his wife, Olive; three sons: step-son, Joseph Turner of Des Moines, IA, Ricky Nielsen of Sheldon, IA, and Scott (Mary Ann) Nielsen of Grand Island NE; step-daughter, Terri Oehm of Gretna, NE; sister, Linda Cure (Ralph); brothers: Richard (Javene), Marvin (Chris) and Ronnie; also two grandsons: Breckan and Nathan Nielsen.
Memorial services will be held 1:00 p.m., Thursday, February 22, 2024, at the Third City Christian Church in Broken Bow. Inurnment will follow at the Broken Bow Cemetery with military honors by the Nebraska National Guard.
Memorial contributions may be made in Ken’s name and will be designated at a later time.
Govier Brothers Mortuary are in charge of arrangements. Online condolences may be left at www.govierbrothers.com.