With his family by his side, Niels K. Nielsen passed away on June 21, 2025, at the age of 87. Niels was born March 21st, 1938, in Karby Mors, Denmark, to his parents Pete and Kate (Madsen) Nielsen.
In 1937, Pete and Kate Nielsen, along with their first-born son, Albert, traveled back to Denmark to visit family. At that time, WWII broke out and they weren’t able to return to the United States. During their time in Denmark, Niels was born. A few years later, his sister Anna was born. In the midst of those 13 years of Niels’ life in Denmark, he talked fondly of the time he shared with his grandpa. He enjoyed spending time with his grandchildren reliving the special times spent on the boat, fishing, and returning home by sea. It wasn’t until 1951 that the Nielsen family returned to the United States. Pete, Kate, and their 3 children (2 born in Denmark) spent 2 weeks on a ship traveling to New York. From there, they took the bus back home to Nebraska.
Niels enlisted in the Army at the age of 18. He completed Boot Camp, before getting honorably discharged. Niels returned home and moved with his parents to Worland, WY. At this time, Niels met Marno G McKissor. From the time of their marriage on October 9, 1964 until 1976, four children were born. Niels later married Margaret Kay Kott-Witz on October 3, 1997. It was at this time 2 more children were brought into the family.
Niels was a plumber by trade. Several years were spent plumbing side by side with his brother Albert, in Cody, WY. That is what made him love his job. In 1975, Niels and his family moved to North Platte, NE, where he continued building his career. Niels proceeded to work toward his master plumbing license, and soon became a member of the North Platte Plumbers board. Shortly after, Niels started his own business, and passed down the “tools of the trade” to his 2 sons and grandsons.
Niels enjoyed a variety of things such as dancing, watching his boys play softball across the street. It was a family tradition to play pitch, and he never missed a chance to play the slots, the Nebraska lottery, and was a huge fan of scratch tickets. He spent endless hours enjoying the company of his children and grandchildren sharing his journey through life.
Survivors include his wife, Margaret Kay Nielsen of North Platte, NE; Sons, Tim (LeeAnn) Nielsen, Thad (Stephanie Dilley) all of North Platte, NE; Daughters; Tereasa (Roger) Matticks of Waverly, NE, Tami Nielsen of Adams, NE, Malinda (Scott) Halsted of North Platte, NE, Jeff Kottwitz of Arnold, NE, Brother; David L. Nielsen of Cody, WY. Niels was blessed with many grandkids that were his pride and joy; Amanda (Justin) Roberson, Derek Nielsen (Beth Tyler) of North Platte, NE, Mike (Chelsea) Foust of Hickman, NE, Kristen (Robbie) McEwen of Seward, NE, Wendi Foust of Lincoln, NE, Brandi (Brett) Conway of Waverly, NE, Thaddeus Andrew Nielsen (Hannah Langley) and Katie (Quentin) Cranmore, Levi Nielsen and Makayla Wee of North Platte, NE, Brienne (Brook) Blomstedt and Karleigh Nielsen of Lincoln, NE, Skylar (Kayla) Kottwitz and Johnna (Zach) Richter of Gothenburg, NE, Kassidy Kottwitz (Will Aching) Wilmington, NC, Kyle Halsted of Nashville, TN, Zachary(Avrianna Hayes) Halsted of Gothenburg, NE, Bonnie (Bill) Bright of Quinten, KS, Heather (Bryan) Perales of San Antonio, TX along with numerous great grandkids.
He was proceeded in death by his parents, Pete and Kate Nielsen, Brother; Albert Nielsen, Sister; Anna (Nielsen) Herman, and many special Aunts, Uncles and Cousins.
Funeral Service will be at 2:00 p.m. on June 26, 2025 at Carpenter Memorial Chapel with Pastor Job Vigil officiating. Visitation will be from Noon until 7:00 p.m. on June 25, 2025 at Carpenter Memorial Chapel with the family receiving friends from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.
Memorials may be made to the family the Nielsen memorial fund to help defray expenses. Online condolences and expressions of sympathy may be shared with the family at www.carpentermemorial.com. Carpenter Memorial Chapel is entrusted with the arrangements.