Jean Nielsen

JEAN ANN NIELSEN was born on May 25, 1946, to John and Lucille (Matheson) Langford in Menomonie, Wisconsin, where she was raised and attended school. After graduating from high school, Jean moved to Minneapolis where she attended college for two years and earned her Associate of Arts degree in Medical Technology. She then relocated to Ivanhoe, Minnesota, where she began her first job as a lab and x-ray technician. A short time later, she was introduced to the man she would later marry, Dale Nielsen, at a mutual friend’s housewarming party. Jean relocated back to Menomonie where she worked for a year. Jean and Dale were united in marriage here on May 4, 1968 and celebrated 50 years of marriage together. The couple made their first home on a farm just south of Tyler, Minnesota. Jean began working as a medical technologist for Dr. Mulder in Ivanhoe, before she transferred to the Ivanhoe Hospital. Years later, Jean worked as a health coordinator at the RTR school in Tyler and also helped at the REM home. She later transitioned careers and worked at Minnesota West Technical School in customized training for 20 years prior to her retirement in 2013. Jean and Dale continued to share their home in Tyler until Jean’s passing on Saturday, September 29, 2018 at the Avera Tyler Hospital at the age of 72 years, 4 months, and 4 days.

Jean was an avid bridge player, loved to play games (especially when she was winning), and faithfully cheered on the Green Bay packers. She enjoyed going out for coffee with friends and loved to laugh. Jean spent a lot of time cooking, sometimes while singing “I Feel Pretty.” Her grandchildren were especially dear to her. She will be remembered for being a great friend and always being there when she was needed by friends and family. Jean will truly be missed.

Grateful for having shared her life are Jean’s husband, Dale of Tyler; children, Aaron (Kirsten) Nielsen of Arden Hills, Minnesota, Becca Nielsen of Marshall, Minnesota, and Kristian (Katy) Nielsen of Bakersfield, California; grandchildren, Madeline, Henry, Haley, and Jack Nielsen; brothers, John (Patti) and Bill (Carol) Langford; and many nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents, John and Lucille, and her aunts and uncles.

Memorials may be directed to the Dementia Society of America.