Joseph N. Nielson

Joseph N. Nielson age 77 of Detroit Lakes, MN died Sunday May 20, 2012 at Diamond Willow in Detroit Lakes. Joseph Nicholas Nielson was born on February 1, 1935 in rural Wadena, MN to Peter and Margaret Nielson. He grew up and attended country school near his home. He served in the United States Air Force from 1952-1956 during the Korean War. Following his discharge from the service he worked as a heavy equipment operator at a gravel pit near Absaraka, ND. On June 2, 1960 he was united in marriage to Lavon Schneider in Casselton, ND. They made their home in Casselton, ND before moving to West Fargo in 1969. He worked in machine maintenance for Sioux Land Dressed Beef in West Fargo and later worked as a Construction Supervisor for various road and bridge construction companies based in ND. They moved to Detroit Lakes in 1988. Joseph finished his career working for the BNSF Railroad. Joseph enjoyed fishing, playing cards, dancing, camping, cooking and canning. He is survived by his wife Bonnie, one daughter, Kim (Lloyd) Nelson, of Forsyth, MT; one son, Joey Nielson, of Detroit Lakes, MN; five grandchildren, Craig, Ashley, Gabriel, Reece, and Alex; one brother, Peter (Jean) Nielson, of Sebeka, MN; two sisters, Alvina (Elmer) Berg, of New Brighton, MN; and Leanna Gimbler, of Roseville, MN; and several nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, eight brothers and one sister.