James L. Nielsen

James Lowell Nielsen was born November 15, 1936, to Helmer O. and Mildred McCloskey Nielsen in Albert Lea. He was raised in Lakes Mills, Iowa, and graduated from Lake Mills High School in 1955. On June 21, 1974, Jim was united in marriage to Dorothy Petz Anderson in Sioux Falls, South Dakota. The couple has been long-time residents of Albert Lea. Jim was active in the Moose Lodge and the Sons of the American Legion, and was a lifetime member of the Elks Lodge. He was a fun-loving man who enjoyed hosting parties and cooking for family and friends. Jim's great sense of humor made him the "life of the party." He loved camping and fishing in Canada and Northern Minnesota and looked forward to seeing his many friends when wintering in Mesa, AZ. Jim will be missed by all his family and friends. Survivors include his wife, Dorothy; Jim's son, John and his wife Debby Nielsen, grandson, Danny Nielsen; step sons: Myron and his wife, Sue Anderson, Arlyn and his wife, Paulette Anderson, and Dale Anderson; step grandchildren: Kari and her husband, Paul Placido, Lisa Anderson, Melissa Anderson, and Troy Anderson; 2 great-grandchildren; sisters, Joan and her husband, Vern Groe and Jeanne and her husband, Harold Holstad; several nieces, nephews, and cousins; 2 aunts; and close family friend, Barbara Peterson. Jim was preceded in death by his parents, Helmer and Mildred, and an infant daughter