Arnold L. Nielsen

Arnold L. Nielsen, 90, of Omaha, formerly of Grand Island, died Saturday, September 13, 2014 at Hospice House in Omaha.

Services will be at 1 pm on Wednesday, September 17, 2014, at Apfel Funeral Home in Grand Island. Interment will be at the Grand Island City Cemetery. Visitation will be from 12 noon until service time at the funeral home. Memorials are suggested to Hospice House in Omaha. Apfel Funeral Home is serving the family.

Arnold L. Nielsen was born on February 15, 1924 at Grand Island, NE, the son of John and Bertha (Eggers) Nielsen. He grew up in Grand Island and attended Grand Island Public Schools.

Arnold entered the United States Army in 1943, serving two tours of duty before being honorably discharged in 1952. He proudly served his country during World War II and also during the Korean War.

Arnold married Betty Marth on December 4, 1943 at Grand Island. The couple lived in Grand Island until moving to Omaha in 1955. Arnold and Betty were married for 61 years prior to Bettys death in 2004. Arnold had 44 years of service with the Union Pacific Railroad as a Carman up until his retirement.

Arnold was a member of St. Pauls Lutheran Church in Grand Island, Past President and Life Member of the Union Pacific Old Timers Club, member of the American Legion, the Liederkranz and the Platt Duetsch, and he was an avid card player. Arnold also enjoyed tinkering and fixing things, traveling with their high school mini class reunions and camping with his family.

Arnold is survived by a son and daughter-in-law; John and Michelle Nielsen of Omaha, six grandchildren; Traci and Terry Haugh, Rob and Melony Rongisch, Scott and Julie Nielsen, Andrea and Craig Fullerton, Laura and Josh Molinaro and Eric and Rachel Nielsen, nine great-grandchildren; Samantha Sisson, Whitney, Emily and Trey Rongisch, Owen and Bella Nielsen, Caden and Kylie Fullerton, and Jadon Molinaro, a brother; Rilley and Joanne Nielsen of Grand Island, and numerous nieces and nephews.

Arnold was preceded in death by his parents, his wife Betty (Marth) Nielsen, his daughter, Judy Rongisch, and infant brother Raymond.