William A Neilsen

Lake Crystal Mortuary 648 S Main St Lake Crystal, MN 56055 507-726-6161 William A. Neilsen William "Bill" Neilsen, age 87 of Lake Crystal, passed away on Wednesday, October 15, 2014 at Hillcrest Health Care Center, Mankato. A Mass of Christian Burial will be 10:30 a.m., Saturday, October 18, 2014 at Holy Family Catholic Church, Lake Crystal with Fr. Tim Biren officiating. A visitation will be from 4-7 p.m. Friday, October 17, 2014 at Lake Crystal Mortuary and will continue one hour prior to the service at the church. Burial will be at Glenwood Cemetery, Mankato. Bill was born on July 31, 1927 to Ernest William and Harriet (Knapp) Neilsen in Mankato, MN. Bill graduated from Mankato High School and continued his education at Minnesota School of Business, Minneapolis, MN. Bill joined the Army Signal Corps in 1945, was a World War II veteran and served in Korea in the Pacific. Bill was united in marriage to Catherine Witty on July 30, 1949. Catherine passed away on September 20, 2006. Bill's career history included Neil Neilsen Inc. Florist, Mankato, MN, Floral Land Florist, North Mankato, MN, George Ball Inc., West Chicago, IL, Wolfe Wholesale Florist, Waco, TX, Mankato Wholesale Florist, Mankato, MN, Wilcox Nursery, Santa Barbara, CA, Hubbard Milling Company, Mankato, MN and was a bus driver for the Lake Crystal School District. Bill was an AFLCIO local president for Hubbard Milling Co. and was active member, leader, and sponsor for Al-Anon for more than 40 years. Bill and Catherine enjoyed going square dancing together and were weekly lifelong patrons of the Wagon Wheel, Mankato. Bill also enjoyed fishing, was a private pilot, an avid Minnesota Vikings and Twins fan, and an active member of Holy Family Parrish, Lake Crystal. Bill is survived by his children, Carolynn (Mark) Kraus, Ernest William (Barbara) Neilsen, Mary (Arnie) Billmark, Dr. William Neilsen, and Edward Neilsen; seven grandchildren, Amy Sloan Merkley, Michael Neilsen, Kimberly (Brett Anderson) Neilsen, John William Larson, Bailey Catherine Jarvis, Christopher Neilsen, and Dr. William James Neilsen (Heather); 8 great-grandchildren; sister-in-law, Mary Ann Kubal; and cousin, Arlene Neilsen. Bill is preceded in death by his parents; his wife; and two brothers, Neil and Paul.