Gerald Nielsen, age 91, of Isanti died March 24, 2017 at Ecumen Parmly Care Center in Chisago City. The funeral will be held at 11 A.M. on Wednesday, March 29th at our Isanti location. Visitation will be 1 hour before the service on Wednesday. Burial will be in Springvale Baptist Cemetery.
Gerald Irving Nielsen was born on October 17, 1925 in St. Paul to Thomas and Hattie (Putnam) Nielsen. He was raised and lived his early years in St. Paul. Gerald served in the Navy during World War II. In 1946 he married Frances Noren. They made their first home in California. They lived in various places and then settled in St. Francis. In the early 1970’s they moved to Isanti. Gerald worked and retired from the post office. He was a life member of the Isanti VFW Post and he bought and sold antiques for many years. He and Fran enjoyed traveling and attending auctions. He also enjoyed gardening, canning his produce, reading, playing cribbage, doing yardwork, bird watching, and processing walnuts that he grew on his black walnut trees. He also had a black pug named Kirby that he loved.
Gerald passed away on March 24, 2017 at the Ecumen Parmly Care Center in Chisago City at the age of 91 years. Besides his parents he was preceded in death by his son, Steve, and his wife Fran. He is survived by his daughter, Sandra (Russell) Ginalski; 4 grandchildren, Anthony (Yoko) Nielsen, Jasen (Colleen) Ginalski, Stephanie (Paul) Hunt, Heather (Paul) Grein; 7 great-grandchildren; 1 great-great grandchild and other relatives and friends.