Obituary of Donald Christian Nielsen

Donald Christian Nielsen, 94, of Beach Park, Illinois passed away on November 20, 2017 at his home.

Don was born on April 13, 1923 in Chicago, Illinois to Hildur (Nelson) Nielsen and Christian Nielsen. He grew up in Zion, Illinois and attended Zion schools. Following his service as a Naval Aviator in the Pacific in WWII, Don attended the University of Illinois and studied mathematics and engineering. He married M. Pearl Dreyer of Zion on October 24, 1953. They celebrated 64 years of married life together.  

Don had a great career as a product engineer in aerospace in California in the 1950s and later in optics at Bell and Howell in Chicago and the marine industry at Outboard Marine Corporation in Waukegan where his inventive skills led to many product patents.

Don’s happiest times were “hitting the road” when he and Pearl traveled cross-country, usually to California to visit family and enjoy the scenery. Don liked trains, planes and automobiles and working on home projects. He treasured family gatherings in his home and in Door County. He was a fantastic grandpa to his four grandchildren, Lauren (Jensen) Cooke, Tara Jensen, Eric Nielsen and Emily Nielsen, who will miss him terribly.

Along with Pearl and his grandchildren, Don is survived by his son Richard Nielsen and his wife Diane (Meyer) Nielsen of Gurnee, Illinois, daughter Sandy Jensen and her husband Phillip Jensen of Libertyville, Illinois and Lauren's husband Jon Cooke II of Indiana. Don also has a sister Rosemary McCreight in San Diego, California. Don is also survived by numerous nieces and nephews who loved “Uncle Don”. 

Don was preceded in death by his parents and a brother Richard and sister Marjorie Shea. 

On behalf of Pearl and the family, thanks for the messages of sympathy and well wishes. A private family service will be held.