Obituary of Pearl Nielsen

Pearl Nielsen, 84, passed away peacefully on January 6, 2019 following a short illness. Pearl was born on January 31, 1934 in Zion, Illinois.

Pearl was married for 64 years to Donald Nielsen who passed away in November of 2017, a loss she carried with her. “Grandma Pearl” was deeply loved by her son Richard (Diane) and daughter Sandy (Phil) Jensen and her four grandchildren Lauren (Jon) Cooke, Tara Jensen, Eric Nielsen and Emily Nielsen. She was THE best grandma who was always ready with a warm smile and good stuff from her kitchen.

Pearl worked as a secretary at Zion-Benton High School for many years then moved to a similar role at the College of Lake County. The family has received many heartwarming stories from former colleagues and students about Pearl’s indomitable spirit and unflagging sense of humor (she was the queen of puns!).

Pearl was the daughter of Paul and Vera Dreyer of Zion who preceded her in death along with two sisters, Elaine Julian and Lucille Noesges; and is survived by a third sister, Laurel Petersen of Zion. Pearl’s extended family in the Zion area felt her warmth and spirit at family gatherings for decades where Pearl was sure to have them all “in stitches”. Pearl made friends wherever she went including the Gurnee Centre Club where she and Don spent many happy hours and, more recently at Bickford in Gurnee, a senior living facility where Pearl spent the past year. The family thanks you all for your love and support of Pearl.

A private family service is pending.