Harald Nielsen

Harald C. Nielsen, 82, of Peoria passed away peacefully with family by his side at 1:40am on Monday May 7, 2012 at Riverview Senior Living Community in East Peoria. He was born on April 18, 1930 in Chicago, the son of Svend and Seena Hansen Nielsen. He was married to the love of his life for 58 years, the former Eloise Soule. They married on December 19, 1953 in Mayville, MI, and she survives. Also surviving are their three children Brenda Nielsen (Terry Stone) of Champaign, IL; Paul Nielsen (Marie Mihaltin) of Farmington Hills, MI and Gloria Iannucci (John) of Dublin, OH. Further surviving are his grandchildren Tomasz Nielsen, Evan Iannucci, and Elena Iannucci, as well as one brother John Nielsen (Karen) of Potomac, MD; several nieces, great nieces, and nephews. One infant daughter, Judy Ann Nielsen, preceded him in death. He received his B.S. from St. Olaf College and his PhD in chemistry from Michigan State University. In 1957 he and Eloise moved to Peoria, where he was a research chemist for the USDA Northern Regional Research Lab until his retirement in 1986. He was a past president of AFSCME at the Lab for several years. He was active in Marriage Encounter, NARFE, as well as Us TOO. After retirement he and Eloise enjoyed traveling, camping, volunteer work and continuing education. Cremation rites have been accorded with a memorial service to be scheduled at a later date. Memorials may be given in his name to First English Lutheran Church in Peoria, where he was a long-standing member. Notes of condolences may be sent in care of Riverview or using www.peoriafuneral.com