Delos J. Nielsen Obituary (1936 - 2025)

Delos J. Nielsen, 88, of Gowen, Michigan, passed away on February 23, 2025, after a brief battle with cancer. The son of Hans Julius & Marion (Anderson) Nielsen, Delos was born on May 15, 1936 in Greenville and was a 1954 graduate of Greenville High School. After graduating, he went on to serve his country by enlisting in the United States Marine Corps where he attained the rank of Sergeant, was awarded the Good Conduct Medal, and served during the Korean War era. He was a life-long proud Marine! After his honorable discharge, he went to work for General Motors at the Fisher Body / Alpine Trim Plant in Grand Rapids where he worked until his retirement. On August 17, 1957, he married Helen Louise Goodwin and together enjoyed nearly 68 years of marriage and raised three children, Deb, Nancy, and Tim. Delos was determined to provide for his family and give them the life he felt they deserved. His family meant more to him than anything else in the world, something he often mentioned. Anyone who knew Delos knew that he was a loving father and husband. Delos was also a long-time member of Oakfield Baptist Church where he served as an usher and deacon. He was preceded in death by his parents; siblings, Helen Tiesma, Frances Hoppough, Rex & Shirley Nielsen; siblings-in-law, Kenneth & Margery Goodwin, Phyllis & Louis Russell, Gordon & Diane Goodwin, and Russ Varney; and a granddaughter, Brittney Krantz. Surviving are his wife, Helen Nielsen; their children, Deb & Rick VanSloten, Nancy & Al Reynhout, Tim & Tonja Nielsen; his grandchildren, Alicia & Ben Barnard, Ryan & Ashley VanSloten, Natalie Nielsen, Nicole & Derek Middlecamp, Jason VanSloten, Andrew & Kacie Nielsen, and Allison & Levi McAlvey; eleven great-grandchildren; and many nieces and nephews. A celebration of Delos’ life is being planned for later in the spring and will be announced at a future date. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that memorial contributions be directed to Oakfield Baptist Church, 11128 14 Mile Road N.E., Rockford, MI 49341 To send a message of sympathy to the family, sign Delos’ online guest book, or to share a favorite memory, please visit: www.MichiganCremation.com Cremation arrangements are entrusted to Christiansen’s Michigan Cremation & Funeral Care, Greenville, 616-754-5638, exclusive providers of Veterans Funeral Care.