Kenneth M. “Sarge” Neilsen of Appleton, formerly of Waupaca, age 79, died Wednesday, May 4, 2005 at his home after a three year battle with cancer. Ken was born in Waupaca, November 1, 1925 to the late Severt and Nellie (Sherman) Nielsen. On December 2, 1950, Ken was united in marriage to Ruby Cooney in Fort Sheridan, IL. The couple has enjoyed 54 years together. He served his county as a medical corpsman in the US Navy attached to the Marine Corp during World War II. In 1947 he joined the US Army, retiring in 1965. Ken then relocated to Waupaca with his family where he worked and retired from the Wisconsin Veterans Home in King in 1988.
He was a member of VFW Post 1037 in Waupaca, Knights of Columbus Council #3432, The Retired Enlisted Association Chapter 66, and St. Bernard Catholic Church in Appleton. Ken was a genuine “handyman” who sincerely enjoyed helping others, never expecting anything in return.
He will be missed by his loving wife Ruby, Appleton; his two daughters: (Private), Manitowoc; (Private) and their daughter (Private) who was the apple of grandpa’s eye, of Neenah; a son, (Private), Milwaukee; four brothers: James (Evelyn) Nielsen, TX; Everett (Germaine) Nielsen, Neenah; Thomas (Pauline) Nielsen, MN: and Eugene (Mary Pat) Nielsen, Downer’s Grove, IL; five sisters: Nora Bucks, CA; Cora (Richard) Santos, TX; Lucille Plunkett, MA; Wanda (Russell) May, Marion, WI and Patricia (Steven) Luft, AZ. He is further survived by numerous nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by a son, Patrick and three brothers: Frederick, Richard and LaVerne.
A Memorial Service will be held 1:30 p.m. Monday, May 9th at the Wisconsin Veterans Home in King with the Rev. Paul Vanden Hogen officiating. Friends may call directly in the main chapel at the veteran’s home from noon until the time of service. Inurnment will take place at the Wisconsin Veterans Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, a memorial fund has been established.
The family wishes to extend a special thank you to Dr. John Swanson, and to the staff at Theda Care at Home for the kindness, care, and concern shown to Ken.