Richard Nielsen

Richard Nielsen, 84, of Alden, passed away December 30, 2018 at Good Samaritan Society, Lyons. He was born April 15, 1934 in Alden, Kansas, the son of Orville and Dorothy Godsey Nielsen. He graduated from Alden High School with the class of 1953. Richard has been a lifetime resident of Alden and Raymond. He was a retired farmer, stockman and grader operator for Valley Township. Richard was a member of First United Methodist Church, Sterling; member of Sterling American Legion and former board member; ASCS board member; Farm Bureau board member; and former Ducks Unlimited committeeman. He served on the Raymond Centennial Board, and was a proud Sterling Schools Booster Club member. Richard served in the United States Army from November 5, 1954 until October 25, 1956. On December 9, 1956, Richard was united in marriage with Maxine E. Reed in Lyons. She preceded him in death on February 16, 2011. He is also preceded in death by his parents; and sister, Karen Boyle. He is survived by his son Steve Nielsen and wife Mary of Alden; daughter Richelle Winters and husband Faron of Salina; nine grandchildren, Shiloh Vincent and wife Lindsey of McPherson, Tanner Vincent and wife Lindsey of Wichita, Schamra Detherage and husband Matt of Hays, Kristen Murby and husband Josh of Alden, Ty Garrett of Salina, Shakota Winters of Wichita, Tyler Winters and wife Mar of Washington, D.C., Matthew Winters of Salina, and Elijah Winters of Salina; and eight great-grandchildren, Coyle Detherage, Adaire, Quinn, Liffey, Orion, Jagger and Willow Vincent, and Amyla Winters. Funeral service will be 2:00 P.M., Monday, January 7, 2019 at First United Methodist Church, Sterling with Rev. Amy Foster officiating. Burial will be at Lyons Municipal Cemetery with military honors by Ft. Riley Honor Guard. Visitation will be from 2:00 to 5:00 P.M., Sunday, January 6, 2019 at Birzer Funeral Home, Sterling with family present. Memorials can be made to Sterling USD 376 Athletic Department in care of Birzer Funeral Home, Sterling.

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