Long time Greybull, Wyoming resident, Robert (BOB) S. Nielsen, age 84, passed away Thursday, May 5, 2016 at the Thermopolis Rehabilitation and Care Center in Thermopolis, Wyoming.
Bob was born February 13, 1932 in Viborg, South Dakota to Lester and Lydia (Andersen) Nielsen. He grew up in Viborg and graduated from Viborg High School. Bob served his country as a Medical Aidman in the U.S. Army during the Korean War, receiving a Korean Service Medal with two Bronze Service Stars along with other decorations.
After returning to the states, he attended Southern State Teacher's College Trade School in Springfield, South Dakota where he met the love of his life, Betty Jean Bruce. A year later, on May 13, 1956, they were married at St. Paul Lutheran Church in Draper, South Dakota. In 1959, they moved to Thermopolis where Bob began his 35 year career with Pacific Power and Light as a journeyman lineman. With the help of Lutheran Social Services, they adopted three children, David, Steven, and Robin.
Bob loved spending time with his family and friends, but most of all he loved spending time with his grandchildren. Bob enjoyed golfing, woodworking, and gardening. He never met a stranger and could always find someone to visit with, especially if there was coffee!
Bob was a lifetime member of the Elks BPOE Lodge #1431 in Greybull, was a member of the VFW and the American Legion Post #32. He was a member of the Greybull Volunteer Fire Department for over 30 years, where he served as the Fire Chief for a number of years. Bob was very involved in the community serving as Mayor and on the Rural Health Board. He was also an active member of Peace Lutheran Church in Basin.
Bob is preceded in death by his parents, Lester and Lydia Nielsen; his brother, Duane Nielsen; and his son, David Nielsen.
Bob is survived by his loving wife, Betty Nielsen of Greybull, Wyoming; his son, Steve Nielsen of Greybull, Wyoming; his daughter, Robin and husband, Alan Brown of Worland, Wyoming; two granddaughters, Emily and Moriah Brown, both of Worland, Wyoming; and his sister, Beverly Sorensen of Columbia Falls, Montana.
A graveside funeral service will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Saturday, May 14, 2016 at the Donald J. Ruhl Memorial Cemetery in Greybull, Wyoming. Reverend Tim Trippel will officiate with burial to follow. A reception will follow at the Elks BPOE Lodge #1431 in Greybull.
Memorials in Bob's name can be sent to Big Horn Federal Savings Bank, P.O. Box 471, Greybull, Wyoming 82426.
Atwood Family Funeral Directors assisted the family with the arrangements.