Arne R. Nilsen

He was born in Brooklyn, New York, May 30, 1926, the son of Rudolph and Anne (Larson) Nilsen. He was a resident of Deer Park, Long Island, NY for many years.

An accomplished carpenter, Mr. Nilsen worked his trade for many years on Long Island.

Following retirement, he and his wife, Ethel, moved to Goshen, NH in 1990, where they resided for several years before moving to Keene in 2010.

He was an accomplished artist and craftsman, most famous for his rocking horses, wood toys and oil paintings. He also enjoyed deer hunting.

He was a member of the Keene Senior Center, Sons of Norway, Keene Art Association, and Boys Scouts of America. He was also a member of the Frist Congregational Church United Church of Christ in Swanzey.

Mr. Nilsen is survived by his wife of 65 years, Ethel M. (Thompson) Nilsen of Keene; three daughters, Karen Kulick and her husband, Thomas, of Goffstown, NH, Linda Smith and her husband, Douglas, of Swanzey, NH, Christine Nilsen of Elsmere, DE; five grandchildren; six great-grandchildren, and many nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by four brothers, Carsten Nilsen, Henry Nilsen, Roy Nilsen, and Alfred Nilsen.

A memorial service will be held Sunday, November 15, 2015 at 2:00PM in the First Congregational Church United Church of Christ, 695 Old Homestead Highway, Swanzey. Rev. Damon Anderson, pastor, will officiate. Burial in the Goshen Village Cemetery will be private.

For those who wish, donations may be made in Mr. Nilsen’s memory to the First Congregational Church United Church of Christ, PO Box 10041, Swanzey, NH 03446.

The Foley Funeral Home of Keene, is assisting the family with the arrangements.