Dennis Eugene Nielsen

Dennis Eugene Nielsen, our beloved husband, father, family member and friend, passed away peacefully on November 5, 2020, in Lakeway, Texas. Dennis was 78 years old. He was born in Sioux Falls, South Dakota on March 9, 1942, to Nanfeldt and Helen Nielsen. Dennis, along with his three sisters and brother, grew up on the family farm in Viborg, South Dakota. He attended high school there and was an accomplished athlete lettering in multiple sports. Dennis was also a star center on the basketball team!

Dennis met his wife Sheryl Christensen of Hurley, South Dakota and married her on August 27, 1961. After starting his career with Sturm Freightways Trucking Company, he and Sheryl began their family. They had two wonderful sons, Mike and Rod, and a beautiful daughter, Angela. They moved to Indianola, Iowa in 1971 and eventually Morton/Peoria, Illinois in 1981, as he rose in the ranks to Vice President with his company. Dennis then made a career change to Uftring Ford car dealership in Peoria in order to follow his love of cars and utilize his natural people skills, helping him to earn multiple “Salesman of the Year” awards.

Dennis was a loving husband to Sheryl for 59 years and they had a ball together! They went out dancing often and were members of the Wharf Harbour Yacht Club in Peoria, Illinois for over 15 years. He captained many boats, but his favorite was the “Silver Dream”. She was a 36-foot Silverton in which they cruised the Illinois River with their lifelong friends, who they are still close with today. Dennis also LOVED the game of golf; watching golf, playing golf, getting dressed for golf and getting golf clubs as gifts! He took pride in his meticulously manicured lawn and his automobiles; keeping them in mint condition with the help of his teenage children by instilling in them a strong work ethic by waking them up extra early on Saturday mornings for chores! All three of his kids are proud and successful today because of that. He had a quick smile, was a sharp dresser, fabulous dancer, and liked good food and cold beer.

Most of all, Dennis was fun-loving and never knew a stranger. His grandchildren adored him and his playful nature. He was their favorite Santa Claus, Zorro and early morning pancake date. He would not-so-secretly let them eat dessert before breakfast.

Dennis is survived by his loving wife Sheryl; his sons, Mike and wife Melanie, Rod and wife Jenny and daughter Angela and husband Mike Mosley; grandchildren Katie Nielsen, Ava Nielsen, Tess Nielsen Rachel Loos, Renee Loos, Reed Mosley, Ryan Mosley and Ben Mosley; sisters Mary Peterson, Bonnie Sherard and Roxie and husband Ralph Heirigs; cousins Terry and wife Karen Nielsen and many more; as well as an abundance of cherished nieces and nephews.

The family would like to thank everyone for their love and support during this time. Services will be held at Lakeway Church and interment at Memorial Gardens immediately following. The services will be held Saturday, November 28, 2020, at 2:00 PM.