Ben Neilson

Ben Neilson was born in Bad Nauheim Germany to Irmgard Ihls and Sergeant Andrew Neilson on January 3, 1947. He lived his early childhood in Frankfurt Germany. His father was a Sergeant in the US Army and moved the family often. Ben was typically the “new kid in town” and had to work hard to make quick friendships. He was very witty and made friends easily. He was most known for being a stand out athlete. Upon graduation from Central High School in 1966, Ben joined the United States Army at the tender age of 19. He served 2 tours in Viet-Nam in the Army’s 9th Infantry Division in the Me Kong Delta Region. While in Viet Nam he was promoted to Sergeant and was attached to the 7th Division Rangers. Following his return in 1969 he attended Southern Colorado State College where he majored in Education and was a stand-out football player. Following his educational pursuits he was invited to try out for the Minnesota Vikings. Unfortunately, Ben tore his ACL and never competed at the professional level. However, that didn’t hinder his competitiveness. He was an avid weight lifter and competed in numerous Body Building competitions. He placed in numerous competitions and won Mr. Southern Colorado Open in 1985.

Professionally, Ben was a highly regarded Colorado State Patrolman. He retired from the force in 2002 having faithfully served the State of Colorado for 28 years. One of his assignments was to act as a personal Security for the Governor of Colorado. He also was on the set of Chevy Chase’s movie “Vacation” where he shared barbs with Chevy.

After a wirl wind romance, Ben was married to Ethel Mitchell on March 17th, 1973. They were blessed to be married for 41 years and 11 months. Ben has 4 children: Edward and wife Dr. Kelly Russell, Shannon and husband Lawrence McPherson, Kim and husband John Blossom and Ben Jr. and Maggie Neilson. He has 8 adoring grandchildren: Alyssa Neilson, Air Force Sergeant Jeremy Neilson, Gillian Bland, Ronan Neilson, Michael McPherson, Caitlynn McPherson, Destiny and Dominic Blossom. Ben also has 3 amazing great grandchildren: Violet, Penelope and Oliver Brown. He is survived by his cousins Linda Neilson, Nancy & Frank Crandall and Peter and Ulla Jung of Altena, Germany. He is also survived by many loving in-laws. He and his wife were blessed to travel throughout his homeland of Germany, Switzerland, Holland, Belgium, France, Mexico and all parts of the United States. His hobbies included reading, creating miniature war dioramas and building models. He has two rooms in his home dedicated to these dioramas.

He is preceded in death by his parents Irmgard and Andrew Neilson, his Omi and Opa Jaunish and many other relatives. As his health declined during the last 2 years of his life he was cared for by his devoted wife Ethel, children Ben and Shannon and grandchild Alyssa. He was also blessed by the friendship and compassionate care of Shirley Andrews. He had many friends and loved ones and will be greatly missed.

In lieu of flowers please make donations to the Wounded Warriors Project or Paws for Life.