Norval Leonard Nielsen

Norval Leonard Nielsen, 89 of Bridgeport (Redington) passed away Wednesday, February 18, 2009, at the Western Nebraska Veterans Home in Scottsbluff. His funeral service will be held on Monday, February 23, 2009, at 10:30 a.m., at the Presbyterian Church in Bridgeport with Pastors Scott Thompson and Brad Gustafson officiating. Interment will be at the Redington Cemetery in Redington. Visitation will be Sunday from 1:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. at Dugan Kramer Funeral Chapel in Scottsbluff. Memorials may be given to the First Presbyterian Church of Bridgeport, Camp Rock and First Presbyterian Church of Scottsbluff. Norval was born on December 19, 1919 to Valdimar A. and Marie (Hansen) Nielsen at Lincoln Nebraska. He grew up on a farm near Nysted, Nebraska. When he was thirteen years old he moved with his family to western Nebraska and settled on a ranch near Redington, where he attended the District School. He ranched with his father until he was inducted into the military in 1942. During World War II, he served much of his time in France and England. He returned home in December of 1945. On June 2, 1946, he married Audrey May Smith at her parent’s home in McMinnville, Oregon. After a short honeymoon they returned to Nebraska and Norval continued ranching with his father near Redington. He retired from ranching in 1986. After retirement Norval and Audrey enjoyed traveling. They went on several trips around the Untied States, Canada and Europe. When younger Norval enjoyed target shooting, hunting and was active on the Sidney, Nebraska rifle team. In the 1960’s he developed an interest in lapidary and over the years went on numerous trips throughout the Western United States to collect rocks and minerals. Norval was a life member of the VFW and a past member of the American Legion and Scottsbluff Elks Club. He was a member of the Presbyterian Church in Bridgeport and also belonged to the Presbyterian Mariners. He is survived by his sons, Eric of Bridgeport, Kim and wife Kathy of Scottsbluff, Rex and wife Lassa of Gering, 6 grandchildren and 4 great grandchildren. He is also survived by a sister, Gloria Knudsen of Oregon and brother, James Nielsen of Arkansas and several nieces and nephews. Norval was preceded in death by his wife Audrey and his parents.