Christian Lance Nielsen

Christian Lance Nielsen passed away July 15, 2024 in Brooksville, FL. Lance was born on November 2, 1943 to Christian and Ruth Beckley Nielsen. He grew up in West Palm Beach and loved to fish and especially loved the game of teasing his older sister. Lance graduated from Palm Beach High School, where in his junior year he traded in his marching band trumpet for a varsity football jersey. He received a scholarship to play football at Wichita State University. While in Kansas he met his wife, Mary Ann Hopper. Together, they raised four wonderful children.

After college, Lance enter the Army as a captain. His first stop was Germany before leaving for Vietnam. Lance was awarded the Bronze Star Medal for meritorious service while serving as an Intelligence Staff officer. After Vietnam, Lance worked for Pratt & Lambert until his retirement.

Lance was well-known for his wicked sense of humor and joyfulness. In his presence, he could make any dark cloud disappear. His silliness and infectious laughter will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved him.

Lance is survived by his wife Deborah Nielsen; sister, Ann Nielsen Kenney; his children, Barbara Nielsen Tatum, Byron Nielsen (Kate), Andrew Nielsen; his grandchildren Madison Tatum, William Tatum, Nicholas Nielsen, Spencer Nielsen (mother, Mary Nielsen). His step grandchildren Kessany and Kameron Parry. He is predeceased in death by his son Christian and his brother-in-law, Fred Kenney.