Gladys Karen Nielsen

Gladys Karen Nielsen, of Longmont, Colorado, formerly of Colorado Springs, passed away February 1, 2011 at the Life Care Center of Longmont. She was 97 years old.Gladys was born on August 30, 1913 in Elk Horn, Iowa, one of eight children born to Christian and Marie (Esbeck) Larsen. She was raised on the family farm.She married Harley Nielsen on February 9, 1947 in Atlantic, Iowa. Gladys dairy farmed with her husband until 1964. She then operated Harlan Flower Shop in Harlan, Iowa from 1964 until 1971. After moving to Colorado Springs in 1973, Gladys worked at area greenhouses. Gladys was an active member of Mount Calvary Lutheran in Colorado Springs. She enjoyed flowers, gardening and sewing.She was preceded in death by her husband, Harley in May 1991, her parents, 4 sisters and 2 brothers.Gladys is survived by her son, Phillip Nielsen (Nancy) of Kirkman, Iowa; her daughter, Cindy Smith (Bob) of Johnstown, Colorado; her sister, Audrey Twist of Audubon, Iowa; eight grandchildren; twelve great-grandchildren and nieces and nephews.No local services will be held. Cremation at Ahlberg Funeral Chapel and Crematory in Longmont. Inurnment will take place at Rose Hill Cemetery in Kirkman, Iowa. Memorial contributions may be made to Mount Calvary Lutheran Church.