Peter A. Nielsen

Peter A. Nielsen, 70, passed away Tuesday, November 14, 2023 in his home, surrounded by family and friends.

Pete was born on July 30, 1953 in South Bend to Robert and Phyllis (Hertel) Nielsen.  He was a Vietnam Army veteran and retired from Hass Wholesale Millworks.  Pete loved spending time on his property, swimming in his pond, nature, wildlife, seeing his friends at Crossfit South Bend, and running around the property with his best friend Angel; his Pit Bull pup.  One of the greatest joys of his life was building a home for his daughter and son-in-law.

Pete dedicated his retirement years to caring for his dad before his passing and then his mother.  He lived a life of sacrifice and selflessness.  Pete had a profound impact on so many people in the extended community.  He was a gifted carpenter who used his skills to help make people’s dreams come true.  He would regularly tell Fay; “God gave me a gift and I only need to make what I need to survive on from contracting jobs.”  Pete was a one-of-a-kind guy who will be sorely missed by everyone who knew him.  He was a man who left everyone and everything better than he found it.  His greatest legacy was how he lived and worked all for the glory of God. We have hope knowing his last breath here on earth meant he got to open his eyes and behold the face of his Savior, Jesus Christ.   

Pete was married to the former Valerie Boyer, the love his live, twice (it’s a good story).  She preceded him in death in June of 2011.  His father, Robert Nielsen, a brother, Andrew Nielsen, and a brother-in-law, Steve Nellis, and a sister-in-law, Shirley Nielsen, also preceded Pete in death.

Surviving are his daughter Fay (Matthew) Flournoy, mother Phyllis Nielsen, sister Cherie Nellis, brother Greg (Diana) Nielsen, sister-in-law Betsey Nielsen, nieces and nephews, and a small group of friends that were a whole lot more like family than just friends. 

“His master replied, ‘Well done, good and faithful servant! You have been faithful with a few things; I will put you in charge of many things. Come and share your master’s happiness!”  (Matthew 25:23)

“Even in darkness light dawns for the upright    for those who are gracious and compassionate and righteous.  Good will come to those who are generous and lend freely, who conduct their affairs with justice.  Surely the righteous will never be shaken;   they will be remembered forever.  They will have no fear of bad news;   their hearts are steadfast, trusting in the Lord.” (Psalms 112:4-7)

Cremation has taken place.  A Celebration of Life will be held at 11:00am Saturday, November 18, 2023 in the North Liberty Church of Christ, 65225 State Road 23, North Liberty, IN 46554 with a luncheon to follow.  Memorial contributions may be made to the Center for Hospice Care, 501 Comfort Place, Mishawaka, IN 46545 or cfhcare.org 

Zahoran Funeral Home has been entrusted with arrangements.  To leave an online condolence visit our website www.zahoran.com.

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