Wesley Allan Nielsen

Wesley Allan Nielsen died Friday, March 30, 2012 at his home in Pinetop, Navajo County, Arizona with his wife at his side. He was 74 years old. Wesley was born on July 9, 1937 in Pleasant Grove Township, Olmsted County, Minnesota to the late Verne and Muriel (Bernard) Nielsen. Throughout his life, Wes worked as a restaurant designer and was well-respected in his chosen career. He was a simple man who enjoyed the simple things that life had to offer. Wes loved woodcarving, all sports, being outdoors and going for long or short walks. Wes is survived by his wife, Elaine LaVonne (Shafer) Nielsen of Pinetop, Arizona; daughter, Karlene Hughes of Boone, Iowa; 2 brothers: Norman Nielsen of Pine Island, Minnesota, Ronald Nielsen of Stewartville, Minnesota; sister, Nadine Fisher of Harmony, Minnesota; 3 grandchildren: Matthew (Valarie) Whiton of Perry, Iowa, Elizabeth (Matthew) Mallinger of Des Moines, Iowa, Jeffrey Whiton of Waukee, Iowa; and 1 great-granddaughter, Natalie Whiton of Perry, Iowa. In addition to his parents, Wes was preceded in death by a son, Gary Nielsen; 2 brothers: Walter Nielsen and Robert Nielsen. Services will be held in Des Moines, Iowa and are pending at this time. Memorial contributions in Wes' name to The Humane Society of The White Mountains, P.O. Box 909, Lakeside, Arizona 85929 or to the Pinetop Fire and Rescue, 1845 S. Pine Lake Road, Pinetop, Arizona 85935 have been suggested by his family.