Duane A. Nielsen
Apr 1, 1922 - Feb 17, 2018
duane A. Nielsen, 95, originally of Rock Falls, IL, died Saturday, February 17, 2018 at Genesis Health Group in DeWitt, IA. He previously was in assisted living in Davenport, IA.
Duane was born April 1, 1922 in New Sterling, Jackson County, IA, the son of Nels C. and Grace L. (Bristol) Nielsen. After graduation from Clinton High School in 1941, he was employed by Climax Engineering for 10 years. He married Ruby Ryan in 1943. A son, Terry Lee, was born from that marriage. Duane later married Jacqueline McDermott on December 17, 1955 who passed away on December 2, 1998. Jacqueline had a daughter, Shirley, whom Duane adopted. On January 29, 2000, he married Marjorie Stewart in Rock Falls, IL. She passed away on November 18, 2017.
Duane was a World War II Marine Veteran with service in China during the war. He was a Clinton, IA policeman from November 1950 to his retirement in February 1978. He retired as Detective Sergeant. Duane was an avid outdoorsman, enjoying fishing, hunting and golf. He also was on a bowling league for many years. He was very active in the Rock Falls American Legion (Post 902) for 17 years and was elected Commander of the 2nd Division in 2010. He was also Finance Officer for four years, Honor Guard at Military funerals and was instrumental in building the American flag disposal container at the Legion. He was also very active in the Kiwanis Club (past President) and Salvation Army. He was devoted to these organizations and served them well.
He is survived by a son, Terry, of Pensacola, FL, a daughter, Shirley (Russell) Rockwell, of Clinton, IA and a stepson, Ronald (Merry) Stewart of Davenport, IA. He is also survived by six grandchildren: Pamela Skelton, Wendy (Greg) Lind, Lara (Eric) Hodnett, Dallas Nielsen, Terry Nielsen II and Douglas Bromley and ten step-grandchildren, Steven, Robert, Michael Colombe, Bill and Laurie Bromley, John and Jason Stewart, Marsha (John) Shambalin, Michelle Stewart and Lisa (Todd) Peery. He has 27 great-grandchildren and 7 great, great-grandchildren. He is survived by a sister, Nola Nielsen of Darien, IL. Duane was preceded in death by his parents, one brother, Chesley Nielsen, one sister, Bonnie (John) Rochford, one grandson, Wayne Bromley and one stepson Larry (Donna) Stewart.
Visitation will be on Thursday, February 22, 2018 from 9:00 to 11:00 A.M. at Immanuel Evangelical Lutheran Church, 501 8th Avenue, Rock Falls. Funeral service will follow at 11:00 A.M. at the church with the Reverend Bree Truax officiating. A military ceremony will follow. A private burial will be at Clinton Lawn Cemetery in Clinton, IA. Lunch will follow after the funeral at the church.
Memorials can be made in Duane's memory to the American Legion (Post 902) at 712 4th Avenue, Rock Falls, IL and the Immanuel Evangelical Lutheran Church.
