In Memory of Rose Nielsen

Rose Nielsen, age 90 of Ida Grove, Iowa, passed away on Saturday,
June 3, 2023, at the Horn Memorial Hospital of Ida Grove, Iowa.

A Funeral Service will be held at 10:30 a.m., Friday, June 9, 2023, at the St. Paul Lutheran Church of Ida Grove, Iowa. Rev. Neil Wehmas will officiate. Committal Services will be held at a later date.

A Visitation will be held from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m., on Thursday, June 8, 2023, at the St. Paul Lutheran Church of Ida Grove, Iowa.

Rose Nielsen was born on May 25, 1933, on a farm near Schleswig, Iowa, to Fred and Rosie (Trinkelbach) Kollbaum. She became the 14^th child in a large and loving family. Rose grew up on the farm near Schleswig and received her education in the schools near her home. 

In 1948 Rose met the love of her life, Melvin Nielsen. They were married on October 8, 1950 and were blessed to celebrate 72 years of marriage together. To this union three children were born: Connie, Craig, and Mark. 

Rose had several jobs over the years and she enjoyed them all, but the most memorable was being the “chief” cook at Mel’s Diner where she fed many of the area locals. The hours were long, but the stories and laughter were many.

When Rose finally retired, she kept busy in the kitchen. She loved sharing special baked goods with many of her friends. Christmas was her favorite time of the year and you would find her in her kitchen preparing dozens of cookies to be shared. She also enjoyed her occasional visit to the casino with her family, hoping for good luck. 

Left to cherish her memory include her loving husband of 72 years, Melvin Nielsen of Ida Grove, IA; daughter Connie (Richard) Jordan and son Mark (Lanette) Nielsen both of Ida Grove, IA; and sister Dena Nemitz of Denison, IA. She was also blessed with many grandchildren as well as nieces and nephews. 

Rose was preceded in death by her parents Fred and Rosie Kollbaum; infant son Craig; siblings Marie, Hilda, Fred Jr., Ray, Irene, Viola, Alvin, Mable, John, Esther, Marvin “Dicky”, and Margaret; great-grandson Elliot Jordan; and great-great-grandson Jordan Reed.