Danny Nielsen

Danny Franklin Nielsen, 60, of Elkader, died Monday, April 19, 2021, at his home after a long courageous battle with cancer. He was born May 25, 1960, in Rockford, IL, to Harry and Beverly (Brower) Nielsen.

Danny attended Central Community High School until entering the army as a jeep and tank mechanic. He served in the army from 1977-1979 where he spent most of his time stationed in Germany. 

After being honorably discharged from the service, Danny returned to Elkader and worked as a machinist for his father at Elkader Wire and Display.

He was united in marriage to Judy (Powers) Stoffel on August 7, 1982, at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Elkader. 

He worked at Reilly Construction as a Heavy Equipment Operator for over 30 years.

Danny was known to everyone for his unique hairstyle, his smile, his gentle way, his pranks and jokes and his story telling. Over the years Dan had many hobbies including metal detecting, coin collecting, rebuilding a 1970 Plymouth Satellite, building and maintaining an above ground pool, hunting, snowmobiling and golfing. Most recently you’d find him tending to his garden, feeding his birds and trolling the yard on his John Deere doing mole patrol.  He also enjoyed gambling with Judy. 

His family meant the most to him, especially his grandchildren. Some of Danny’s proudest moments were cheering his grandkids on as they competed in their sporting events.

Survivors include his wife, Judy, of Elkader; mother, Marilyn Nielsen of Elkader; two daughters, Holly (Tim) Wille of Elkader and Molly (Tom) Anderson of Elkhorn, NE; four siblings, Peg Heiden, Deb (Brad) Orvis, Doug Nielsen and Dody Huinker; six grandchildren, Avri, Parker, Mary Kate, Maddy, Grayson, Addisyn and numerous nieces, nephews and friends.

Danny was preceded in death by his mother and father, Beverly and Harry Nielsen.

A public visitation was held from 3:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. on Friday, April 23, 2021, at Leonard-Grau Funeral Home and Cremation Service in Elkader.

Inurnment will be held at a later date with Military Honors at Norway Lutheran Cemetery, rural St. Olaf.

Due to Covid-19, masks and social distancing are required.

Leonard-Grau Funeral Home and Cremation Service of Elkader is assisting the Family.