Memorials › Lawrence Anthony "Tony" Nielsen
Lawrence Anthony "Tony" Nielsen
1 Feb 1943 – 16 Aug 2021
| Birth | 1 Feb 1943 |
| Death | 16 Aug 2021 |
| Cemetery | Columbus Cemetery Columbus , Platte County , Nebraska , USA |
| Added by | Judy Johnson on 21 Aug 2021 |
| FaG | https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/230849436 |
Bio
Lawrence Anthony "Tony" Nielsen, 78, of Columbus, Nebraska, died Monday, August 16, 2021, at Emerald Care & Rehabilitation in Columbus. The funeral service will be held on August 26 at 10:30 AM, at First United Methodist Church in Columbus with Rev. Cindi Stewart officiating. Interment will be in Columbus Cemetery. Visitation will be on August 25 from 5:00 PM - 7:00 PM at Gass Haney Funeral Home and continue on August 26 from 9:30 AM until service time at the church. Lawrence Anthony "Tony" Nielsen was born on February 1, 1943, in West Point, Nebraska, to Lawrence and Violet (Rieck) Nielsen. Tony graduated from Pender High School in 1961 and periodically completed additional position specific educational opportunities throughout a long career which included banking, manufacturing of the fields training, marketing, and management. Tony was united in marriage to Barbara Petersen on November 2, 1963, in Rosalie, Nebraska. He was married briefly to Bonnie Parsons of South Sioux City, Nebraska. On May 10, 1986, Tony was united in marriage to Karen Hajek Kaspar, in Columbus. Altogether Tony lived 50 of his 78 years in Columbus. He loved the Columbus community, and was involved in many civic and social pursuits over the years here. Whether playing the Easter Bunny for the Columbus Downtown Business Association's annual Easter Egg Hunt, serving funnel cakes at various community events, or participating in local clubs such as the Optimists and Elks, Tony was always willing to pitch in and help with community functions. But theatre was his biggest love, and ultimately his most lasting community legacy. A founding member of the Platte Valley Playhouse, Tony acted, directed, and otherwise supported countless shows over its 50 year history. He served as President multiple times, worked on publicity and sponsorship, helped build sets – he drew the line only at singing or dancing. "That," he said, "I will happily leave in the capable hands of you kids and grandkids!" Over the years, Tony attended at various times, Federated Church, Peace Lutheran Church, and the First United Methodist Church. He loved spending time with family, and took much joy in keeping current with everyone's lives and activities. Tony is survived by: Daughter: Lisa Nielsen of Columbus, NE Son: Erik Nielsen of Austin, TX Step-son: Randy (Anita Long) Kaspar Step-son: Chris (Kim Seipel) Kaspar Step-daughter: Traci (Cindy Owens) Kaspar Grandchildren: Jack Nielsen, Josh Nielsen, Brittany Kaspar, Miranda Kaspar, Sydney Kaspar, Colby Kaspar Great Grandchildren: Ellie & Sylas Brother: Chris (Carol Mitties) Nielsen of Shenandoah, IA Brother: Dan (Alice Rutor) Nielsen of Pender, NE Four Nephews, four nieces, seven great nephews & nieces Cousins: Kathy Reikofski, Verna Mae Pearson, Jo Heran, & Chuck Rieck Tony was preceded in death by: Parents: Lawrence "Corky" & Violet Nielsen Wife: Karen Kaspar Nielsen Cousins: Butch Blecker & Roy Blecker
Photos
Family
Parents
Spouse
Export GEDCOM
This person only · Entire connected family