Funeral Service for Clarence C. Nielsen, 91, of Sisseton, SD will be held on Tuesday, December 10, 2013 at 10:30 A.M. at the Cahill Funeral Chapel, Sisseton, SD, with Pastor Dick Grorud officiating. Pallbearers will be Efren Cortes II, Gunnar Christian Cortes, Donald and Jim Kriz, Don Borgan, and Don Almos. Honorary pallbearers will be Donovan Jensen, Dr. Judy Beumer, and all of Clarence's friends and neighbors. Military rites will be provided by the Otto-Quande-Renville American Legion Post #50 and The Fort Sisseton V.F.W. Post #3342. Interment will be in the Hope Lutheran Cemetery, Sisseton, SD. There will be a visitation on Monday, December 9, 2013 at the Cahill Funeral Chapel from 4:00 P.M. to 7:00 P.M. The Cahill Funeral Chapel, Sisseton, SD is in charge of arrangements.
Clarence Christian Nielsen was born on January 27, 1922 near Sisseton, SD to Jens Christian and Maria (Lundstrum) Nielsen. He grew up and attended School in Sisseton, SD. After his education he joined the Merchant Marines going through the ranks and traveling the world. He was married to Margaret Johnson in 1957 in Indianapolis, IN. He retired from the Merchant Marines in 1971 and returned to Sisseton where he farmed. In Bossko township and did custom combining. Clarence liked to cook and eat, he loved investing in the stock market, liked leather work, and liked to recite poetry and folklore. He was fluent in Danish and Swedish, and loved cats. He spent his winters in Las Cruces, NM. Clarence passed away on December 5, 2013 at the Tekakwitha Nursing Center in Sisseton, SD.
Clarence is survived by one daughter, Tamsen and husband, Efren Cortes of Adjuntas, Puerto Rico and three grandchildren, Efren Cortes II and Gunnar Christian Cortes of Long Island, NY and Nikita Librada Cortes of Adjuntas, Puerto Rico.
Clarence was preceded in death by his parents, one brother Anton, and one sister Ellen.