Kenneth E. Nielsen, age 83

New Prague
April 6, 1937 - September 24, 2020

Kenneth E. Nielsen of New Prague, died peacefully in the presence of his family on Thursday, September 24, 2020.  He loved thunderstorms so it was fitting that he enjoyed the sounds of the thunderstorm that ushered him from this world into the next on that day.  Ken was born on April 6, 1937 in Minneapolis to Elmer and Signe Johanna (Saarheim) Nielsen.  He attended schools in the Minneapolis area and graduated from South High School.  Following high school, he served in the Army National Guard.  Ken worked all his life in sales and marketing and owned and operated several self-made companies throughout his life.  He married the love of his life, Trudy Ann Williams April 9, 1994  in Cold Spring, Minnesota.  Some of his greatest joys and experiences in life revolved around “lake life” at his cabins on Rice Lake in Eden Valley, enjoying pontooning, fishing, and grilling.  Country music could be heard playing, with Willie Nelson as a favorite, while enjoying a very large bowl of extra-buttered popcorn!  His drink of choice was a scotch on the rocks while cheering on his favorite team, the Minnesota Vikings!  Ken loved dancing and his dance card was always full.  He loved a good game of cribbage and could also be seen golfing, bowling, and playing billiards.  His beloved dogs and furry friends were constant companions throughout his life.  His gregarious nature made a move to Praha Village easy; a conversationalist with a sense of humor, he quickly made many new friends in his new home.  He will be deeply missed by so many.

Ken is survived by his children, Kirsten Nielsen of New Prague, Kara Nielsen of St. Louis Park, Stephen (Jacqualine Guerra) Williams of St. Cloud, Anthony (Jennifer) Williams of Chicago, IL; 7 grandchildren; siblings, Fred Nielsen, Jim Nielsen, Rodney Kersey, Brad (Anina) Nielsen, Brenda (Jim) Thompson, Bonnie (Kent) Krueger, Beverly (Dean Struc) Nielsen; girlfriend, Patricia Mitby.  He is preceded in death by his wife, Trudy in July 2018; parents; brother, Brian Nielsen.

No services will be held at this time.  A celebration of life service will be held in the summer of 2021. bruzekfuneralhome.com,