Cleone J. Nielsen

Cleone J. Nielsen, 85, of South Sioux City, NE passed away on Monday, November 5, 2012 at a Sioux City hospital.Funeral services will be held at 10:00 A.M. on Friday, November 9, 2012 at St. Paul United Methodist Church in South Sioux City, NE with Pastor Carol Jean Stapleton officiating. Burial with military rites will be in the Ponca City Cemetery in Ponca, NE. Visitation will begin at 5:00 P.M., with the family present at 6:00 P.M. and a prayer service at 7:00 P.M. on Thursday, November 8, 2012 at the church. Arrangements are under the direction of Mohr Funeral Home in South Sioux City, NE. Online condolences to the family may be posted at www.mohrfuneralhome.com.Cleone was born in rural Newcastle, NE on May 7, 1927, the son of Albert and Ida (Austin) Nielsen. He attended school in Maskell, NE. He married Darlene Polkinghorn on October 26, 1952. He enlisted in the Army, where he served from August, 1945 through April, 1952, and served during the Berlin Airlift. He worked for Tri-State Dry Wall until his retirement. He then worked at various jobs.He was a member of St. Paul United Methodist Church, served for 35 years as a volunteer fireman, was a member of the Jackson American Legion Harty-McNally Post #175, and an honorary member of the Women's Auxiliary. He was also a member of the Bill W. Club for 31 years. Cleone loved duck hunting, playing cards, camping, and was an avid Cornhusker fan. He was also very involved in his grandchildren's activities.Survivors include his wife, Darlene of South Sioux City, NE; four children, Todd (Darlus) Nielsen of Dakota City, NE, Sherry (Henry) Hathaway of Leigh, NE, Cindy (Chuck) Henkel of Whiting, IA, and Candace Cota of Avon, S.D.; four grandchildren, Jade, Justin, Holt and Ethan; two step-grandchildren, Travis and Tiffney; three great-granddaughters, Ella, Taylor and Allyson; one great-grandson, Kylan; one brother, Forrest (Verla) Nielsen of California; two sisters, Crystal Holcomb of Georgia and Dorothy Hockersmith of California; sister-in-law, Jackie Nielsen of Oregon; and many nieces and nephews.Cleone was preceded in death by his parents; a sister, Goldie Rathbun; and two brothers, Clayton and Clark Nielsen.