Mitchell "Mitch" Nielsen

Mitchell "Mitch" Nielsen, age 48, of Willmar, passed away unexpectedly from natural causes on Wednesday afternoon, June 2, at his residence.

A time to celebrate Mitch's life will be from 5-8 pm with a prayer service at 5:30 pm on Saturday, June 26, at Peterson Brothers Funeral Home in Willmar.  www.petesonbrothers.com

Mitch was born on November 12, 1972, in Ft. Riley, Kansas, the son of Daryl and Kathryn (Olson) Nielsen.  He grew up in Willmar, was baptized and confirmed at Bethel Lutheran Church and graduated from Willmar High School in 1991.

When Mitch was younger he spent his days hunting, fishing, four wheeling, snowmobiling, playing hockey and terrorizing the neighborhood.  He took great pride in his cars and his love for English bulldogs.  When Mitch turned 17, he began working as a mason and continued working construction for several area contractors, making lifelong friends.  Never being afraid of hard work, Mitch would always say…”When the going gets tough, the tough get going”.

Mitch was a loving and giving man.  His children, Isaac and Makayla have many memories including learning how to make the perfect French toast and yolky eggs.  Mitch will also be remembered for having a big smile, kind heart, being a hard worker, easy to talk to and always willing to help others.

He is survived by his children, Makayla Nielsen of Kandiyohi and Isaac Aday of Sioux Falls, SD.; one grandson, Bjorn Dahlberg; his parents, Daryl Nielsen of Willmar and Kathryn Nielsen of New London; three siblings, Kirbi (and Nick) Huls of Cokato, Jordan (and Brandon) Gilb of Big Lake and Matt Ransford (and Chamaine) of Sioux City, IA.; and Mitch’s girlfriend, Jen Valliant of Willmar and her daughter, Kendall, besides many other relatives and friends.

He was preceded in death by his grandparents, Lolly and LeRoy Olson and Eunice and Newell Nielsen; one aunt, Karen Nielsen and one cousin, Troy Nielsen.