Lawrence "Larry" I. Nielsen

Lawrence I. Nielsen, 89, passed away peacefully on February 15, 2024, surrounded by his family.

Larry was born August 2, 1934, of the late Henry and Pearl (née Stapleman) Nielsen. He attended Horlick High School and was a lifetime resident of Racine. On September 2, 1954, Larry was united in marriage to his middle school sweetheart, Janice Jerstad. Larry proudly served in the US Army from 1955-1957, and was stationed in Fort Sheridan, IL, Fort Lee, VA, and Fort Leonard Wood, MO. He was employed as a foreman at Michael’s Machine for many years before retiring in 1996.

During retirement he cherished quiet getaways with Janice to Door County, WI, and touring the Midwest with their motorcycle and red Miata. Their travels also took them to Italy, Mexico, Canada, The Caribbean, Hawaii, Arizona, Texas, California, and New York. He was a member of Badgerland Miata Club, and Sons of Norway.

Larry was a gifted woodworker and mechanical craftsman. He loved spending time in his garden, listening to music, learning about history, and watching British mystery shows. He enjoyed photography and spending time organizing and archiving his family’s history. Larry had a genuine, warm, outgoing nature that made it easy for him to meet people and make new friends.

Most of all, Larry cherished time spent with family, and was always there for them. He was a role model and inspiration to many. His kindness, generosity, and selflessness will remain a lifelong gift to everyone who knew him, and his light will forever shine brightly in our hearts.

Larry is preceded in death by his loving wife, Janice, his son Barry, brothers LeRoy Nielsen, David Nielsen, and brother-in-law Donald Heckel. He is survived by his daughter Grace (Mark) Falaschi of Racine; son Doug (Linda) Nielsen of Chicago; grandchildren Sam (Jodie) Falaschi, Brad (Barb) Falaschi, April (Omar) Falaschi-Dyer, Gabriella Nielsen, and Max Nielsen; great-grandchildren Trevor and Ben Loyd, Guilianna Falaschi, Omar Jr. and Elijah Dyer; sister Vicky Heckel; sisters-in-law Judy Nielsen and Sandy (Dan) Hoaglund; and many nieces and nephews.

A Memorial Service celebrating Larry’s life will be held at the funeral home, 11:30 am on Wednesday, February 21, 2024, with Rev. Laura Fladten officiating. Relatives and friends are welcome to meet with the family for Visitation, Wednesday, 9:30 am until time of service at the funeral home. Private interment will take place at West Lawn Memorial Park.

The family wishes to extend a special thank you to the staff at Aurora at Home Hospice for their loving and compassionate care.