Vernon Hans Nielsen was born on February 21, 1937, in Chicago, IL to Elsie (Lindberg) and Hans Nielsen. He was the oldest of four children, with Jerry close behind and “the little kids” Nancy and Gil coming along later. Vern credits the Navy with saving his life as he tried to enlist when he was 18 and was turned down for high blood pressure. He couldn’t be a Veteran, but he got early care and heart medication.
In June of 1966, Vern married the love of his life, Jeanette Thomas, after meeting her on a blind date. This love lasted for 57 years of marriage, 2 daughters, 3 grandkids, 8 houses purchased in different states as they moved often for career choices and many road trips including the great retirement trip in a 5th wheel for over 3 years causing the daughters to take bets on which one would snap first.
Vern had a passion for stock cars and would spend weekends racing when his daughters were little. He sold his Corvette to buy a station wagon for hauling the race car but loved to tell everyone that the car seats didn’t fit in the corvette. When he stopped racing, he picked up a love for NASCAR. He was able to see his beloved Jeff Gordon race in the Daytona 500 with Jeanette when they were in Florida in their early retirement.
In addition to NASCAR, Vern was an avid Denver Broncos fan from the time the family lived in Colorado Springs, CO. Vern loved fishing, hunting, and his boat. His greatest treasure was the time spent outdoors with his grandsons. He was a Master Mason and member of Scottish Rite. He was active at Gold Hill Lutheran Church to the very end and served as a member on the Mount Moriah Cemetery Board.
Vern is preceded in death by his parents, Elsie and Hans Nielsen; and his wife, Jeanette Nielsen.
He is survived by daughters, Julie Corbin, Kristi Nielsen; his grandchildren, Jack, Quinn, and Eli Corbin; his brothers, Jerry Nielsen and Gil (Carolyn) Nielsen; sister, Nancy Thompson; sister-in-law, Nancy Thomas; and several nieces and nephews.
The services will be held beginning with a 9AM visitation on Monday, December 23, 2024, followed by a memorial service at 10am at Gold Hill Lutheran Church. In lieu of flowers, please send donations to Gold Hill Lutheran Church, 934 Placer St, Butte, MT.
Axelson Funeral & Cremation Services is privileged to care for Vern and his family.
Please visit below to offer a condolence or share a memory of Vern.
Service Schedule
Visitation
9:00 AM
Monday December 23, 2024
Gold Hill Lutheran Church
934 Placer St
Butte, Montana 59701
Memorial Service
10:00 A.M.
Monday December 23, 2024
Gold Hill Lutheran Church
934 Placer St
Butte, Montana 59701
Luncheon
Following Service
Monday December 23, 2024
Gold Hill Lutheran Church
934 Placer St
Butte, Montana 59701
Graveside Service
Following Reception
Monday December 23, 2024
Mount Moriah Cemetery
2415 S Montana St
Butte, Montana 59701
Service Schedule
Visitation
9:00 AM
Monday December 23, 2024
Gold Hill Lutheran Church
934 Placer St
Butte, Montana 59701
Memorial Service
10:00 A.M.
Monday December 23, 2024
Gold Hill Lutheran Church
934 Placer St
Butte, Montana 59701
Luncheon
Following Service
Monday December 23, 2024
Gold Hill Lutheran Church
934 Placer St
Butte, Montana 59701
Graveside Service
Following Reception
Monday December 23, 2024
Mount Moriah Cemetery
2415 S Montana St
Butte, Montana 59701
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Danette Fitzpatrick says
It was a privilege to know your parents they were a very special couple I will miss them both.
My thoughts and prayers are with all of you Julie