Eileen Nielsen Obituary

Eileen C. Nielsen, 98, passed away on October 17, 2024, at Scottish Rite Park. The family will greet friends on Friday November 15th from 10 - 11am followed with a Memorial Service at 11am at Iles Westover Funeral Home in Des Moines, Iowa. Her cremated remains will be interred at the Iowa Veterans Cemetery with her husband O.V (Al) Nielsen.

Eileen was born in Springfield, Illinois June 20th, 1926, to Guy and Elsie Phillips. The family moved to a farm between Oskaloosa, IA and New Sharon, IA a few years later. Eileen graduated from Oskaloosa High School and then went on to Cornell College, Mt Vernon, IA and graduated in 1948. After graduation, she became an elementary teacher and taught at Cattell Elementary School, Des Moines, IA. Eileen and Al met at Wesley Methodist Church and were married on July 30, 1950.

Eileen enjoyed singing in the church choir, reading, playing Bridge and collecting antiques. She participated in several organizations over her life. She belonged to American Association of University Women, Iowa Antiques, Questers, PEO Chapter HF, Discussion through Reading (Drake University) and several Bridge groups.

Eileen is survived by her children, Jennifer Erbes, Bill (Jeannie) Nielsen, Andy (Stacia) Nielsen, Todd (Tami) Nielsen, 12 grandchildren, and 14 great grandchildren. Eileen is preceded in death by her parents, sister Justine (Melvin) Fleming, son-in-law David Erbes, granddaughter Elizabeth Erbes and her loving husband O.V. (Al) Nielsen.


In lieu of flowers, the family asks for memorial contributions be made to the following organizations.
Doctors Without Borders
Food Bank of Iowa

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