Rudolph "Rudy" Nielsen

Rudolph R. "Rudy" Nielsen, age 75, of DeForest, WI (formerly of Freeport, IL), passed away peacefully surrounded by family on Monday, December 7, 2020, after navigating Parkinson's Disease for 5 years. He was born December 16, 1944 in Fenton, IA, the son of Ejlert and Dagny Nielsen. He married his "Sunshine" Sonja Lynne Larsen on August 13, 1966 in DeKalb, IL.
Rudy grew up in Iowa, and he attended high school at Augustana Academy in Canton, SD. There he met Sonja, and they met again at Concordia College in Moorhead, MN. Rudy got his BS (Concordia) and MA (NIU) in education, and he later got another BS in computer sciences from Kirkland College. He and Sonja made their home in Freeport, IL. He worked for years as a computer programmer, and he was most passionate about teaching others. He taught computers at Highland Community College for 30 years. Rudy was a gentle, compassionate, humble person who was always thinking of others...he led monthly church services at a Freeport nursing home for 20 years with Sonja, and was a regular volunteer at Freeport FACC food pantry and homeless shelter. At the top of his annual birthday and Christmas wish lists were donations in his name to FACC, World Vision, or other charities that helped those in need--as well as Reese's peanut butter cups, French Silk pie, or big oranges. He was a true friend to many and was always willing to help with computer skills, prayer and conversation, rides to appointments, and his time. He befriended those who needed acceptance most and quietly championed and built up people who struggled in life. He was known for his handwritten cards and love notes to Sonja, and he would regularly stop along the road to bring her bouquets of Queen Anne's Lace.
He was a proud father and grandfather of his 3 kids and 5 grandkids (as well as a handful of "adopted" kids and grandkids!), and he made sure they all knew how loved they all were. He taught them all a strong work ethic and love of nature.
Rudy served as a Lieutenant in the Army from 1968 through 1971 and spent nine months in Vietnam. He was so happy to return home to his wife and baby son.
Rudy's faith was always present in his life. He was a Sunday school teacher and part of countless Bible studies, as well as an enthusiastic choir member from high school on. He sponsored children in need through World Vision from the Vietnam era through the rest of his life. He truly lived his faith and was a role model to many.
Rudy dearly loved Lutheran choral music and hymns, taking his family camping in their old canvas tent, biking and hiking, taking notes and making lists, birdwatching, and telling jokes. His sense of humor was quiet but strong, with a bent toward puns and the Sunday funny pages, and he leaves an impressive collection of comics behind for others to enjoy.
He is survived by his wife, Sonja; son, Dan (Juliana) Nielsen of Wheaton, IL; daughter, Lynnea Nielsen (Brian Gassman) of Madison, WI; daughter, Heidi Marzen of Madison, WI; grandchildren, Louie, Violet, Leif, Nadia, and Stella; and brothers, Ron Nielsen and Curt Nielsen. He is also survived by many cherished in-laws, nieces and nephews, and dear friends.
He is preceded in death by his parents, Ejlert and Dagny Nielsen, and his brother, Doug Nielsen.
A private service and burial at Burke Lutheran Church and Cemetery will be Saturday, December 19, 2020. There will be a celebration of Rudy's life in the spring or summer of 2021; stay tuned for details.
Rudy's family feels deep gratitude for the excellent, compassionate care from The Legacy of DeForest and from Heartland Hospice. They also want to thank the Burke Lutheran Church community.
In lieu of flowers please consider donations to World Vision or the hospital in N'Gaoundere, Cameroon (where Sonja grew up, and where she and Rudy visited in 2008 and saw firsthand the impact this tiny hospital has on its community).
His beloved Augustana Academy Choir ended every concert with one of his favorite hymns, "Beautiful Savior." Its words offer us solace now as we remember Rudy:
"Fair are the meadows, fairer the woodlands, robed in the flowers of blooming spring; Jesus is fairer, Jesus is purer. He makes the sorrowing spirit sing."