Carol Nielsen

Carol F. Nielsen, age 83, passed away on Saturday, September 13, 2025. She was born in Sioux City, Iowa. She also lived in Denison before moving to Council Bluffs where she spent the majority of her life. She and her husband, Dennis Nielsen Sr., recently celebrated their 58th wedding anniversary.

Carol worked for 25 years at the American Red Cross, Loess Hills Chapter, providing "Service to Military Families." While doing so, she also volunteered in other areas at the American Red Cross.

In her earlier years, she had an in-home daycare and worked as a teachers aid at Tinley Elementary School. She volunteered with the cub scouts and was a troop leader for the girl scouts and campfire girls. 

While she was a girl scout leader for Troop 280 from 1972-1976, they painted and distributed 25 painted trash barrels throughout the community. In special dedication to Troop 280, the mayor proclaimed April 29th "Keep Council Bluffs Beautiful Day." She enjoyed being involved in all her children's sports and activities. 

She loved flowers and working in the yard. She was well known for her holiday decorations, especially at Halloween and Christmas. On Halloween, kids knew where they could find king size candy bars and would return year after year. Due to her decorating talents, she was once chosen to decorate a Christmas tree at the General Dodge House. When Carol wanted to relax, she would cruise around the lake, do word finds, and watch tennis and ice skating.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Peter and Lila Paulsen; brother, Jerry Paulsen, brother-in-law, Frank Pettit; grandson, Jeffrey Vosler.

She is survived by her husband, Dennis Nielsen Sr.; children, Dennis Nielsen Jr., Tammy Nielsen (Todd Reichart), Lynn Vosler, Lisa Benegas; siblings, Darline Pettit, Teresa Paulsen, Rick Paulsen; grandchildren; great grandchildren; and friends.