An only child, Phyllis had many first cousin “siblings” who all attended and graduated from Niobrara Public Schools. Phyllis was baptized, confirmed, and married at the Niobrara Evangelical Lutheran Church, where she served as organist for fifteen years.
On August 5, 1955, Phyllis married Carl Henry Nielsen. Two children, Jeanmarie and Joel, were born to the union.
Phyllis enjoyed traveling and spending time with her family, reading, daily crossword puzzles, antiques, and decorating the house for all holidays. She was a master hostess, holding receptions and gatherings in her home, and laying a table with every detail in place. She participated in many women’s circles, quilt making, bible studies, and church dinners. She could converse with anyone and Carl waited for her on many occasions, reminding her that they needed to leave before the lights were turned off and the doors locked.
Phyllis’s greatest life-long passion was music! She loved teaching piano to students of all ages and was a teacher and church organist for nearly 70 years. She served as the church organist in every community in which they lived including Niobrara, Creighton, Bazille Mills, Wolbach, Newman Grove (all in Nebraska), Montrose, SD, and served as music coordinator, organist, and choir director in Yankton, SD for many years. She enjoyed attending and volunteering at concerts, museums, and arts & cultural events and served on the Yankton Community Concert Board for several years.
Phyllis will be remembered for many beautiful things. She was personable, funny, and a friend to everyone she met, known for her spontaneous and delighted laugh. She will be deeply missed by those who knew and loved her.
Survivors include: children Joel Nielsen of Lincoln, NE, and Jeanmarie (Michael) Anderson of Oklahoma City, OK; grandchildren Colin Anderson of New York, NY and Maren (Caleb) Hinshaw of Yukon, OK; great-grandson Silas Hinshaw of Yukon, OK
She was preceded In death by her parents and husband, Carl Nielsen.
A Memorial Service will be held at 10:00 a.m., Friday, August 19th at Southwood Lutheran Church, 4301 Wilderness Hills Blvd.
Visitation at the church one hour prior.
Burial will be held at 2:00 p.m. at the Blair City Cemetery in Blair, NE.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be given to the Alzheimer’s Association.