Longtime Anchorage resident, Jack Charles Nielson, 65 died on March 12, 2013 at Providence Alaska Medical Center in Anchorage. Funeral services will be held 3:00 p.m. Monday, March 18, at New Grace Christian Church, 10821 Totem Road in Anchorage. The visitation will be at 2:00pm and a reception will immediately follow at the church.The only son of Darrel and Gladyce (Gustafson) Nielson he was born in Bemidji, Minnesota on November 12, 1947. In his youth, he lived in Minnesota and Wyoming before moving to Montana. Jack spent many summers fishing and boating at the family cabin in Bemidji.The 1966 Billings West High School graduate received his BS in Business Management from Montana State University in 1971. He then served with the U.S. Army for two years as an MP. After his service he returned to school and received his BS in Accounting from the University of Montana in 1975. He became a CPA in 1976 and began a career with the State of Montana.Jack was a family man. He met Helen in 1978. A year later, they married in Helena, Montana. In 1980, the couple moved to northern Minnesota and worked the family farm. Two years and one son later they moved back to Montana. Jack spent several more years working for the state. During that time Erik, 29, and Drew, 24, joined firstborn Luke, now 30. Jack?s passion for outdoor activities was the catalyst for a move to Anchorage, Alaska in 1988. The family immediately put down roots. Jack got a job with the Alaska Dept. of Health and Social Services, and made it his career. He retired in January 2013 as Executive Director of the Medicaid Rate Advisory Commission.Two more children joined the family in the 1990s: John, now 21, and finally, his daughter, Marie, 16. Jack?s greatest joy was spending time with his family, especially fishing, hunting and camping together. As they grew, he attended as many sporting events and music recitals as he possibly could. His favorite holiday was Christmas; Christmas eve, he?d go crazy buying gifts to put under the tree. On Christmas Day 2012 it was Erik and his wife Meagan who gave the best gift ? the promise of a grandchild in 2013.Jack was caring, calm and thoughtful, some thought him reserved because he preferred to sit back, listen and think before speaking. Those who knew him were struck by his kind nature and ready smile. Jack maintained his amazing spirit and sense of humor, even through his thyroid cancer treatments. He always woke with a smile for Helen who never left his side. In lieu of flowers, the family asks donations be made to Providence Alaska Foundation Palliative Care. Arrangements were cared for by the Anchorage Funeral Home.
James Nys (Nys)
Jack's Obituary
Longtime Anchorage resident, Jack Charles Nielson, 65 died on March 12, 2013 at Providence Alaska Medical Center in Anchorage. Funeral services will be held 3:00 p.m. Monday, March 18, at New Grace Christian Church, 10821 Totem Road in Anchorage. The visitation will be at 2:00pm and a reception will immediately follow at the church.The only son of Darrel and Gladyce (Gustafson) Nielson he was born in Bemidji, Minnesota on November 12, 1947. In his youth, he lived in Minnesota and Wyoming before moving to Montana. Jack spent many summers fishing and boating at the family cabin in Bemidji.The 1966 Billings West High School graduate received his BS in Business Management from Montana State University in 1971. He then served with the U.S. Army for two years as an MP. After his service he returned to school and received his BS in Accounting from the University of Montana in 1975. He became a CPA in 1976 and began a career with the State of Montana.Jack was a family man. He met Helen in 1978. A year later, they married in Helena, Montana. In 1980, the couple moved to northern Minnesota and worked the family farm. Two years and one son later they moved back to Montana. Jack spent several more years working for the state. During that time Erik, 29, and Drew, 24, joined firstborn Luke, now 30. Jack?s passion for outdoor activities was the catalyst for a move to Anchorage, Alaska in 1988. The family immediately put down roots. Jack got a job with the Alaska Dept. of Health and Social Services, and made it his career. He retired in January 2013 as Executive Director of the Medicaid Rate Advisory Commission.Two more children joined the family in the 1990s: John, now 21, and finally, his daughter, Marie, 16. Jack?s greatest joy was spending time with his family, especially fishing, hunting and camping together. As they grew, he attended as many sporting events and music recitals as he possibly could. His favorite holiday was Christmas; Christmas eve, he?d go crazy buying gifts to put under the tree. On Christmas Day 2012 it was Erik and his wife Meagan who gave the best gift ? the promise of a grandchild in 2013.Jack was caring, calm and thoughtful, some thought him reserved because he preferred to sit back, listen and think before speaking. Those who knew him were struck by his kind nature and ready smile. Jack maintained his amazing spirit and sense of humor, even through his thyroid cancer treatments. He always woke with a smile for Helen who never left his side. In lieu of flowers, the family asks donations be made to Providence Alaska Foundation Palliative Care. Arrangements were cared for by the Anchorage Funeral Home.