Harold Norman Nissen

    Harold Norman, son of Alfred and Elizabeth (Topp) Nissen was born January 16, 1929 on the family farm in Shelby County, Iowa.   He attended Country School Jackson No. 6 and graduated from Harlan High School in 1947.  After graduation Harold worked for his father on the family farm.

    In 1951, he was drafted into the United States Army. Harold was honorably discharged in 1953. He returned and continued to work on the family farm.   Harold was united in marriage with Elna Andersen on September 12, 1954 at the Elk Horn Baptist Church.  From this union three children were born--Jerry, Diane and Daryl.

    After his father died, Harold took over the farming operation until the late 1980’s.  He owned a repair business for about 20 years.  Harold never formally retired, but he did slow down in his work. 

    He was a member of Immanuel Lutheran Church, Kimballton Amvets, Community Heritage Society and the CB Club.  Harold had a sense of humor like no other, he loved to tell jokes.  He also enjoyed golfing, fishing, photography and for many years, dancing.  Harold was a not only a loving husband; he was an extremely proud dad and grandpa.

    Harold’s health began to decline in the last few years. He had an unexpected brain hemorrhage that lead to his death on December 28, 2016 at Jennie Edmundson Hospital in Council Bluffs.  Harold died at the age of 87 years, 11 months and 12 days.

    Preceding him in death were his parents Alfred and Elizabeth Nissen; brothers Arnold and Belmond Nissen; grandson Nathan.

    Left to cherish Harold’s memory are his wife Elna Nissen; children Jerry (Sherri) Nissen of Prescott, Diane (Rick) Nielsen of Exira and Daryl (Tammy) Nissen of Elk Horn; grandchildren Reagan (Brett) Eubank of Red Oak, Amanda Nissen of Creston, Emily (Chris) Welder of Coralville, Hillary Nielsen (special friend Brad Grugan) of Exira and Greg Nissen of Eugene, Oregon; great grandchildren Liam, Aidan and Griffin Eubank of Red Oak; other relatives and many friends.

Reverend Sam Jacobs, Officiant

“Grandpa”    Amanda Nissen & Diane Nielsen, Duet

Accompanied By Rick and Hillary Nielsen

Recorded Music

“I Was There To Hear Your Borning Cry” 

“Go Rest High On That Mountain”,  Vince Gill

Immanuel Lutheran Cemetery

Kimballton, Iowa

Amvets Post 51