SHIRLEY ANN “SANDY” NIELSEN

ALGONA – A funeral service will be held at 11 A.M., Wednesday, March 23, 2016, at First Presbyterian Church, Algona, IA, with Pastor Loren Shellabarger officiating. Visitation will be held from 5 – 8 P.M., Tuesday, March 22, 2016, at the church. Shirley Ann “Sandy” Nelson was born December 1, 1928, in Des Moines, Iowa, the daughter of Alonzo E. and Ada (Redhead) Nelson. Sandy was baptized on April 16, 1933, at Highland Park Presbyterian Church in Des Moines. She grew up in Des Moines and graduated from Roosevelt High School in 1946. She continued her education at Iowa State Teachers College, where she met her future husband Fritz on the tennis court. Sandy earned her BA in physical education and teaching in 1951. Sandy married Fritz J. Nielsen on June 4, 1951, at Westminster Presbyterian Church, Des Moines, IA. After the wedding, they settled in Algona and managed the local swimming pool plus taught swimming lessons around Kossuth County. Sandy worked at the Chrischilles Store in Algona for more than 25 years until it closed in 1990 and then worked at H&R Block until retiring to play more golf. Sandy was an active, outgoing, and supportive member of the Algona community. She loved Algona High School sports and was an avid Iowa State fan. She enjoyed playing golf as often as she could. She loved swimming, staying fit, sewing, following sports of all kinds, but was especially passionate about wrestling. She also enjoyed her time broadcasting Algona wrestling alongside Fritz for KLGA Radio in Algona for 50 years. She was a member of the Algona Family YMCA and Whittemore and River Road Golf Clubs. Sandy had a family first philosophy. She loved her children and grandchildren very much. Sandy thoroughly enjoyed and appreciated her early morning ladies swimming group, her dear golf friends, and the Algona sports and educational community. For those wishing to send memorial gifts, Sandy requested they be sent in her name to the Algona Family YMCA, Algona Scholarship Foundation or the Algona Bulldog Wrestling program. Sandy was well known for her creative wit, keen sense of humor, and love of life! Sandy’s infectious smile and laugh will be remembered by all who were touched by her kindness and compassion. Sandy died Friday, March 18, 2016, at her home with her loving family at her side, at the age of 87 years young. Sandy is survived by her husband Fritz of 64 years; children Rick (Julie McKenzie) Nielsen of Ankeny, IA, Jeri (Tom) Steinmetz of Batavia, IL, Randy (Kim) Nielsen of Memphis, TN, and Judi (Gary) Eyles of Ames, IA, nine grandchildren and six great grandchildren. Sandy was preceded in death by her parents and brother Bob Nelson. Oakcrest Funeral Services, www.oakcrestfuneralservices.com