Knud Nielsen Jr

Knud Nielsen, Jr.

April 12, 1923 – Oct. 16, 2015

Knud Nielsen, Jr., a native and resident of Evergreen, Alabama died peacefully at home on Oct. 16, 2015, at the age of 92. He was preceded in death by his father, Knud Nielsen of Copenhagen, Denmark; his mother, Mary Reynolds Nielsen of Birmingham; and his sister, Valgerdur Nielsen Dillard of Richmond, Va.

He is survived by his wife of 67 years, Connie Beeland Nielsen; two sons, Knud Nielsen III (Cheryl) of Evergreen and Claude B. Nielsen (Kate) of Birmingham; and daughter, Kristin Nielsen Koepfgen (Bruce) of Winnetka, Ill. He is also survived by seven grandchildren, five great-grandchildren and his brother, John M. Nielsen of Evergreen.

Knud lived a joyful and purposeful life. He was blessed with success in business and was passionately committed to his community of Evergreen and his country. Above all, he was always generous and kind to his fellow man and adoring of his family.

Growing up in Evergreen, Knud was active in the Boy Scouts of America, earning the award of Eagle Scout. After attending Auburn University and serving his country during World War II, Knud returned to Evergreen in 1946 at the age of 23 to assume leadership of the Knud Nielsen Company, a floral décor manufacturing company, which he led for the next 46 years. In 1969, he was recognized as Alabama’s “Small Business Man of the Year.” Knud took a number of leadership roles in the floral industry, including President of the Wholesale Florists and Florist Suppliers Association. He was civically engaged as a city councilman and an active Rotarian, where he was a Paul Harris Fellow.

A memorial service was held on Sun., Oct. 18, 2015 at Evergreen First United Methodist Church. Memorial contributions in his honor may be made to Evergreen First United Methodist Church at 118 Desplous St., Evergreen, AL 36401.

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