John Martin Nielsen

Mr. John Martin Nielsen, a lifelong resident of Evergreen, Alabama, died peacefully at his home on November 4, 2018. He was born in Evergreen on November 4, 1929, to the late Knud Nielsen, Sr. and Mary Nielsen. He was 89.

Mr. Nielsen obtained his degree from Auburn University where he was a member of Sigma Alpha Epsilon fraternity. He served overseas in the United States Army during the Korean conflict. He returned to Evergreen to Knud Nielsen Company, where he eventually retired as President and CEO.

Mr. Nielsen married Louise Prather Beeland of Greenville, Alabama. He was active in his church and his community. He served as a Deacon of the Evergreen Baptist Church and taught an adult Sunday School class for many years. He was an Officer in the Alabama National Guard. He served on the Conecuh County Board of Education. He was a member of the Board of Directors of Sparta Academy and served as President of the Evergreen Rotary Club. He was active in local Rotary projects with a special interest in the Rotary Wildlife Camp. He was a Rotary Foundation Fellow.

John was compassionate to people he knew well, to people he hardly knew, and to people he would never meet.

John was an avid outdoorsman with a passion for turkey hunting. His greater joy came when he could share his passion and outdoor skills with others.

He is preceded in death by his wife of 54 years, Prather Beeland Nielsen, and his son John Martin Nielsen, Jr. He is also preceded in death by his sister, Valgerdur Nielsen Dillard, his brother, Knud Nielsen, Jr., and his parents, Knud and Mary Nielsen.

Mr. Nielsen is survived by four children, Prather Nielsen Smith, Valgerdur Nielsen Sherer (Ree), Thomas Slemons Nielsen (Lynn), and John Axel Nielsen (Kelly). He is also survived by 9 grandchildren and 5 great-grandchildren.

There will be a visitation at the Evergreen Baptist Church on November 10, 2018 at 10:30 followed immediately by a memorial service at noon with Rev. Jim Collins and Rev. Edward Robinson officiating. Cope Keahey Funeral Home is in charge of these arrangements. Memorial gifts in his honor may be made to the Evergreen Baptist Church, 214 Park Street, Evergreen, AL. 36401

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