Doanld O. Nielsen

Donald O. Nielsen, 94, passed away on Saturday, August 15, 2026, at his home in Libertyville, IL. He was born May 22, 1932, in Chicago, IL, where he was raised. As a young man, Don enjoyed spending summers at his extended family’s crop farm, embracing both the fun and hard work that came with farm life. Don earned his bachelor’s degree in business from Carthage College in Carthage, IL. He proudly served his country as a veteran of the United States Air Force, including an overseas assignment in Japan. Following his military service, Don built a long and successful career in the insurance industry, retiring from Kemper Insurance in Long Grove, IL, where he worked as an underwriter. A longtime resident of Libertyville, Don was a devoted member of St. Andrew Lutheran Church in Mundelein. He had a lifelong appreciation for jazz and big band music and, after retirement, discovered a passion for family genealogy. Don devoted countless hours to researching his family history and took great pride in sharing what he learned, creating and giving books about the family history to relatives and friends. Above all, Don treasured his family. He especially enjoyed spending time with his sons and making memories together, including many days fishing. He was a devoted father who always put his sons’ needs first and was a steady, caring presence in their lives. Don will be remembered for his love of family, his curiosity about his heritage, his generous spirit, and the many memories he created with those he loved. Surviving are his 2 sons, Thomas & David Nielsen; brother, Robert “Bob” (Beverly) Nielsen; sister, Rita (Gary) Gunther & Carolyn Doughty and sister-in-law, Lorraine Nielsen. He was preceded in death by his wife, Audree in 2018 and by his brother, Arthur Nielsen, Jr. A visitation will begin at 11:00 a.m. followed by a funeral service at 1:00 p.m. Tuesday, August 25, 2026 at Burnett-Dane Funeral Home, 120 W. Park Ave. in Libertyville. Interment will follow at Willow Lawn Memorial Park in Vernon Hills. Memorial donations would be appreciated to Alzheimer’s Association, www.alz.org. For info: 847-362-3009 or share a memory at www.burnettdane.com.

Doanld O. Nielsen

May 22, 1932 - August 15, 2026