Lena- Augie Nielsen, 95, of Lena, Illinois passed away at his home in Rockford on Monday, June 11, 2018. He was born on November 12, 1922 to Borgaard and Margrethe (Madsen) Nielsen in Saarup Denmark. He married Marie Kirkegaard on May 16, 1948 in Vindum, Denmark. Augie and Marie immigrated to the United States in 1950 and proudly became naturalized citizens in May of 1956. They farmed in the Freeport area, Pearl City, and north of Lena until designing and building a home in Lena in 1980.

Augie was a pioneer in farming, both in crop methods and in hog production. His use of organic and natural products was recognized by receiving the Steward of the Soil award. His interest in natural products led to beekeeping and processing his own honey. As he left farming in his 60's, he used his mechanical skills as Maintenance Supervisor at the Lena Continental Manor in Lena, retiring from there at the age of 80. He took wood working classes and produced many fine pieces of furniture for his extended family. Augie's interests included Lions Club, church council and committees, choir, ushering, and grounds committee. He was also involved in construction and maintenance of My Friend's Closet and Friendship Center. He enjoyed square dancing, bowling, playing cards, writing his life story, keeping a journal of weather conditions, and in making new friends.

Augie and Marie loved traveling in the US to visit their children and grandchildren's activities, as well as historical and nature sites. They always maintained close contact with their Danish family, making many trips back to Denmark, and often hosting Danish relatives. Their home was always welcoming to friends and neighbors.

Augie is survived by his three children-Kris (Don) Allen of Rockford, Jon Nielsen of Belvidere, IL, and Alice Whalen of Colorado Springs, CO; grandchildren- Steven (Amy) Allen of Batavia, IL, Katrina (Michael) McSweeney of North Wales, PA, David (Holly) Allen of Grandville, MI, Michael (Ann Mooney) Whalen of Colorado Springs, CO, April (Kevin) Breeden of Lancaster, PA, Nichelle (Matt Dix) Whalen of Beverly, MA; great-grandchildren- Rebecca Allen, Anna Allen, Elizabeth McSweeney, Jaden Allen, Andreas Allen, John Breeden, Kelsey Breeden; brothers- George Nielsen of Denmark, Borge (Kirsten) Nielsen of Denmark; sisters- Margrethe Aas-Jensen of Denmark, Inge-Lisse (Christen) Harbo of Denmark.

He was preceded in death by his wife Marie on March 30, 2017, parents Borgaard and Margrethe Nielsen, step mother Mary Nielsen, sister Doris Jespersen, brother Finn Nielsen, son-in-law Tom Whalen, granddaughter-in-law Jennifer Whalen.

A visitation will be from 3-7:00 PM on Thursday, June 14, 2018 at St. John's Lutheran Church in Lena, IL.

Funeral services will be at 10:00 AM on Friday, June 15, 2018 at St. John's Lutheran Church in Lena, IL.

Luncheon will follow the services at the church.

Rev. Rick Bader will officiate the services.

Burial will be at Lena Burial Park in Lena.

Memorial contributions can be made to the Lena Friendship Center.

The family wishes to express appreciation to Northern Illinois Hospice for their kind and compassionate care.