Erik Charles Nielsen
December 10, 2014
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Service Details
Erik Charles Nielsen entered eternal rest with our Lord and Savior on December 9th, 2014 after suffering a sudden brain aneurysm.
Erik was born in Des Moines, IA to Tim and Beth (Egan) Nielsen on September 2, 1994. He was a member of Sacred Heart Church, he attended Sacred Heart grade school, Dowling Catholic High School and was currently a sophomore at the University of St. Thomas in St. Paul, MN. He loved being a Tommie, but was a Hawkeye at heart.
Erik was a creative, compassionate man with a great sense of humor. He was a friend to many. He loved reading and learning, music, dancing and hanging out with family and friends. His infectious smile and laugh could warm anyone's heart. He was patient and kind, a great teacher to all. Inspired by love, his wish was to be an organ donor and through those gifts continues to share his life with others.
Erik is preceded in death by his grandfathers, Kenneth Nielsen and Robert Egan, and his uncle Kenny Nielsen. He is survived by his parents, brothers Jeff and Daniel, sisters Anna and Rebecca; grandmothers Therese Nielsen and Mary Egan; and many aunts, uncles and cousins.
The family wishes to thank the University of St. Thomas personnel and the staff at Hennepin County Medical Center ICU for their care and support. A huge thanks to all the St. Thomas students who knew and loved Erik so very much. Also the Dowling Catholic community and Sacred Heart families who have been so loving, caring and supportive through this very difficult time.
A visitation will be held Friday, December 12th at St. Francis Church in West Des Moines from 4:00pm-8:00pm. Funeral services will be Saturday, December 13th at Sacred Heart Church in West Des Moines at 10am.
Online condolences can be expressed at www.hamiltonsfuneralhome.com
Kathy McGuire
03/26/2015
Beth,
I am so sorry to hear of your loss. We are sending our thoughts and prayers.
We enjoyed growing up across the street from your family in Sioux City.
Our best to all of the Egan family. Kathy McGuire
Jane kinney
12/17/2014
Beth, Tim, and family,
I wish I had the words to let you know how my heart feels about the sudden death of Erik. He was an outstanding young man with a personality that made everyone smile when they were with him. He will be missed by many. The faith filled life you have provided your children is truly a gift. I will continue to pray for your family.
Veronica Munoz - Poggensee
12/15/2014
Tim, I'm so sorry to hear of the loss of your son. Keep the Faith and continue to pray. God knows all things and continues to bless us all. Peace to you and your family.
Paulette Myers
12/13/2014
Barb and Tim, Please accept my deepest sympathy. I continue to lift your family up to the Lord. May He bless and keep you.
Steve Boeckman
12/13/2014
Tim, Beth & family:
Joanne and I were shocked and saddened to hear of Erik's tragic death. Needless to say, we prayed hard for his recovery. So did hundreds of other people. The good Lord had another mission in mind for him, however, and difficult as it is to accept, we have to believe God knows what's best. Now our prayers are for him in heaven and for those who are left to mourn his passage. No question he was a fine young man, due in great measure to your parenting. Beth: I'll never forget the morning you came into Inspiration Bookstore, with (as I recall) three of your children. They were the most well-behaved children I had ever seen in the store. And, you were so patient and calm about explaining things to them. It is evident your children are well loved and cared for. Now one of those children is in heaven where he can intercede for you during those times when divine help is needed.
Claudia Berrada
12/13/2014
Dear Nielsen family,
I am Isabel's sister living in Casablanca, Morocco, and want to extend my deepest condolences for your tragic loss. Although I am far away and never got to meet Erik personally, I feel a small part of your pain through that of my sister and am heart broken for you and all of Erik's family and friends. May you all find peace, comfort and strength despite this tragedy.
The expat community of Casablanca, with Christian, Muslim, and other members from all over the globe are sending their thoughts, prayers and condolences to everyone touched by Erik during his short but joyful life.
Peace, Claudia and Othman Berrada
Amanda Rozycki
12/12/2014
Dear Beth, Tim, and family, I had Erik in my 6th grade classes during my first year at Sacred Heart. When I heard the news I was deeply saddened for your family's loss. But in the memories I have of Erik, he always had a wide, contagious grin. He exuded joy, and it spread to everyone around him. I can think of no better example of a kind-hearted, smart, well-rounded, happy, young gentleman than Erik. Your family is, and will continue to be in my prayers.
Barbara Willis
12/12/2014
Beth and family, So saddened to hear of your great loss. Your family is in my prayers.
Nancy Holsapple
12/12/2014
Dear Beth, Tim, and family,
I will recall that sparkle of intelligence in Erik's eyes when he talked with me; I will remember the soft, half-smile he had when he was amused; I will always see in my mind the intense concentration on his face when he was learning something new; and I will never forget the respect and dignity he offered every single person he met. He will be forever missed by those he touched with those beautiful gifts.
Pat Quale
12/12/2014
Nielsen Family, I know I have no magic words that will heal your pain, but I hope it helps you to know how many people at the University of St. Thomas were touched by Erik. I had the pleasure of knowing Erik for only a short time as he worked in our office for Kimm, but his infectious smile and joy for life was so uplifting each time he came in to work. What a beautiful gift he gave to so many others. I will continue to hold your family in my thoughts and prayers and may you find some comfort in knowing how much he was loved and how much he will be missed.
Pat Quale, Facilities Management at the University of St Thomas.
Martha (Kirgan) Hagan
12/12/2014
Tim and Beth,
I have not seen you guys since the kids were very young! Monica just shared your story with me and my heart is sincerely breaking. I know there are no words to say, but I will continue to send you prayers of peace and comfort.
Rose Nwaturuocha
12/12/2014
Beth, Tim and family,
My heart truly breaks for you! Its not too surprising that Erik had such a great impact on all who had the fortune of coming in contact with him. His generoursity and faith comes from yours. My heart aches for the many friends of his who will for ever remember him as a brother including my son Uzo. We will for ever cherish the coutless hours and tunes Erik and Uzo worked and played together....
May his young and gentle soul rest in peace.
Dr. Jim Dowdle
12/12/2014
Please accept the condolences of the Dowdle family. I will always remember Erik as one of our best - always generous and kind, and always smiling. The DCHS family won't be the same without him - but now we have someone else to pray for and pray to.
Cindee Anderson
12/12/2014
I would like to send my sincere condolences to the Nielsen family. You are all in my thoughts and prayers.
Joyce Stasi
12/12/2014
All of the kind words written today are a testament to what a difference two loving parents & their children can make in this world. The same sentiments surface again & again as to the kindness,the laughter, the faith, the gifts and the hope that you all carry to support Erik's memory. His job here on earth is finished but his legacy will live on and on in the hearts he touched so profoundly.