Lori L. Nielsen

Lori Lynn was born July 1, 1971 at Iowa City hospitals. She came to live with the Nielsen's in 1982. She completed her elementary grades at Spirit Lake, moving on to Spencer Jr. High and High School through her junior year. During this time she played starting forward for the Okoboji Jr. High basketball team under coach, Marvin Anderson. While at Spencer schools, she ran anchor for the high school varsity 800 meter relay team, individual events and varsity Cross Country, which was her favorite. She continued her track team career with Sioux Center High during her senior year. Upon graduation she worked for the Sioux County Hospital dietary Department, specializing in making hundreds of cookies every week plus serving meals and general kitchen duties. After nine years of successful employment, she took a job with the Town and Country restaurant in Rock Valley, while working part time for Hope Haven Industries. A big highlight for her, was helping put on stage productions for the Hope Haven community. She also participated in Hope Haven sports. During her Jr. High years she joined a Taekwondo club, earning a black belt. The move to Rock Valley found her in Karate where she also earned a Black belt. When a Taekwondo instructor moved to Rock Valley, she renewed her Taekwondo training, almost regaining her black belt status when the first stages of her disease appeared. She treasured her private time and space in her own apartment at Riverview. Housekeeping wasn't as much fun as sports, but she accepted the challenge of cooking for one and baking treats for her care staff. Going to California, Boston and Branson as well as attending the Christmas shows in Chicago with LyNae and Chuck was a thrill. Flying was not, but she was a good sport about it. Being at Universal Studios with cousin Stanley was a dream come true, even better than Disneyland. She also discovered pro hockey games and boxing were pretty fun to watch too. Lori loved "Ya Tec" and worked on the support teams as well. It was her church, church friends and the activities she found there that brought a special glow to her face and smile. As time moved on Lori was getting more limited in the things she could do. After 5 trips to Mayo Clinic, she was diagnosed January 11 as having Lou Gehrig's disease. A very rare illness (2 in 100,000) and she failed very fast, passing away at Hegg Memorial Hospital on January 18th. She will be sorely missed at Hope Haven, Faith Reformed Church and especially by her family. She is survived by her parents: Donald & Phyllis Nielsen of Milford, IA; four sisters: Denise - Mrs. Jeff Swinbank of Zumbro Falls, MN, Sheryl - Mrs. David Phipps of Larchwood, IA, LyNae - Mrs. Charles Schleyer of Palos Heights, IL and T.J. Nielsen of Rock Valley, IA; one brother, Dr. Douglas Nielsen and his wife, LaCinda Nielsen of Rock Valley, IA; her nieces and nephews: Cassandra, Bethany and Trisha Nielsen, Willow Swinbank, Eric, Michael, Jeremy and Joshua Phipps and Todd Schleyer; one great nephew, Eayon Phipps; numerous aunts, uncles, cousins and friends. Question 1. What is my only comfort in life and death? Answer: That I with body and soul, both in life and death, am not my own, but belong unto my faithful Saviour Jesus Christ; who, with his precious blood, has fully satisfied for all my sins, and delivered me from all the power of the devil; and so preserves me that without the will of my heavenly Father, not a hair can fall from my head; yea, that all things must be subservient to my salvation, and therefore, by his Holy Spirit, He also assures me of eternal life, and makes me sincerely willing and ready, henceforth, to live unto him. ---- Heidelberg Catechism

SERVICES

OFFICIATING

CASKET BEARERS

VISITATION

MUSIC

INTERMENT