Kenneth Allan Nielsen, born on January 29, 1943, in Council Bluffs, Iowa, to Helen (Nelson) and Orval Nielsen. Kenneth shaped his life around hard work, integrity, and a connection to the soil that sustained him. Kenneth spent his early years moving towns, such as, Adair, Stuart, Avoca, and Walnut, navigating life while his father served in the military; and attended schools in Adair and Walnut. With a heart set on adventure, he left the family farm and found his way into the trucking industry. Driving for Jim Suhr, Kenneth traveled all over the United States transporting cattle – a job that marked the beginning of a fruitful career in agriculture.
After marrying Judith Brown on March 30, 1963, at the United Methodist Church in Hancock, and having Jeff and Sherry, the two later divorced but worked together in their family business. Kenneth worked diligently for Gerald Jones and Gene Sorensen as a hired hand. He worked for Al Schirm and later partnered with Jerry Zimmerman in selling Golden Sun Feed, building grain bins, and selling hardware supplies before establishing his enterprise, Walnut Farm Supply. Kenneth made quite a name for himself and became a respected figure in the farming community. In his later years, Kenneth found joy in golfing, enjoying the game as a pastime that brought him pleasure and relaxation.
On Tuesday, January 13, 2026, Kenneth passed away at Myrtue Medical in Harlan, having attained the age of 82 years, 11 months and 15 days. He joins his beloved parents, Helen (Nelson) and Orval Nielsen, in eternal rest, along with his daughter Sherry Sandbothe, granddaughter Jennifer Sandbothe and brother Larry Nielsen, who predeceased him.
Kenneth is survived by his son, Jeff Nielsen of Walnut, Iowa, along with his three grandchildren, Eric Sandbothe, Bailey (Josh) Schaben, and Hunter (Faith) Nielsen; seven great-grandchildren, who will hold fond memories of their grandpa close to their hearts and his sister Karen Blum of Harlan, Iowa.
Funeral services for 82 year old Kenneth Nielsen of Harlan will be held January 16th at 2PM at the Peace United Church of Christ in Walnut. Family will greet friends January 15th from 5 to 7 PM at the Pauley Jones Funeral Home in Avoca. The Pauley Jones Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.
