Melvin H. Nielsen, 87, formerly of Jackson Twp. passed away Tuesday afternoon, Nov. 6, 2007 in Colorado.

Mel was born on July 9th, 1923, in Valparaiso Ind.

He is survived by his loving and devoted wife of 61 years, the former Lora Fisher of Franciseville, Ind.

Along with his wife Lora, he is survived by sons Ron Nielsen of Tempe, Ariz., Larry Nielsen of Colorado Springs, Colo.; a daughter, Marcia (Paul) Varady of Anchorage, Alaska and son Randy (Barbara Berlin) Nielsen of Midlothian, Va. Grandchildren and great-grandchildren include Corey (Lisa) Nielsen of Durango, Colo., Shelley Nielsen of Durango, Colo., Tiffany Dennis, of Alaska, Carrie (Tommy) Rutherford, Wyoming, Joshua (Sharon) Varady, of Anchorage, Alaska, Jesse Varady, Anchorage, Alaska, Blake Nielsen and Nicholas Nielsen both of Midlothian, Va.; great-grandchildren include Timothy, Luke, Genevieve and Theodore Dennis of Alaska. Kellie and Katie Rutherford of Wyoming, Jadon Varady of Alaska.

Mel excelled in academics, athletics and was a graduate of Jackson Township High School. After high school he proudly served his country in the United States Army during World War II in the Pacific Theatre. After WWII, he returned to Indiana. He was known as a true gentleman to his friends and neighbors. He served as the local Justice of the Peace before settling into his life of starting his own company.

In 1966 he took his construction expertise to Colorado Springs. With his wife Lora they continued to satisfy clients needs with Mel's expertise in the Pikes Peak Region until his retirement in 1986. The legacy of M.H. Nielsen Construction can be seen all over the state of Colorado. Some of his past constructional efforts have been featured in Sunset Magazine.

Visitation was November 9, from 11 a.m. till 1 p.m. with services following at the Evergreen Funeral Home, 1830 East Fountain Boulevard, Colorado Springs, Colorado.

Posted 11/9/2007