Joseph Marion Nielsen's Obituary
Joseph Marion Nielsen passed away peacefully on Saturday, December 2 after a lengthy, courageous battle with a number of health issues. He was 86 and would have been 87 on December 9th.. Predeceased by his parents, Robert Alexander Nielsen and Martha Graef Nielsen of Odense, Denmark, as well as his four siblings: Earl, Thomas and Kristin Nielsen, and Joan Nielsen Arnold. Joe is survived by his loving wife of 61 years, Teresita (Tessie) Lopez Nielsen, two sons: Stephen and Paul Nielsen; and two daughters: Dr. Lillian Nielsen Stiegler (Bernard) and Kristen Nielsen Thames (Ray); as well as seven grandchildren: Ben, Joey and Daniel Stiegler, Sarah Thames Sanders (Justin), Michael and Luke Thames and Lily Jordan; one great granddaughter, Emma Sanders, and many nieces and nephews.
After attending Jesuit High School in New Orleans on scholarship, Joe served in the U.S. Navy’s intelligence division during the Korean conflict, stationed in Morocco, Europe and off the South Korean coast, then returned to New Orleans to earn a B.A. degree in business administration and a Juris Doctorate from Loyola University. After 18 years as Secretary Treasurer of the New Orleans Board of Trade, Joe went on to practice law in New Orleans and Metairie for 40 years. A devout Catholic, he was a member of the Serra Club and served as usher at St. Philip Neri church in Metairie for several years. Throughout his life, Joe enjoyed many hobbies, including fishing, traveling, learning and studying about nature. He was especially fond of word games and puzzles and his family considered him a puzzle master. Joe’s greatest joy was spending time with his beloved wife and family. He had a wonderful, witty sense of humor and loved making others smile. His was a generous, caring spirit, and he will be greatly missed by his devoted family and all those who came to know and love him well.
Relatives and friends are invited to attend the funeral mass at 12 noon at St. Philip Neri Catholic Church, 6500 Kawanee Ave., Metairie, LA 70003 on Friday, December 8. Visitation will begin at 10:30 AM. The burial will be private.
In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to St. Philip Neri, Catholic Charities, or a charity of your choice.
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