Conrad Nielsen passed away on September 25th, 2024, two days before his 84th birthday. He was at home in Hood River, Oregon surrounded by family and loved until the very end. Visit www.AndersonsTributeCenter.com to leave a note of condolence for the family.

Conrad Chris Nielsen was born at home on his family farm, in Hurley, South Dakota on September 27th, 1940. He was the firstborn of four to Harold and Ruby Nielsen. Conrad spent many of his early days with his beloved grandmother Emelia Nielsen who immigrated from Denmark to the United States for a better life, in fact, Conrad spoke only Danish until he was 6 years old. Conrad, Ralph, Charlotte, and Jane all worked on the farm with their parents.

From his early days, he dreamt of designing cars for the automobile industry. He was recruited to go to college but left before graduating to help his parents on the farm. His first dream of designing cars eventually evolved into rebuilding cars and culminated with his opening Nielsen Auto Body, which served the Hood River Valley for 25 years.

Conrad had two sons born in South Dakota, Warren and Lance, from his first marriage in 1962. In the early 1970’s he moved from South Dakota to Oregon in search of a new start where he found the love of his life Christina Nielsen. His two daughters, Heidi and Julie were born in Hood River, Oregon.

He loved playing softball and bowling and a good game of cards. He taught his children how to play cribbage, letting them win until they won on their own. He was a formidable player of Hearts — running the table nearly every time.

He was a lifelong fan of the Denver Broncos and the Portland Trail Blazers, Monday Night Football, and CNN News Hour.

Over the last few years of his life, he still loved tinkering in his shop but spent most of his time calling and texting his children and his grandchildren to make sure they were okay and that they knew he loved them — and feeding table scraps to Molly the Dog.

There is not a person who met Conrad who didn’t feel his light and his love. His smile lit up the room. His hug made you feel like the world was alright. He was a father, a friend, and a steadfast foundation for so many throughout his life. He had an extraordinary ability to make everyone he met feel deeply cared for.

Conrad is survived by his wife, Christina Nielsen; his children Warren Nielsen, Lance Nielsen (and spouse Leahanne Nielsen), Heidi Nielsen (and spouse David Combe), and Julie Nielsen (and spouse Kent Craford); his grandchildren Tyler, Timothy, Ruby, Conrad, Olivia, Nora, Lela, Astrid, Holden, Carissa and Connor; his siblings Ralph and Charlotte.
A private family memorial was held on October 7th.