Harold A. Nielsen, 95, of Blooming Prairie, died Sunday, August 12, 2012 at the Oaklawn Health Care Center in Mankato. He was born September 2, 1916 in Ringsted, Iowa the son of Albert and Anna (Simmonson) Nielsen. He attended school in Seneca and graduated from Seneca High School. He then began farming near Ringsted, Iowa. He was united in marriage to Eldora Struecker on June 25, 1939 at St. John''s Lutheran Church in Fenton, IA. They farmed near Ringsted, Iowa then moved to LaCresenta, California where he worked as a carpenter. In 1956, they moved to a farm Aurora Township, Steele County, near Blooming Prairie. They retired from farming in 1978. Eldora died on March 23, 2000. Harold then moved to Mankato to reside near his daughter. Harold was an active member of St. John''s Lutheran Church since 1956. He served on the church council and many committees; including Head Usher, Trustee, Land Overseer Committee and Anniversary Committee. He was also active in organizations within the church including; secretary of St. John''s Men''s Club, President and Vice President of Fellowship Club, and Lutheran Laymen''s League Representative. He enjoyed fishing, woodworking, refinishing furniture, caning chairs, gardening, and animals. Harold and Eldora also traveled extensively to Europe, the Holy Land, and throughout the states following their retirement. He is survived by his daughter, Maridean Adams of Mankato; two grandchildren, Michael (and Tammy) Adams of Owatonna and Sue Endersbe of Mankato; two great granddaughters, Katie and Annabelle Endersbe of Mankato; sister-in-law, Lucille Nelsen of Ringsted, IA; brothers-in-law, John Struecker of Clinton, MO, and Victor (and Marion) Struecker of Fenton, IA; nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, and wife, Eldora, sister, Dorothy Laffey, and two brothers, Ervin and Melvin Nielsen. Visitation will be at St. John's Lutheran Church on August 16, 2012 Thursday from 10:00 AM to 11:00 AM. Funeral services will be held August 16, 2012 at 11:00 AM at St. John's Lutheran Church with the Reverend Alan Broadwell officiating. Interment will be in the St. John's Cemetery in Havana Township. In memory of Harold, memorials may be made to St. John''s Lutheran Church, Mayo Clinic Health System Hospice, or donor''s choice. The family would like to extend a thank you to Mayo Hospice and Oaklawn Health Care Center for their care and support. Visitation: 08/16/2012 10:00 08/16/2012 11:00 Service: Havana Township 08/16/2012 11:00