Funeral services for Craig A. Nielsen, 65, will be 10:30AM, Thursday, November 19, 2009, at Trinity Lutheran Church in Lake Norden, SD. Visitation will be from 5PM until 8PM, Wednesday, at the Geise Funeral Home in Lake Norden.

Craig A. Nielsen was born on July 10, 1944, in Volga, South Dakota the son of Niels Kris and Thea (Thue) Nielsen. Craig moved with his family to Dolph Corner, west of Lake Norden and later to rural Arlington and then back to rural Lake Norden. The family then moved into Lake Norden. He attended school at Laketon, District #37, through the third grade. He continued his education at Anderson District #17, and also in Lake Norden. Craig was employed for various companies including Longstreet Construction, Marvin Ellsworth Trucking, Ray Antonen Lake Norden Products, Lake Norden Creamery, Hamlin Coop, Myron Anderson Carpentry, Hollie Johnson Plumbing and Electrical, Land O Lakes, and Dakotaland Autoglass. He was most recently self employed until his retirement.

He was united in marriage to Charlotte Koistinen on January 8, 1981, in Lake Norden.

Craig enjoyed spending time with his family and friends, especially spending time and attending his grandchildrens sporting events.

Grateful for having shared his life are his wife Charlotte of Lake Norden, SD; step-son Kevin (Marty) Koistinen of Watertown, SD; step daughters Kim (Dale) Nelson of Sioux Falls, SD, Kristi (Matt) Davis of St. Peter, MN; six grandchildren Brendan and Alyssa Koistinen, Alex and McKenna Nelson and Colton and Ellen Davis; one brother Andy (Barb) Nielsen of Glendale, AZ; one sister Aggie Hesby of Sioux Falls, SD; one brother-in-law Charles Anderson of Lake Norden; two sisters-in-law Marlene Herzig of Sioux Falls, Ione (Bruce) Thomsen of Klamath Falls, OR,; nieces, nephews and many cousins.

Craig was preceded in death by his parents, one granddaughter Sara Davis and one brother Charles.
Craig died on Saturday, November 14, 2009, at his home in Lake Norden.