Longtime Ida Grove Resident Melvin Nielsen Dies at 96

Melvin George Nielsen, 96, of Ida Grove died Saturday December 6, 2025 at Horn Memorial Hospital in Ida Grove. Funeral services are scheduled for 11 00 a.m. Monday December 15, 2025 at St. Paul Lutheran Church in Ida Grove with Rev. Neil Wehmas officiating. A visitation will be held from 3 00 p.m. to 5 00 p.m. Sunday December 14, 2025 at St. Paul Lutheran Church. Committal services will be held at a later date. Christensen Van Houten Funeral Home of Ida Grove is handling arrangements and condolences may be sent online at www.christensenvanhouten.com.

Born October 2, 1929 on a farm north of Battle Creek to Thorvald and Helma Albertsen Nielsen, Mr. Nielsen grew up on the family farm and attended local schools. He married Rose Kollbaum on October 8, 1950, and the couple shared 72 years of marriage. They raised three children, Craig, Connie and Mark. His life included several occupations that tied him to business and labor in the county. He worked as a truck driver, served as a carpenter for United Builders, and with his wife Rose opened and operated Mels Diner where he assisted in the daily operations. Later he worked seasonally at Crop Mate before retiring at age 82.

Survivors include daughter Connie Jordan and son Mark Nielsen and his wife Lanette all of Ida Grove, along with many grandchildren, nieces and nephews, and sister in law Janet Nielsen of Ida Grove. He was preceded in death by his parents Thorvald and Helma Nielsen, his wife Rose, infant son Craig, siblings Roy, Ronald, Donald and an infant sister, his son in law Richard Jordan, great grandson Elliot Jordan and great great grandson Jordan Reed.

Nielsen was a fixture in Ida Grove life for decades, representing the small business and labor strands that sustain rural communities. His years at local businesses and his presence on the front porch watching the world go by were part of the social fabric that ties neighbors together. His passing underscores the role local institutions such as Horn Memorial Hospital and St. Paul Lutheran Church play in serving an aging population and supporting families through end of life care and community mourning. Residents wishing to offer condolences may visit www.christensenvanhouten.com for further information.