Norman Raymond Nielsen

It is with saddened hearts that we announce the passing of Norman Nielsen following a prolonged and bravely fought battle with heart and lung disease. Norm passed the evening of Saturday, May 24th at home.

He will be greatly missed by many, including his wife, Denise, daughter, Natalie and spouse Nathaniel Furlong and their four children, Asher, Jude, Silas and Rhema, son, Nathan and spouse Missy and two children Isla and Harris. Norman is also survived by his sister, Gail and husband Ed, and brother, Gary and wife Linda, along with many beloved nieces, nephews, family and friends, alongside the many others who affectionately called him “Uncle Norm”.

Norm graduated from Garden City West High School in 1970. From there Norm attended classes at Schoolcraft college but more importantly, as he would say grew wise in “the school of experience”. He married his wife of nearly 47 years, Denise, September 15th, 1978 in Brighton, Michigan, eventually moving to Fenton, Michigan where they lived and raised their family. His love for his wife, children and grandchildren was evident in all he did. Norm was always quick to come to the aid of family, friends, neighbors and strangers alike who were in need - big or small, and gave generously and extravagantly of his time, talent, and treasure.

Norm was known for his expert craftsmanship, creative problem solving and immense artistic abilities. He expressed these skills for clientele all over Michigan for over 30 years in the building and expansion of Nielsen Quality Homes Inc which he began in 1993 alongside his partner and brother, Gary Nielsen. The company and Norm’s legacy continues under the expert care of Gary and Nathan Nielsen along with the rest of the Nielsen family and their talented crew members.

Norm was an avid outdoorsman, loving all things nature. He saw beauty in all God has made and enjoyed hunting, fishing and simply being in God’s creation whenever he got the chance. He harvested several Pope and Young whitetail, the largest being an 18 point buck from his property in Fenton. In all things, he would rather give glory and credit to God than take it for himself.

Above all, Norm will be remembered for who he was as a person: loving, kind, caring, full of life and joy. He was always ready with a joke or a prank to bring a smile to all who had the privilege of being in his presence, even when he was personally struggling or in pain. His faith in God and belief in the victorious love of Jesus shone through his interactions with all who came into contact with him. He will be greatly missed and remembered and honored by the multitude of lives his touched in both small and profound ways.