Kevin Nielsen

Kevin Nielsen was one of the most amazing human beings his family ever had the privilege to know. His empathy for others, within and beyond his family, was a gift without equal; even as a small child, he always went out of his way to seek out and offer support to every person in need he encountered.

How he dealt with his incredible life-long medical adversities and stay cheerful, unresentful, and always good company held his family in awe. Gradually being stripped of every sensation, sight, hearing, speech, and balance by an inexorable brain tumor and one radiation treatment after another, he somehow found the inner strength to remain hopeful and keep fighting back, with a ready smile and great sense of humor. Kevin’s ability to summon up the strength to endure served as a source for courage for each member of his family as they lived their own lives.

He was our first child, and for 5 years it was mom, dad and Kevin; then Kara, then Kristi, then Keith joined us, and we became a family united to make Kevin’s life the best it could be. He became the steadfast center of our family wheel, uncomplaining, sharing love and his green, black, and yellow jelly beans with each of us. His brother, sisters, mom and dad loved him every day they were privileged to be part of his family, and they will continue to love his memory forever. And how Kevin loved his family, staying in touch even after his siblings left their home to start their own lives, reaching out through his only means of communication, his computer and the Internet.

God clearly needed another Angel……we will miss him greatly, but know he is in a far better place!