A gathering of family and friends will be held May 17, 2014, from 1-4 pm at the home of Eric and Judy Nielsen, 1033 Kimbell Drive, Breaux Bridge, LA 70517 to commemorate the life of Eric Thomas Dane Nielsen, Sr, 86, who passed away on Wednesday, April 16, 2014 at his home in Lafayette. He was born August 30, 1927 in New Orleans to Cpt. Eric Christian Marius Nielsen of Thisted, Denmark and Mary Augusta Mine Nielsen of New Orleans. After attending Adolph Myer and Martin Behrman HS in Algiers, LA he attended the United States Merchant Marine Academy. He was on active duty in the Mediterranean when WWII ended. He graduated from the USMMA in Kings Point, NY in 1948. He served as a Midshipman on the Merchant ship"Del Norte". When on shore he had a retail business, MirMar, Inc. dealing with merchandise for seamen aboard merchant ships. He Married the love of his life, Nancy Brackett Vandiver of New Orleans on May 17, 1952. After a three month honeymoon he took his commission in the U.S. Navy and served as Damage Control Officer aboard the "LST USS Freemont", flagship of the Amphibious Task Element. He and Nancy loved Ballroom Dancing and he moonlighted as an instructor for Arthur Murrahy Dance School. After Korea he worked for Ogen, Woodriff and Dwyer designing Air Conditioning Systems, followed by Bernard and Burke, where he served as a HVAC control draftsman and troubleshooter. Later he joined Honeywell, Inc., and from 1961 to 1978 he was Senior Sales Engineer for their office in Baton Rouge, LA. After retiring the family moved to Lafayette, Louisiana and Eric went into the Test and Balance (TAB) business 1978, founding Acadian Air Balance, Inc; with Nancy. In 1980, he obtained his certification from the National Environmental Balancing Bureau. Together he and Nancy raised their four children: Susan Doiron of Lafayette, LA, Cynthia Rich of Canton, GA, Eric, Jr. and Judy DeJean Nielsen, and Robert and Cindy Law Nielsen of Breaux Bridge, LA. Eric was a most loving grandfather to Troy (Christina Medlin) Doiron, Kristen Doiron (Chad Duhon), Ashley N. (Tobias Idhammar), all of Lafayette, Dr. Eric III and Carolyn Louth Nielsen of Manhattan, NY, Christine Roewe and Mary Rich of Woodstock, GA, Anna Cowan of Lafayette, Sara and Chase Nielsen of Breaux Bridge, LA and 16 3/4 Great Grand Children. He is also survived by his two brothers, Thomas CD Nielsen and Ginger Lee of Baton Rouge and Jens JD and Diane Hotard Nielsen of Gretna; his sister Karen ED Nielsen of Picayune, MS; his sister-in-law Dr. Susan V. Nicassio of Lafayette and ULL along with many, many beloved nieces and nephews. He loved his family, Nancy's fabulous meals, walking and talking at the mall, and was a friend to everyone he met. He especially enjoyed playing poker, organic gardening and his dear friends and family who listened to his wonderful life stories. Special thanks go to his daughter Cynthia who, along with Hospice of Acadiana's own Sussane Huval Stelly and many others, cared for him at home in his final days. Condolences may be expressed online at waltersfh.com.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
2 Entries
Hi Dad, it's me again. I know you already know that our new little baby boy Nielsen has arrived safe and sound. No name for him yet, but you have another great grandbaby BOY! You so loved the little babies!
Susan Nielsen Doiron
May 16, 2014
My condolences to Judy, Tommy, Jens, Diane and all the Nielsen family on Eric's passing. He was a couple of years ahead of me at Behrman, but I always considered him a good friend, He was helpful to anyone and was always of good cheer. And I fondly remember Capt. Nielsen - the Great Dane - who was one of my shop instructors when I was a freshman. God bless your family.
French Brownlee
May 15, 2014
Showing 1 - 2 of 2 results
Funeral services provided by:
Walters Funeral Home - Lafayette2424 North University Avenue, Lafayette, LA 70507
The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.
Read moreWhat kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?
Read moreWe'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.
Read moreIf you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.
Read moreLegacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.
Read moreThey're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.
Read more