ANTON C. "TONY" NIELSEN, 70, of Linn Grove, Iowa, passed away at home on Thursday, December 28, 2023.

Memorial services will be held on Monday, January 15, 2024 at 2:00 p.m. at Bethlehem Lutheran Church in Royal, Iowa. Visitation with the family present will be held at 12:30 p.m.  Burial will be at the Willow Creek Cemetery in Royal, Iowa. Online condolences may be left at www.boothbyfuneral.com. The Boothby Funeral Home of Cherokee, Iowa is assisting the family with the arrangements.

Tony was born on October 17, 1953 to Herbert and Eleanor (Reed) Nielsen in Spencer, Iowa and grew up milking cows on their farm in Linn Grove. He attended Sioux Valley Schools, graduating in 1972. He went on to Iowa Lakes Community College for carpentry. He worked as a carpenter for almost 50 years in the area. He was a lifelong member of Bethlehem Lutheran Church.

He was united in marriage in 1975 to Cheryl Barglof and had two children, Dana and Zachary.

Tony found sobriety through Alcoholics Anonymous and recently celebrated 47 years of sobriety. He helped countless others through challenges and difficult times, with a kind and generous soul and had the knack of adding a touch of humor at just the right moment.

Tony was a sports fan, and loved following his grandkids' sports and activities. He also loved taking care of his pets, especially cats.

He was preceded in death by his godmother Marge Nielsen, his parents, and sister-in-law Joy Nielsen.

Tony will be deeply missed and lovingly remembered by his children, Dana Nielsen-Huberg and her husband Beau of Marion, Iowa and Zachary Nielsen and his wife Sara of St. Charles, Missouri; five grandchildren, Hudson and Greta Huberg, and Theodore, Anders, and Soren Nielsen; brothers Rick Nielsen and John Nielsen; niece Jodi Nielsen; former wife, Cheryl Barglof; as well as other relatives and many, many friends.  Let go and let God.