Harold Nielsen
July 29, 1944 - September 27, 2019
Obituary
MADISON – Harold Edwin “Harry” Nielsen, age 75, of Monona, passed away unexpectedly on Friday, Sept. 27, 2019. He was born on July 29, 1944, in Madison, Wis., the son of Maurice and Esther (Hegenbarth) Nielsen.
Harry graduated from Oregon High School and proudly earned degrees from UW-Platteville and UW-Stout. He spent his entire career teaching Industrial Arts at Middleton High School.
Harry had a life-long love of basketball and of the players, coaches, officials, and staff he worked with over the years--whether he was coaching, working the shot clock, or enjoying the Final Four with friends. As he liked to say, they were all “Class Acts.”
Harold is survived by two daughters, Darla (Seamus) Nielsen Mahoney and Lisa Nielsen Agnew; sister, Carmen (Jack) Kruschek; Norwegian son, Trond Haugen; and grandchildren, Nick, Brenna, Eamon, Rory, and Miller. Harry is survived by extended family and friends, and Cheri Timpel, the mother of his daughters. He was preceded in death by his parents.
A memorial service will be held at GUNDERSON EAST FUNERAL AND CREMATION CARE, 5203 Monona Drive, Madison, at 11 a.m. on Friday, Oct. 4, 2019, with the Rev. Pat Siegler presiding. Visitation will be held at the funeral home from 5 p.m. until 7 p.m. on Thursday, Oct. 3, 2019, and also from 10:30 a.m. until the time of the service on Friday.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made in Harry’s name to the MACC Fund or Garding Against Cancer. Online condolences may be made at www.gundersonfh.com.
Gunderson East
Funeral & Cremation Care
5203 Monona Drive
(608) 221-5420
Events
Visitation
Thu Oct 3, 2019 @ 5:00 PM - 7:00 PM CDT
Gunderson Funeral and Cremation Care - Madison • 5203 Monona Drive, Madison, WI 53716
Visitation
Fri Oct 4, 2019 @ 10:30 AM - 11:00 AM CDT
Gunderson Funeral and Cremation Care - Madison • 5203 Monona Drive, Madison, WI 53716
Memorial Service
Fri Oct 4, 2019 @ 11:00 AM - 12:00 PM CDT
Gunderson Funeral and Cremation Care - Madison • 5203 Monona Drive, Madison, WI 53716
Photos
No photos of Harold have been shared yet.
Memories
PA
Patrick Anderson
Other •
RIP Harry. You will be missed.
SD
Shane Dailey
Other •
Very nice man enjoyed visiting with him he loved basketball and everything that goes with the game nice nice man Rest In Peace my friend
DS
Dan Simms
Other •
Coach Nielsen had a great positive influence in the lives of many Middleton kids over the years, whether as a coach, teacher, or friend. His presence on or around a basketball court was always fun. Harry was a great family friend and will be missed. Rest in peace, Coach!
NV
Nicholas Volenec
Other •
Thank you Mr. Nielsen.
TL
Todd Landrum
Other •
That big orange ball has given many of us the chance to meet some great people through basketball. You had to love Harry because he was so positive and loved everything about the game, especially the people. He had relationships with coaches from every level, tons of players, and many officials. If there ever was "the best friend of basketball in the state of Wisconsin", it was Harry. We will miss you coach but we will never forget you. Thanks my friend for everything.
CO
Candace ostertag
Other •
Harry worked at the boys basketball tournament as a team host. Over the years I can only imagine how many players and coaches he met, told a story, and helped make their experience at State a great time. 🏀🏀🏀