Violet Nielsen

Nielsen, Violet Elizabeth MADISON Violet Elizabeth Nielsen, age 99, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, Dec. 5, 2007, at the HospiceCare Center. She was born on Aug. 3, 1908, in Madison, the daughter of Niels and Annine (Andersen) Jensen. Violet graduated from Madison East High in 1926. After finishing school, she worked as a secretary in mechanical engineering at UW-Madison from 1926 until 1935. She married Walter M. Nielsen on June 22, 1929, with whom she celebrated almost 50 years of marriage. From 1952 until 1955, Violet worked in the Botany Department UW-Madison. From 1955 until 1962, she was the Department Secretary for the Geology Department. In 1962, she became the Department Secretary for the Scandinavian Department of UW-Madison, where she remained until her retirement in December 1976. While at the Scandinavian Department, Violet met dignitaries from Norway, Finland, Denmark and Sweden. Along with her husband, she traveled extensively, often visiting family in Denmark and also visiting Austria, Switzerland and Germany. In 1954, Violet became one of the original charter members of Lake Edge Lutheran Church, then returning full circle to Trinity Lutheran Church, where she had been baptized in 1908. Violets hobbies were knitting (mittens for her children and grandchildren), crocheting and she was an avid volunteer at church where she was known for her delicious coffee. Violet was the rock that held the family together with her loving care and guidance. Her family meant the world to her and loved having them around. Violet is survived by her two children, Stanley (Laura) Nielsen of Monona and Judith (Bill) Kanouse of Madison; eight grandchildren; 13 great-grandchildren; and extended family, friends and neighbors. She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband in 1979 and sister, Marie. A memorial service will be held at noon on Saturday, Dec. 15, 2007, at TRINITY LUTHERAN CHURCH, 1904 Winnebago St., Madison. The Rev. John Ruppenthal will be officiating. Visitation will be from 10:30 a.m. until the time of the service at church. Private inurnment will be at Roselawn Memorial Park. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to HospiceCare Inc., Trinity Lutheran Church or Lake Edge Lutheran Church. The family wishes to thank Meadowmere and especially HospiceCare Center, for their tender and loving care.