Karl McKinley Nielsen, age 82, of Westfield, IL passed away unexpectedly at 12:25 am on Saturday, June 10, 2017 at Regional Hospital, Terre Haute, IN. He was born June 22, 1934 in Evanston, IL, the son of William Nielsen and Grace Hall Nielsen.

Survivors include his caring and devoted friends, Ron and Marsha Gilbert of Westfield, IL; his “special buddy” Cole Gilbert of Westfield, IL; sister in law, Mimi Nielsen of WA; nephews, Harold Nielsen of Chicago, IL; Bob Nielsen of OK; Bernie Nielsen of TX; Karl Nielsen of WA and Mark Nielsen of Chicago, IL and his many friends in the Westfield, IL area. He was preceded in death by his parents and brothers, Robert and Donald Nielsen.

Karl was a US Army veteran serving his country from 1956 – 1958 state side and 1964 – 1967 in Germany. He was retired from Eastern Illinois University as a building service worker after 25 years and later mowed the Westfield Township cemeteries for over 22 years. He was a member of the Westfield United Methodist Church, Charleston Moose Lodge, Westfield American Legion and Kansas American Legion. Karl loved living in a small town and was very devoted the Westfield community, he enjoyed mowing for others and was always helping his friends and neighbors. He was honored as “Citizen of the Year” for his service to the Westfield community.

Funeral services will be conducted at 11 am on Tuesday, June 13, 2017 at the Westfield United Methodist Church with Rev. Walter Miller officiating. Burial will follow in the Maple Hill Cemetery, Westfield, IL with graveside military rites by the Westfield American Legion and Kansas American Legion. Visitation will be held from 9 – 11 am prior to the service on Tuesday at the Westfield United Methodist Church, 225 S. Madison St, Westfield, IL. In Karl’s honor casual attire is suggested.

Memorial donations may be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, 262 Danny Thomas Place, Memphis, TN 38105.

To view the full obituary, send a condolence message, or post photos, visit www.markwellfuneralhome.com. Markwell Funeral Home of Casey and Westfield, IL is in charge of the arrangements.