Thomas W. Nielsen, Sr.

Thomas W. Nielsen Sr., age 87, died on January 1, 2015. He is survived by his wife Enid of 61 years; six children, Mary “Jip” Phillips, Tom Nielsen (Pat), Jerry Nielsen (Christi), Bobby Nielsen (Stephanie), Anne Wheeler (Rusty), Lorrie Cook (Eric); former son-in-law Michael Phillips and former daughter-in-law Tammy Nielsen; ten grandchildren, Aaron, Trey, Cory, David, Kristin, Taylor, Kelsey, Collin, Julia and Joshua.
He proudly served five years from age 15 aboard three Naval destroyers from Casablanca, North Africa (November, 1947) to Tokyo, Japan as Petty Officer Second Class (torpedoman). He earned seven battle stars and ribbons for major battle events and island invasions including the Solomon Islands, the 3 Marianna Islands and the “Turkey Shoot” of the eastern Philippine Sea. His ship, the U.S.S. Terry was hit by shore battery with lives lost and many injured. This ship endured the 1944 typhoon “Cobra”. Then there were the Kamikaze attacks, the patrols, the escorting and the occupation of Japan.
Without formal high school credits, he completed high school, college and graduate studies at Loyola University and Tulane University in seven years. Thereafter, he served as juvenile court probation officer and as a federal probation officer for 22 years. He then enjoyed many years as a certified psychotherapist in private practice.
He has had a 40 year experience in owning and working a farm in Picayune, Mississippi with animals and row crops. He renovated 17 rental units.
He was an active member of the World War II Museum. He enjoyed classical music and a continued association with Loyola University and Manresa House where he attended 53 retreats. He often thanked God for his marriage of 61 years, his six children, his ten grandchildren, his many friendships and all of his Church related activities.
Relatives and friends are invited to attend the visitation at St. Andrew the Apostle Catholic Church, 3101 Eton Street in Algiers on Tuesday, January 6, 2015 from 8:30 AM to 10 AM. A Funeral Mass will follow. Interment St. Patrick Cemetery No. 1. MOTHE FUNERAL HOME is in charge of arrangements. For directions or to view and sign the online guest book, please visit: www.mothefunerals.com .