The Wahkiakum County Eagle - Established as The Skamokawa Eagle in 1891

Dean Nielson, 83, of Brule, Nebraska, passed away August 1, 2022, at his home in Brule.

Dean was born June 19, 1939, at Ogallala, Nebraska, to Boyd and Barbara "Betty" (Monhart) Nielson. He graduated from Arthur High School with the class of 1958.

On February 23, 1962, Dean married Patricia F. Mathison. The couple made their home at Alderpoint, California, where Dean worked as a timber cutter before moving to Colorado. Dean worked in the forestry industry most of his career, which took the family all over the northwest United States, and, eventually, Alaska.

While in Alaska, Dean and Patty operated a 3-story bed and breakfast that they built. Dean fell the trees and milled the lumber for the project himself. They spent nearly 30 years in Alaska, enjoying the company of visitors, the wildlife, fishing, and beautiful scenery.

In 2011, Dean and Patty moved to Ogallala to be closer to family and, most recently, had been making their home in Brule.

Hunting and fishing were built-in into Dean's DNA. He also loved to garden. He and Patty would often keep large gardens and put up produce every year together.

Dean was preceded in death by his parents, brothers, Roger and Dale; sisters, Betty Jo and Sandra; and a grandson, Bryant Prestegard.

Survivors include his wife of 60 years, Patricia of Brule; children, Terry Nielson of Puget Island, WA, Lyle (Brenda) Nielson of Forks, WA, Susan Olson of Brule, and Craig (Brenda) Nielson of Cathlamet, WA; 15 grandchildren; 18 great-grandchildren; along with many other relatives and friends.

A memorial has been established in Dean's memory for later designation by his family. Condolences may be shared at prairiehillsfuneralhome.com. Memorial services will be held at a later date.

Prairie Hills Funeral Home of Ogallala is in charge of arrangements.

- Paid Obituary -