Walter C. "Bumps" Nielsen

Walter “Bumps” Nielsen, 98, of Aurora, formerly of Polk, died Friday, November 30, 2018 at Westfield Care Center in Aurora. Memorial services will be Thursday, December 6, 2018 at 10:30 a.m. at Polk United Methodist Church in Polk with Pastor Dan Spearow officiating. There will be no visitation. Burial will be in the Central City Cemetery. Memorials are suggested to the Polk American Legion or the Alzheimer’s Association. Condolences can be sent to the family at www.soltwagnerfuneral.com. Walter was born on September 21, 1920 in a sod house near Burlington, Colorado to Jack and Olga (Johnson) Nielsen. He was baptized on March 27, 1921. After several moves, his family settled in St. Paul, Nebraska, where he graduated high school in 1938. He enjoyed athletic success in high school and at Nebraska Central College near Central City, Nebraska. While attending college, Walt met (Margaret) Jean McMillan and they were married on April 16, 1943. Their wedding was the only wedding performed in the college chapel. Walter served in the Army/Air Force from 1942 to 1945. He then began his 37 year career in education. He was principal and coach in St. Paul, Beaver Crossing, and Loup City. He was superintendent of Polk Public Schools from 1963 to 1979. He and Jean remained in Polk, Nebraska after their retirements. Throughout his career, he had an exhuberant attitude toward sports and competition. Whether he was a participant, a coach, or a spectator, his enthusiasm was intense and contagious. Along with his enthusiasm was a positive attitude toward life that never waned. Walter was a member of the Polk United Methodist Church and the Polk American Legion Club. He is survived by one son- Roger and Shirley Nielsen of Central City, NE; one daughter- Kay and Dob Neuhaus of Plattsmouth, NE; one brother- Richard and LaVonne Nielsen of St. Paul, NE; sister in law- Della Nielsen of Yucaipa, CA; grandchildren- Dan (Carrie) Nielsen of Omaha, NE; Nicole (Tom) Springer of Bellevue, NE; Amber (Sean) Johnston of Omaha, NE; Nathan and Craig Neuhaus of Omaha, NE; great grandchildren- Drake, Gabrielle, and Cali Nielsen; SJ and Alexis Johnston, and Thomas Springer all brought him great joy, along with his extended family and many friends.

Walter C. "Bumps" Nielsen

September 21, 1920 - November 30, 2018