Phyllis Marie (Benson) Nielsen, 86, of Lincoln, passed away on August 11, 2022. She was born on December 28, 1935 in Niobrara, NE to Rayder Corrine Benson & Irene Harriet Lenger.
An only child, Phyllis had many first cousin “siblings” who all attended and graduated from Niobrara Public Schools. Phyllis was baptized, confirmed, and married at the Niobrara Evangelical Lutheran Church, where she served as organist for fifteen years.
On August 5, 1955, Phyllis married Carl Henry Nielsen. Two children, Jeanmarie and Joel, were born to the union.
Phyllis enjoyed traveling and spending time with her family, reading, daily crossword puzzles, antiques, and decorating the house for all holidays. She was a master hostess, holding receptions and gatherings in her home, and laying a table with every detail in place. She participated in many women’s circles, quilt making, bible studies, and church dinners. She could converse with anyone and Carl waited for her on many occasions, reminding her that they needed to leave before the lights were turned off and the doors locked.
Phyllis’s greatest life-long passion was music! She loved teaching piano to students of all ages and was a teacher and church organist for nearly 70 years. She served as the church organist in every community in which they lived including Niobrara, Creighton, Bazille Mills, Wolbach, Newman Grove (all in Nebraska), Montrose, SD, and served as music coordinator, organist, and choir director in Yankton, SD for many years. She enjoyed attending and volunteering at concerts, museums, and arts & cultural events and served on the Yankton Community Concert Board for several years.
Phyllis will be remembered for many beautiful things. She was personable, funny, and a friend to everyone she met, known for her spontaneous and delighted laugh. She will be deeply missed by those who knew and loved her.
Survivors include: children Joel Nielsen of Lincoln, NE, and Jeanmarie (Michael) Anderson of Oklahoma City, OK; grandchildren Colin Anderson of New York, NY and Maren (Caleb) Hinshaw of Yukon, OK; great-grandson Silas Hinshaw of Yukon, OK
She was preceded In death by her parents and husband, Carl Nielsen.
A Memorial Service will be held at 10:00 a.m., Friday, August 19th at Southwood Lutheran Church, 4301 Wilderness Hills Blvd.
Visitation at the church one hour prior.
Burial will be held at 2:00 p.m. at the Blair City Cemetery in Blair, NE.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be given to the Alzheimer’s Association.
Services
Memorial Service
10:00 am CST
Southwood Lutheran Church
Share a Memory or Condolence
I have many memories of Phyllis, but one of my first memories of her would be when she asked me to a gathering of women from church when my husband and I first moved to Yankton. Being the new pastor’s wife, I didn’t know what to expect, especially since the gathering was on a Friday night. I was relieved to find out that no official church business was happening that evening and we were just going to eat snacks and drink margaritas. We learned that we had our Norwegian heritage in common and of course, our love of music. We also did a little quilting together. I am blessed to have known her. Peace be to you, Phyllis. Rejoice in heaven!
– Hannah Weispfennig
I remember with such fondness of the opportunities I had to spend time with your mom. We always laughed and had a good time at my piano lessons. I think often of her and how much fun she was. She will truly be missed. You have my deepest sympathy.
– Melodee (Raff) Boggs
Phyllis was my piano teacher from 1st grade until my senior recital in 1977. I loved going to lessons and her laugh is one I will never forget! I think of her often when I sit down to play. She loved music and people!!
– Jean Warren Henes
We send our sincere condolences to Joel and family. It was a blessing to get to know Phyllis when she came to Southwood with Joel. We became “seat mates” and looked forward to seeing them on Sundays. I felt a warm connection with her…maybe it was our love of crosswords or quilting or our same middle name! She even went to her heavenly home on my birthday! May you rest in peace, Phyllis. God bless your memory! From our summer home in Minnesota…. with love!
– John and Char Helgesen
We remember Phyllis from our interchanges with her and Joel when she was at Savannah Pines. She was a kind and gentle soul. Our deepest sympathies go to Joel and the family on their loss.
– Bob and Anne Diffendal
Fond memories of Phyllis and the Nielsen family in Creighton. Thankful for their example as leaders in the church and community. Never knew a moment that Phyllis wasn’t smiling. Carl and Phyllis were very kind to me, so grateful for that. John Rohwer Edmond,Oklahoma
– John Rohwer
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