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Funeral will be 11:00 AM Monday, December 23 @ the First Presbyterian Church in Lake City. Visitation will be from 10:00 AM until time of service.

Douglas Lyle Nielsen, age 83, of Falmouth, went home to be with his Lord and Savior on Monday, December 16, 2024 at Maple Ridge Living Center of Cadillac. He was born on September 21, 1941 in Lapeer, Michigan to Carl and Dorothy Nielsen. He served his country in the U.S. Army from 1967-1969. During a brief leave, he married Roberta “Bobbie” McConnell on January 8, 1968.

Doug graduated from Michigan State University’s Animal Husbandry Program in 1964. After discharge from the service, he worked at Omega Cattle Farm until he began working at Michigan State University’s Experiment Station in Lake City in 1971; he was manager for many years until his retirement in 2007. Doug enjoyed working with beef cattle, both at work and raising them at home for many years. Doug was always a supporter of 4-H, including when his children raised and showed sheep and steers. He had a passion for vegetable gardening, especially tomatoes and potatoes. Doug was a loyal MSU Spartan fan; he enjoyed watching MSU sporting events as well as the Detroit Tigers and Pistons. Doug and Bobbie were also avid supporters of the McBain Ramblers. He enjoyed morning coffee at Duane’s Restaurant around “the coffee table”. Doug enjoyed riding bicycle most of his life, riding with kids and grandkids, and his good friend and neighbor Ron Huttenga. Doug enjoyed all the time he could with his grandchildren and great-grandchildren; they brought much joy to his life.

Doug is survived by his wife Bobbie Nielsen, of Falmouth, children; Michael (Michelle) Nielsen of McBain and Kimberly Nielsen of Atlanta, GA, grandchildren; Cody (Jessica) Nielsen of McBain, Kerstin (Caleb) Kars of Marion, Logan Nielsen, Tycen Nielsen and Sanaa Nielsen-Siaki all of Atlanta, GA, Great-Grandchildren; Tenley and Kade Nielsen of McBain and Odin and Addison Kars of Marion; siblings; Karen Smith of Mason, Kim Carl (Isabel) Nielsen of Mason, as well as many nieces and nephews.

He is preceded in death by his parents, in-laws Mel Smith, William “Bill”(Linda) McConnell, and Bonnie Selby.

Funeral services will be held at 11:00am on Monday, December 23, 2024 at the First Presbyterian Church in Lake City, with Pastor Jan Jasperse officiating. Visitation will be held Thursday, December 19 from 5-7pm at the Burkholder Family Funeral Home in McBain and one hour prior to the service on Friday. A luncheon will be held following the service, and burial will take place in the Falmouth Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made out to First Presbyterian Church or Missaukee Agricultural Youth Show. The family is being served by the Burkholder Family Funeral Home in McBain, thoughts and prayers can be expressed by visiting the online obituary – burkholderfamilyfuneralhome.com.