Christopher Nielsen

In remembering Chris Nielsen, the one thing that truly comes to mind is his tender heart for children. Chris lived for his children, and loved each of them beyond compare. Blessed abundantly, he dedicated his time and efforts towards his family. Christ was the foundation in his life, and Chris set an example for his family as a dedicated spiritual leader in his home. With a sense of humor all his own, his caring smile and thoughtful eyes could light up a room, but especially the heart of a child. Although he will be truly missed, Chris leaves a loving legacy in the hearts of those who knew and loved him.

Christopher James Nielsen was born during a time of radical change in America. The year 1968 saw political unrest across the nation as Peace Movement protestors marched against the Vietnam War. It was also the year that the beloved Martin Luther King, Jr. was assassinated during the influx of the Civil Rights Movement. As the first manned space mission was launched, longer hemlines gave way to mini skirts, and the infamous smiley face and peace symbol were signs of many more cultural changes. In Grand Rapids, Michigan, changes were indeed taking place in the lives of James and Sharon (Farrell) Nielsen when on September 13, 1968 they welcomed Christopher into their loving arms.

Having enjoyed a typical and adventurous childhood, Chris was one of three children in the Nielsen home. He grew up with his sister, Heidi, and sadly, his sister Heather died at a very young age. His father worked in a local factory while his mother stayed home to care for the children as a homemaker. While a young boy, Chris and his family moved to Howard City, Michigan where Chris attended the Tri-County grade schools. He went on to graduate from Tri-County High School with the Class of 1986.

Chris was talented in many areas and held a variety of positions. For a time he worked for T-Square Art Supply Incorporated before taking a job with Koch Materials Company working with asphalt. He later began working for the Display Pack Company. More recently, Chris enjoyed his position as the office and building manager for the Cedar Animal Hospital where he worked for the last seven years.

Life took on new meaning for Chris when he met a pretty young girl named Tammy Petersen at Pearson Bible Church. They shared their first date on April 8, 1989 at Tammy’s house where they watched a movie together. Tammy was only 15 at the time, but as their relationship blossomed and their love grew, the two were joined in marriage three years later on December 5, 1992 at Pierson Bible Church. They made their home together in Lowell, Michigan while Tammy was completing classes at Michigan State University. In 1995 they purchased their first home after moving to Howard City, Michigan.

Their lives were truly blessed when into their hearts and home they welcomed the addition of children into their lives. Mikaela, Jordan, Trevor and Trent were a delight to Chris. Through much prayer and with a love for children and a heart for adoption, Chris and Tammy adopted two wonderful children from Guatemala. EmmaGrace came to them in May of 2004 followed by Justine the following September. Trent was welcomed into their loving family after EmmaGrace and Justine arrived. With their family now complete, Chris reveled in each of his children. Two years ago they settled in Gowen and bought a house with plenty of room to roam. Their land provided freedom for the kids to play and allowed for horses, many pets and a few chickens to name a few.

Chris raised his family in faith and took his responsibility as the spiritual leader of their home to heart. Together he and Tammy taught in the Children’s Ministry at church on Wednesday nights. They both were active at Pearson Bible Church, and since 2002 they have been dedicated and active members at Sunshine Church. Although Chris never played any instruments himself, he enjoyed many types of music, especially contemporary Christian music. As a family they enjoyed memorable times camping at Cran Hill Ranch. Fond memories are held dear of a wonderful trip to Hilton Head where they walked the beach and enjoyed spending time with each other. With no agenda, they simply took in the fresh air and the beauty of their surroundings.

As an awesome father, Chris was much more interested in the children than in material things. Dedicated to them in every sense of the word, he set a wonderful example for them to live by. Chris found it difficult to put discipline into action and never found any joy in it. It often times hurt him more than the kids. As a team, Tammy and Chris home schooled the children while they both worked for the animal hospital. They worked opposite shifts so one of them could always be at home. As a loving father and mentor to his boys, Chris felt it was important to teach them life skills that would serve them well like changing the car oil, knowing how to change a tire, and basic carpentry.

When it came to building, fixing or taking anything apart, Chris had a natural knack for it. He could disassemble something and improve it before even putting it back together. He knew all there was about computers, and was a whiz when it came to them as well. A friend to many, Chris had a great sense of humor and was always at the ready to help those in need.

Due to occluded carotid artery disease, Chris suffered a stroke five years ago which caused him to change his lifestyle dramatically. He came through it with few lasting effects, but remained a high risk. Two years ago he was diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis, but medication to cope with it was helping. On Wednesday, March 31, Chris suffered another stroke which was much more debilitating than the first. At the age of 41, Chris Nielsen went home to Glory on Tuesday, April 6, 2010 at Spectrum Health. A devoted husband and wonderful father, Chris leaves much to be remembered in the years he was able to share. He will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved him.

Chris is survived by his wife, Tammy; his children, Mikaela, Jordan, Trevor, Emmagrace, Justine and Trent; parents, James and Sharon Nielsen of Howard City; mother-in-law, Rose Daling of Kentwood; father-in-law, Dan and Theresa Petersen of Cedar Springs; his sister, Heidi Nielsen of Zeeland; sister-in-law and brother-in-law, Michelle and Dwight DeJong of Howard City; many nieces, nephews and friends.

Funeral services will be held Sunday, April 11, 2010, 2:00 PM at Sunshine Church, 3300 E. Beltline. Friends may meet with his family on Friday from 6-8 PM and again on Saturday from 2-4 and 6-8 PM at Heritage Life Story Funeral Home-Van’t Hof Chapel, 851 Leonard NW with interment in Rosedale Memorial Park. Contributions in his memory may be made to the Education Fund for the Nielsen Children. Please visit www.lifestorynet.com to leave a favorite memory or photo of Chris or to sign his online guest book.