Lawrence Anthony "Tony" Nielsen, 78, of Columbus, Nebraska, died Monday, August 16, 2021, at Emerald Care & Rehabilitation in Columbus.

The funeral service will be held on August 26 at 10:30 AM, at First United Methodist Church in Columbus with Rev. Cindi Stewart officiating. Interment will be in Columbus Cemetery. Visitation will be on August 25 from 5:00 PM - 7:00 PM at Gass Haney Funeral Home and continue on August 26 from 9:30 AM until service time at the church. The funeral service will be broadcast live on Gass Haney Funeral Home Facebook page. Memorials may be directed to Platte Valley Playhouse or that of family choice.

Lawrence Anthony "Tony" Nielsen was born on February 1, 1943, in West Point, Nebraska, to Lawrence and Violet (Rieck) Nielsen. Tony graduated from Pender High School in 1961 and periodically completed additional position specific educational opportunities throughout a long career which included the fields of banking, manufacturing, training, marketing, and management.

Tony was united in marriage to Barbara Petersen on November 2, 1963, in Rosalie, Nebraska. He was married briefly to Bonnie Parsons of South Sioux City, Nebraska. On May 10, 1986, Tony was united in marriage to Karen Hajek Kaspar, in Columbus.

Altogether Tony lived 50 of his 78 years in Columbus. He loved the Columbus community, and was involved in many civic and social pursuits over the years here. Whether playing the Easter Bunny for the Columbus Downtown Business Association's annual Easter Egg Hunt, serving funnel cakes at various community events, or participating in local clubs such as the Optimists and Elks, Tony was always willing to pitch in and help with community functions. But theatre was his biggest love, and ultimately his most lasting community legacy. A founding member of the Platte Valley Playhouse, Tony acted, directed, and otherwise supported countless shows over its 50-year history. He served as President multiple times, worked on publicity and sponsorship, helped build sets – he drew the line only at singing or dancing. "That," he said, "I will happily leave in the capable hands of you kids and grandkids!" Over the years, Tony attended at various times, Federated Church, Peace Lutheran Church, and the First United Methodist Church. He loved spending time with family, and took much joy in keeping current with everyone's lives and activities.

Tony is survived by:
Daughter: Lisa Nielsen of Columbus, NE
Son: Erik Nielsen of Austin, TX
Step-son: Randy (Anita Long) Kaspar
Step-son: Chris (Kim Seipel) Kaspar
Step-daughter: Traci (Cindy Owens) Kaspar
Grandchildren: Jack Nielsen, Josh Nielsen, Brittany Kaspar, Miranda (Dylan) Micek, Sydney Kaspar, Colby Kaspar
Great Grandchildren: Ellie & Sylas Micek
Brother: Chris (Carol Mitties) Nielsen of Shenandoah, IA
Brother: Dan (Alice Rutar) Nielsen of Pender, NE
Four nephews, four nieces, seven great nephews & nieces
Cousins: Kathy Reikofski, Verna Mae Pearson, Jo Heran, & Chuck Rieck

Tony was preceded in death by:
Parents: Lawrence "Corky" & Violet Nielsen
Wife: Karen Kaspar Nielsen
Cousins: Butch Blecker & Roy Blecker

Service Folder Information
To everything there is a season,

And a time to every purpose

under the heaven.

A time to plant and

a time to harvest ...
Taken from Ecclesiastes, Chapter 3




As God sows and reaps

Each tiny seed in the soil,

He cares for us from first light

And far beyond our earthly toil.




In Loving Memory Of

Lawrence "Tony" Anthony Nielsen

Born
Monday, February 1, 1943
West Point, Nebraska

Entered Into Rest
Monday, August 16, 2021
Columbus, Nebraska

Service
Thursday, August 26, 2021 10:30 AM
First United Methodist Church
Columbus, Nebraska

Officiant
Rev. Cindi Stewart

Music
Sherron Chard – Accompanist
Annette Alt & Klint Stewart
"What A Friend We Have In Jesus"
"Wind Beneath My Wings"
"Blessed Assurance"
"Go Rest High On That Mountain"
"How Great Thou Art"
"Amazing Grace, My Chains Are Gone"

Casket Bearers
Elliot Nielsen
Troy Nielsen
Jordan Nielsen
Jake Nielsen
Cory Anderson
Blake Baker

Interment
Columbus Cemetery
Columbus, Nebraska