The rainbow bridge was calling you, and the many creatures big and small, fur, feathered , fin, and scales were waiting for you on the other side of that bridge, you took that step, crossed that bridge and went to take care of them. Such as you did in life.
After numerous years battling illness “Dr. Dan” left this earth on November 6th, 2018 “Dr Dan” as “he was euphemistically referred to, came into this world in Brooklyn, NY on November 26th 1939, the only child of Rolf and Elna Nielsen.” Prior to his death he wrote part of his obituary, his wife and daughters completing the missing pieces upon his death. Those in quotes are his words written a few years ago.
“He had a rather undistinguished career at Fort Hamilton High School graduating in 1956. Spending the next three years in a two-year program at Cornell University. Against all logic he was admitted to the Veterinary College in the fall of 1959. Four years later he graduated with a degree as a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine, thanks to the benevolence of many of his professors.” After a short year in practice in Cherry Valley, he was drafted into the Army during the Vietnam War for the next two years. After his service he was asked to join the practice of Drs Elliott and Smith in New Berlin, N.Y. where he would retire from after approximately 45 years of caring for creatures great and small, fur, feathered and fin, domestic animals, farm animals and zoo animals. Many people still remember those tiger cubs and the numerous stories surrounding them while being cared for at the Nieslen home.
Dr. Nielsen is survived by his wife of fifty-five plus years, Elsa Ingabritt, two daughters, Heather Lee Anderson (Don) and Kari Lynne Strouth; four grandchildren Nicole (Van Tisdale ) and Taylor Anderson (Kyli Osterhout) , Cameron and Sawyer Strouth, and one great granddaughter Mckenna Lynn Anderson.
Dr. Nielsen was a member of the Upstate New York Killifish Association, Central New York Aquarium Society and the American Killifish Association. And many other community organizations throughout his years living in the New Berlin and surrounding areas. Dan was proud that he obtained the rank of Eagle Scout with the assistance of his father. During his younger adult years, he would spend the summers teaching boy scouts how to swim at boy scout camp. The Boys Scouts had a special place in his heart as well as his fathers.
Words can not express the gratitude that his family has towards the Dialysis Department of Bassett Hospital. The staff was wonderful to him and to his family, offering comfort, friendship, and guidance when needed. You are very, very special people and your kindness will never be forgotten. And to The Centers in Cooperstown, thank you so much for making his final days filled with peace, comfort, kindness, and trying to make sure football games were on his television even if his Giants were not playing. There are many other people who have assisted “Dr Dan” during his many years of his health ups and downs, please know that we thank you all for your kindness and yes patience at times. The journey at times was long at times but because of all of you and your kind words and assistance you made it bearable for us.
Per his wishes there will not be no formal calling hours or funeral. Instead there will be a small Celebration of his life starting at 2pm at the New Berlin Fire house. Family will be in attendance an hour per to the service and after to share stories and memories on Sunday, November 11, 2018. During the celebration, a rendition of Dr Dan’s favorite song “Danny Boy” will be sung by Diana Kupris Mettler, Father Steve White from St Andrews Episcopal Church has kindly offered his services to assist with this celebration of life. While flowers are nice the family has requested that instead please donate to the Chenango County SPCA or your favorite organization that supports in finding animals forever homes. Collection boxes will be available at the time of the gathering. |
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Monty & Gail Smith
Edmeston, NY
So sorry to hear about your loss. Thoughts and prayers are with you all.
Maryanne & Joe Campbell
New Berlin, NY
Dr. Dan was our vet for several years. We had many animals that he cared for. We want to express our deepest sympathy to the family. Ourthoughts & prayers are with you at the time.
Phyllis Grady
Malone,NY
I am thankful for the friendship of Dan & Inky. Dan and Inky were always the first to be apart of UNYKA meetings held at our home. Both were apart of some big celebrations in our life, as well. Dan was helpful and kind to a proxy killi fish person (wife of a killi keeper). It gave me comfort knowing he was going with my husband on their killi convention trips.
Thank you for your time,talent and trip companionship, both in killi fish and personally. Peace to you: Inky, Heather and Kari and families.
John & Rainer
New Berlin
We are so sorry to have lost our good friend and neighbor, Dan. Our hearts go out to Inky and the entire family as they endure these sad times.
Patricia Perry
Crownsville, Maryland
I am sorry for your loss Inky and family. I enjoyed the time I worked with Dan when he was the Town of New Berlin’s Health Officer.
We often reminisced about my upbringing in Richmond Hill and his in Brooklyn. May he now Rest In Peace,
Linda Tuller
New Berlin, NY
Inkyand girls, I am so sorry for your loss. There are no words to help at this time.
Hopefully your great memories over the years will bring you some happiness.
Glenda Hoffmann
West Oneonta, NY
Dear Inky and family,
I am sorry for your loss. You are in my thoughts and prayers.
Tina Hecker
Rogersville, Tennessee
Working with Dan, Richard, and Colleen provided some of the most fulfilling years I've ever had.
Condolences to all. Thinking of you all during this difficult time.
Bonnie Bays Blanchard
Sherburne, NY
A great man known so well in the farming community in Chenango County. He was always at my Dad's (Tony Bays) beck and call......day or night, holiday, whatever....Dan was there. He became a constant friend, this gentle man. My Dad, I'm more than positive, was the first one to greet him as he crossed the bridge. My Mom, a close second, as she treasured his friendship and knowledge with all the rescued animals she cared for. Thank you, Dan, you will be greatly missed. Inky, Heather and Kari hold on to all the beautiful memories.
Sue Schoonover
Edmeston NY
An amazing Obituary for an AMAZING MAN. He is at peace now with all of the animals in Heaven welcoming him... Thoughts and Prayers go to you all at this time of loss, he is at peace now... There will never be the right words for a time like this, but we all know that no matter what he could always find a reason to smile. Embrace the memories. Love to you all....
Vince & Bonnie Jean Bauer
New Berlin, N.Y.
Our deep and sincere condolences. We feel blessed to have known Dr. Dan and Inky these past years.
Prayers and thoughts of comfort for all the family during this difficult time.
Richard Cox
Poole U.K.
I only knew Dr Dan through the exchange membership we had of AKA and BKA.
Through the messages we exchanged I thought him a perfect gentleman and I will truly miss our relationship. May he rest in Peace.
Dave Koran
Dickerson, Maryland
I was always thankful to have Dr. Dan as a friend and confidant and on behalf of the American Killifish Association
we will always be greteful for his service and contributions to the organization
Michael Lucas
Schenectady NY
My condolences to family and friends. We will miss Dr. Dan a man of patience, wisdom and great character.
Richard S. Smith, DVM
New Berlin, NY
Dr. Nielsen was an exemplary compassionate intelligent and capable veterinarian and I am proud to have been his partner for over 40
years. My family and the entire community will miss him !!
LAURIE HOTALING
NORWICH NY
A great man a great friend to all we all will miss him , prayers for his family and friends , may god be with you all
Rita Cornell
New Berlin NY
Please accept my sincere condolences. Hold tight to all your memories and let them carry you as you navigate the days ahead.
Jim Randall
Albany New York
Dan was agood friend and a mentor for my killifish hobby. I will certainly miss him. I am sending my prayers for him and his family.
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