Dan Neilsen

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.