Service Information
Sheldon A. Nies, age 82, husband of Jean, of Hutchinson, Minnesota, passed away on Sunday, May 28, 2023, at his home in Hutchinson.
Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Friday, June 2, 2023, at 1:00 P.M. at St. Anastasia Catholic Church in Hutchinson, with interment at a later date in Minnesota State Veterans Cemetery (Fort Ripley Cemetery) in Little Falls, Minnesota.
Gathering of Family and Friends will be held from 11:00 A.M.-1:00 P.M., two hours prior to the service at the church.
Obituary
Sheldon Alex Nies was born on March 26, 1941, in Litchfield, Minnesota. He was the son of Alex and Julia (Horwath) Nies. Sheldon was baptized as an infant at St. Philip Catholic Church in Litchfield, and was later confirmed in his faith as a youth at The Church of Saints Peter and Paul in Richmond, Minnesota. He received his education in Cold Spring, Minnesota, and was a graduate of the Cold Spring High School Class of 1960.
Sheldon served his country in the United States Naval Reserves from October 27, 1958 until June 27, 1960. He entered active military service on June 28, 1960. Sheldon received an Honorable Discharge from the United States Navy on June 29, 1962, and achieved the rank of Seaman.
On June 11, 1960, Sheldon was united in marriage to Jean Weber at St. Boniface Catholic Church in Cold Spring. This marriage was blessed with four children, Christopher, Pamela, Charles, and Jeffrey. Sheldon and Jean made their home in Hutchinson, Minnesota, in August of 1962. They shared 62 years of marriage.
Sheldon was employed as a supervisor at 3M for 35 years before retiring on January 1, 1997. He was a member of St. Anastasia Catholic Church in Hutchinson. Sheldon was also a member of the VFW Post 906, American Legion Post 96, Elks Lodge #2427, Gopher Campfire Conservation Club, Pheasants Forever, Ducks Unlimited, Deer Hunters Association, and the Brownton Rod and Gun Club.
Sheldon loved the outdoors and was an avid hunter and fisherman. He also enjoyed woodworking and being active in his community. Sheldon served as a volunteer Fire Fighter and Ambulance Driver for 21 years, County Commissioner for 22 years, and was President of the Highway 7 & Highway 15 Coalition, and the Regional Rail Authority. He especially enjoyed spending time with his family, grandchildren, great grandchildren, and friends. His love of life and spirit of adventure shaped his every interaction as he greeted all with warmth and sought every opportunity to celebrate life’s many blessings.
Sheldon passed away on Sunday, May 28, 2023, at his home in Hutchinson, at the age of 82 years.
Blessed be his memory.
Sheldon is survived by his:
Wife, Jean Nies of Hutchinson, MN;
Children, Christopher Nies of Grand Marias, MN,
Pamela O’Brien and her husband, Thomas of Columbia, MO,
Charles Nies and his wife, Emily of Merced, CA,
Jeffrey Nies and his wife, Michelle of Hutchinson, MN;
Grandchildren, Roxy Pridgen, Nicholas Mix (Jamie Risner), True Nies, Solstice Nies, Drew O’Brien, Daniel O’Brien, Abbie O’Brien, Alex Nies, Thomas Nies, Julia Nies, Renee Nies;
Great-Grandchildren, Braelynn Pridgen, Miles Pridgen;
Siblings, Fred Haffley and his wife, Diana of Hutchinson, MN,
Robert Haffley and his wife, Nita of Richmond, MN,
Ralph Haffley of Lexington, KY,
Steve Haffley and his wife, Terri of Greenville, WI;
Sisters-in-law, Nancy Nies of Osceola, WI.
Bonnie Nies of Sartell, MN;
Brother-in-law, Ronald Silbernick of Richmond, MN;
Many other relatives and friends.
Sheldon is preceded in death by his Parents, Alex Nies and Julia Virnig; Stepfathers, Ralph Haffley, Joe Virnig; Brothers, Joseph Nies, Michael Haffley, Royce Nies, Nick Haffley; Sister, Barbara Silbernick; Sister-in-law, Jean Haffley.
Dave and Mary Berger says
Sheldon and Jean were one of the first couples we met when we moved to Hutchinson in 1972. We had a lot of respect for them both and will miss Sheldon tremendously.
Lorraine Dahlberg says
Jean, So sorry to hear about Sheldon. My sympathy. You are in my thoughts and prayers.
Elaine (Kiess) Daily-Birnbaum says
Sheldon and Jean were both classmates and friends during our high school years. Sheldon always brought life and entertainment to every get together. A caring, charming person who will leave a large hole and be greatly missed by so many of us.
My heart and thoughts go out to Jean and their family.
Babette Piker says
Jean so sorry for your loss, I am the calligrapher for the cards sent to Sheldon from the Bear Lake Sunshine Society and so thankful that it brighten his day. May God give you comfort and peace at this time.
Donna (Ondracek) Engelen says
Our sympathies to all of you.
Vicki Swanson says
Jean, sorry to hear about Sheldon. Thinking of you during this difficult time – call me anytime you need someone to talk you.
DeEtta nelson says
Remembering all the good times as young firemen. Sheldon always had a smile for everyone. Rest in His peace.
Ron and Dee Stoeser says
So sorry to hear about Sheldon’s passing. We have alot of good memories of him.
John Brunkhorst, former McLeod County Engineer says
Thoughts and prayers to the Nies family. Sheldon was one of my favorite County Commissioners I ever worked with and I have a lot of fond memories working with Sheldon on transportation advocacy at the local level and on trips to Washington DC, and many other County issues. I consider him one of my mentors. I will always remember the “garage meetings” where he would cook some wild game and we would strategize to solve the issue at hand. RIP Sheldon.
Janell Booth says
To the Nies family. It doesn’t seem so long ago our family living across the street from yours on Jefferson. Many memories. My heart and prayers go out to you on Mr. Nies’s passing. Always be Mr. and Mrs. as my parents taught us. Janell (Paul) Booth.
Janice Heintz says
I recently had a chance to talk with Sheldon. I’m sad that I won’t get my birdhouse he said he’d make for me. Our conversation will be a lasting memory.
Jennifer Ellstrom says
Jean, I’m so sorry to hear about your loss. Thinking of you and your family.
Jennifer Ellstrom
Louise Muggli says
So many great memories of our school years at St. Boniface. We rarely kept in touch but I loved seeing both of you at Royce’s service. Loved the hug and smile from you that day Sheldon. Jean, such a loss for you and your family. Enjoy those memories and I know there are many. I don’t know how we prepare for the deaths of those we love…..that death thing is such a great Mystery. My love to you Jean.?
Jeffrey Briggs says
I just saw this today and had to post. I babysat their children when they were small so that could enjoy a date. He was a warm kind person and a roll model for me since my dad wasn’t around in those days. Thank you and RIP