Rodney A. Nielsen

Born in Fremont, Nebraska to Elmer and Elaine Nielsen, Rod grew up in Brush and Ft. Collins, Colorado. He graduated from Ft. Collins high. In 1975, he received a Bachelor of Science with highest distinction in civil engineering from Colorado State University. Rod spent 32 years working for Amoco and BP as an engineering manager. Upon leaving BP, he worked for Enterprise Products Partners L.P. as Vice President of operations until his retirement at the age of 64. For the past nine years he battled an aggressive form of chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL). During those years, he freely participated in several clinical trials that have already benefited newly diagnosed CLL patients. He was a great father who loved and was extremely proud of his two children. He so enjoyed his friends both at and away from work, hiking and spending time in the mountains, walking the bluffs, reading, watching college football, sipping a good single malt scotch, and doing anything with his family.

Predeceased by his father Elmer Nielsen, he is survived by the love of his life, his wife of 42 years, Marilyn, his children Ryan and Makenna, his mother Elaine Nielsen, sister Julie (Nielsen) Jensen, nieces Kristen (Jensen) Wall, Karen Jensen, and Sarah (Jensen) Haugenbush. We are heartbroken that he is gone, but we are finding solace knowing that he is finally at peace. His was a life well lived and he will be missed by family and friends.

Private burial will be held on July 13, 2019 at Mt. Olivet, Denver, CO, followed by a celebration of his life at 12:00 noon Horan & McConaty Mortuary, 5303 E County Line Rd, Centennial, CO 80122.

In lieu of flowers it is suggested contributions be made to:

Be the Match
https://secure2.convio.net/marrow/site/Donation2?16812.donation=form1&df_id=16812&mfc_pref=T
Denver Hospice
https://campaigns.compassus.com/about-us/giving-and-donations
Reading is Fundamental
https://www.rif.org

Celebration of Life: July 13, 2019 12:00 pm - 1:00 pm

Horan & McConaty - South Metro/Centennial
5303 E County Line Rd
Centennial, CO 80122

Reception: July 13, 2019 1:00 pm - 2:30 pm

Horan & McConaty - South Metro/Centennial
5303 E County Line Rd
Centennial, CO 80122