Dean Kelly Nielsen

Mr. Dean Kelly Nielsen, age 74 of Moravian Falls passed away Thursday, September 30, 2021 at Atrium Health-Wake Forest Baptist Hospital in Winston-Salem.

Private Funeral Services will be held at a later date.

Dean Kelly Nielsen was born on Dec. 2. 1946 in rural Plentywood, Montana to Robert and Luella Larsen Nielson. He graduated from Plentywood High School and the Seattle Art Institute. In 1969, Dean married the love of his life, Irene Nielsen. He served as a cook in the Montana National Guard from '68-'73 before moving to Great Falls, Montana where he owned and operated "The Dean of Signs" a commercial sign shop, With his wife, he also owned and operated Sovekammer Bed and Breakfast and the Purple Perk Coffee Shop. Dean and Irene moved to Waimea, Hawaii in 1997 and then Western North Carolina in 2006.

Dean was active in his churches and communities throughout his life, and he held significant value in helping others. He was quick to lend a helping hand and didn't know a stranger. He was a talented craftsman and artist, always working on a "fix-it" project. He brought smiles and laughter to many, either with his jokes or his clever and creative cartoons. He showed genuine love to all and was genuinely loved by all. He enjoyed the simple things in life like Sunday drives with his wife, watching the Braves baseball games, family dinners, his wood shop, Cookout milkshakes, and card games. Most of all, Dean loved the Lord and was a family man, prioritizing Christ and his family over everything else. He will be greatly missed by everyone who knew him. He was a beloved husband, dad, papa, brother, uncle, cousin, and friend. He has left a giant impact in the hearts of many.

He was preceded in death by his parents and a daughter; Brandee Samura.

He is survived by his wife; Irene Kanning Nielsen of the home, one daughter; Gerri Jolly and husband Mick of Moravian Falls, son-in-law; Brad Samura and wife Melissa of Kamuela, Hawaii, seven grandchildren; Zach Jolly and wife Courtney, Jeshua Jolly and wife Lauren, Nathan Jolly and fiancée; Anae` Limon, Shannon Samura, Kawena Samura, Braeden Samura, Brooke Samura, six great grandchildren; Aaron Jolly, Samuel Jolly, Jonathan Jolly, Skyler Jolly, Gabriel Jolly and Isabelle Jolly and three brothers; Sheldon “Butch” Nielsen and wife Connie of Plentywood, MT, Gordon Nielsen and wife Emily of Helena, MT and Ross Nielsen and wife Glenda of Missoula, MT.

Online condolences may be made at www.reinssturdivant.com.

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