Carol Eileen (nee Cramsey) Nielsen

Carol Eileen (nee Cramsey) Nielsen, was born on July 10th, 1943, and baptized at Millbrook Methodist Church in Dover, New Jersey. She graduated from Dover High School in 1961. On July 7, 1962, she married her high school sweetheart, Richard J. Nielsen with Carol's brother the Rev. H. Wayne Cramsey officiating.

Carol was a faithful wife, mother and homemaker, who like the woman described in Proverbs 31, had hands that were seldom idle. Over the years, she helped support the family by working as a bank teller, salesclerk, home health care supervisor, camp cook, a part time rental agent and hotel desk clerk.

The newlyweds settled in North Tonawanda, New York, where Richard served at Saint Paul Lutheran school and their two children Dawn (Robert) Richmond and Jeffrey (Pamela) Nielsen were born. After 19 years the family moved to Fort Wayne, Indiana as Richard entered the Pastoral Ministry program at Concordia Theological Seminary. When his studies were over, the seminary sent them to Wellsboro, Pennsylvania, where Carol added the vocation of pastor’s wife to her resume. In November 1988, they moved to Anza, California where Richard served a small mission Congregation for 10 years. They often remarked that it was like a decade-long vacation as they lived “two hours from everywhere” in Southern California, taking many day and overnight trips to the mountains, beaches, or other points of interest.

Three days before Christmas in 1998, Carol made the decision to move herself and her gravely ill husband back to Fort Wayne where they would be closer to their children and grandchildren. Told she would be widowed by Christmas day, God answered the prayers of so many and restored Richard’s health, granting them 12 more years together. Carol spent her final years being a grand and wonderful “Nana” to her five grandchildren (Janelle, Allison Bekah, Aaron, Anna), and 15 great-grandchildren. She delighted in spending time with each one of them, her many friends and they adored her (and her famous cookies).

Throughout her lifetime, God blessed, guided and protected Carol. She knew her Savior, Christ Jesus, regularly attending church and Bible class, knowing that there she would receive God’s gifts of forgiveness, life and salvation. These gifts would sustain her in this life and prepared her for eternity with her Savior. Thanks be to God. He does all things well!

A funeral and commital will be held 10:00 am Friday, August 21, 2020 in the chapel at Concordia Cemetery Gardens hosted by Ascension Lutheran Church, the Rev. James Gier, Pastor. In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorial donations be directed to Ascension Lutheran Church and School 8811 St. Joe Rd, Ft. Wayne, Ind. 46835.

Due to Covid19 requirements, watch for updates or changes in service times, locations or other restrictions at this webpage, Carol’s Facebook page or call Ascension Lutheran Church (260-486-2226) the week of Aug 17th for more details. Arrangements by Hockemeyer Miller Funeral Home 6131 St. Joe Road Fort Wayne, IN 46835