Frank William Nielsen

Frank William Nielsen, 59 was born in Bremerhaven, Germany, on May 7, 1955. He moved to the United States with his mother Renate Funke Nielsen and sister Debbie Thompson. He lived in Palo Alto, California and attended Garland Elementary School, Jordan Middle School and Palo Alto High School. While in high school, Frank played water polo, was in drama and part of the glee club. He was a Boy Scout and enjoyed hanging out with his friends, Larry, Carl and Jeff. In his junior year, Frank decided to go to Bremen, Germany to study for two years while living with his uncle and aunt, Walter and Krista Funke.

Frank joined the Navy in 1975 living in San Diego while in basic training and then moving to Hanford while at Lemoore Naval Station. He went on two cruises, one in 1976 on the USS Roosevelt and one in 1978 on the USS Enterprise. He also served in the National Guard for 20 years.

While in Hanford, Frank met the love of his life, Linda Clay. On February the 11th, Frank and Linda celebrated their 37th wedding anniversary. Frank has two step children, Cheryl Barnes and Kenneth Clay, and has been blessed with 8 grandchildren, Kristin Rubio (Vincent), Brittnee Barnes, Tanner Barnes, Cameron Clay, Kayley Clay, Cory Clay, Mikie Cranston, Mackenzie Roberts, and two great grandchildren, Vincent Rubio Jr. and Khloe Rubio. These children were the light of Frank's life. Nothing made him happier than watching them play soccer, baseball, water polo, football, dance recitals or going on vacations with them to Disneyland, Germany, Grand Canyon, camping trips, fishing trips, San Diego, motor home adventures and many more.

Frank worked for 30 years in Civil Service at Lemoore Naval Air Station, most recently as a Facilities Manager. He received several awards for his work in environmental protection. He was a member of the Hanford Garden Club, attended church at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints and enjoyed bowling and sailing.

Frank passed peacefully on February 18th at home surrounded with the love of family and friends. He was preceded in death by his parents Jim and Renate Nielsen, grandmothers, Lucy Funke and Marie Bowman and Uncle, Bill Nielsen. He is survived by his wife Linda Nielsen, his 8 grandchildren and two great-grandchildren, sisters Donna Nielsen and Debbie Thompson (Mike Thompson), and nieces Melissa Jaffrey, April Thompson and Lindsey Thompson.

There will be an Open House Celebrating Frank's life on Saturday, February 28th from 1:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m. at his home 911 E. Orange Street, Hanford, CA 93230.

Family and Friends are invited to view Frank’s legacy at www.peoplesfuneralchapel.com and send condolences to the family.

Services are under the direction of People’s Funeral Chapel.

PEOPLE’S FUNERAL CHAPEL

501 N. Douty Street

Hanford, CA 93230

559-584-5591

www.peoplesfuneralchapel.com