Gregory “Gregger” Brent Nielsen, age 66, of 8938 Stagecoach Q.5 Avenue, Gladstone passed away Tuesday afternoon, November 18, 2008 at home following a brief illness. 

Gregory was born March 22, 1942 in Niles, MI, he was raised by his parents, Eddie and Millie (Emerick) Hayman in Houghton, MI and he was a 1961 graduate of Escanaba High School.  Gregory was united in marriage on September 7, 1963 to the former Dianna LeClaire at the All Saints Church in Gladstone.  Following their marriage they resided in Wells while Greg worked for National Cash Register for 15 years.  Greg went on to own and operate Nielsen Cash Register for 31 years.  He also had worked for Pine Tree Realty part time. Greg was a member of the Escanaba Eagles, Delta Divers and the Escanaba Rod and Gun Club.  His hobbies included x-country skiing, hiking, scuba diving, motorcycling, and traveling.

In addition to his wife of 45 years, Dianna, survivors include;

2 sons: Samuel Nielsen of Kingsford, MI; Matthew Nielsen and Carolyn Reiss of Melbourne, Australia

1 daughter; Jessica Nielsen of Gladstone

2 brothers; Richard Nielsen of Kenosha, WI; Robin Nielsen of Wausau, WI

Son-in-laws; Ray (Sherri) Sanborn of Grand Haven, MI and Steve Tufflemire of Ravena, MI

5 grandchildren; Blake Sanborn, Eric, Elijah, Isaac and Elizabeth Tufflemire

Several nieces and nephews: Nice Niece Katey, Aaron, Tony, Dawn, Andrea, Gary and Regina

Several great nieces and nephews

Two favorite sister-in-laws: Sheila LeClaire-Helzerman; Anita LeClaire-Lavin

He was preceded in death by his parents

Gregory’s family will receive friends on Saturday from 12:00 to 3:00 PM at the Skradski-Boyce Funeral Home in Escanaba.  Funeral services celebrating the life of Gregory Brent Nielsen will follow at 3:00 PM at the funeral home with Rev. David Hagen officiating. A meal will follow at the Escanaba Eagles. Burial will be in Gardens of Rest Cemetery in Wells. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be directed to the Marquette General Hospice and Home Health.