IN MEMORIAM
Daniel H. Nielsen, Veterinarian
In New Berlin Area For 45 Years
NEW BERLIN – Following numerous years battling illness, Daniel H. Nielsen, 80, veterinarian in the New Berlin area for 45 years, passed away on Nov. 6, 2018.
“Dr Dan,” at the veterinarian was known, was born on Nov. 26, 1939, in Brooklyn, the only child of Rolf and Elna Nielsen.
He graduated from Fort Hamilton High School in 1956, went on to Cornell University, and was admitted to the Veterinary College there in the fall of 1959, receiving his Doctor of Veterinary Medicine four years later.
After a short year in practice in Cherry Valley, he was drafted into the Army during the Vietnam War. After two years of service, he was asked to join the practice of Drs. Elliott and Smith in New Berlin, spending 45 years caring for creatures great and small, fur, feathered and fin, domestic animals, farm animals and zoo animals.
Many people still remember those tiger cubs and the numerous stories surrounding them while being cared for at the Nielsen home.
Dr. Nielsen is survived by his wife of 55-plus years, Elsa Ingabritt; two daughters, Heather Lee (Don) Anderson and Kari Lynne Strouth; four grandchildren, Nicole (Van Tisdale) and Taylor Anderson (Kyli Osterhout), Cameron and Sawyer Strouth; and one great granddaughter, Mckenna Lynn Anderson.
Dr. Nielsen was a member of the Upstate New York Killifish Association, Central New York Aquarium Society, the American Killifish Association and many other community organizations throughout his years living in the New Berlin and surrounding areas. Dan was proud that he obtained the rank of Eagle Scout with the assistance of his father.
During his younger adult years, he would spend the summers teaching Boy Scouts how to swim at Boy Scout camp. The Boy Scouts had a special place in his heart, as well as his father’s.
Per his wishes, there will be no formal calling hours or funeral. Instead, there will be a small celebration of his life starting at 2 p.m., Sunday, Nov. 11, at the New Berlin Fire house. Family will be in attendance an hour per to the service and after to share stories and memories. During the celebration, a rendition of Dr Dan’s favorite song, “Danny Boy,” will be sung by Diana Kupris Mettler. Father Steve White from St. Andrew’s Episcopal Church has kindly offered his services to assist with this celebration of life.
In lieu of flowers, the family has requested that instead please donate to the Chenango County SPCA or your favorite organization that supports in finding animals forever homes. Collection boxes will be available at the time of the gathering.
Condolences to the family can be made online at www.dakinfuneralhome.com.