Curt Nielsen

*** The service will be viewable via this link: https://boxcast.tv/view/curt-nielsen-funeral-crncqvgfwvfnhpfc1boj *** Dr. Curtis Paul Nielsen, 61, of Cedar Falls, IA, died of cancer on Monday, December 18, 2023, at home surrounded by his family. Curtis P. Nielsen was born to Adolph “Ted” and Elva (Runestad) Nielsen on November 15, 1962, in Cedar Falls, IA. He was the youngest of six children. Being several years younger than his two brothers and three sisters, he received plenty of care as an infant and throughout his life. He attended Malcolm Price Laboratory School on the campus of the University of Northern Iowa from preschool through 12th grade. Much of his character was developed through his family and experiences at Price Lab School. In May 1981 he graduated from the high school and embarked on a challenge to figure out what he wanted to do with his life. Curt practiced what he preached about being a life-long learner, receiving four degrees from the University of Northern Iowa – BA in 1986, BA in 1989, MAE in 1997, and EdD in 2012. Curt married the love of his life, Janet Gibbs, on August 15, 1986, in Cedar Falls. To this union two sons were born, David in 1990 and Terrence “Terry” in 1993. Curt was faithfully involved in their lives growing up, and coaching them in athletics, academics, and life. He continued to play a dedicated role in their adult lives. Curt was a UNI Panther through and through. He is proud that both sons, like himself, received their education at Price Laboratory School/Northern University High School and both furthered their education at UNI, receiving teaching degrees. Both daughters-in-law are UNI graduates as well. Curt began his teaching career with the Cedar Falls Community School District at Lincoln Elementary in 1989, serving in several capacities until 2000. He then taught at Price Laboratory School from 2000 until the closing of the school in 2012. He remained with the University of Northern Iowa’s Department of Teaching within the College of Education. He was currently serving as Department Head and Associate Professor in the Department of Teaching. Curt received the Gold Star Teaching of Excellence Award in 1999. He thoroughly enjoyed serving on many committees locally, state-wide, and nationally as well as presenting at educational conferences throughout the country. Being an avid golfer, one item on Curt’s bucket list was to attend The Masters Golf Tournament. This dream was realized in 2022 due to the extreme generosity of his former UNI golf coach and genuine friend, Ken Green. Curt was baptized and confirmed at Nazareth Lutheran Church in Cedar Falls. He was currently a member of Orchard Hill Church in Cedar Falls. Curt is survived by his wife of 37 years, Janet (Gibbs) Nielsen; son, David (Tara) Nielsen of Cedar Falls, IA; son, Terrence (Hannah) Nielsen of West Des Moines, IA; grandchildren: Hudson, Mallory, Sloane, and a baby due in May 2024; brother, Jerel (Yvonne) Nielsen of Fountain, MN; sister, Marlys (Simeon) Austin of Chester, VA; sister, Maren Nielsen of Fountain, MN; brother-in-law, David Voorhis of Longmont, CO; sister-in-law, Mary Nielsen of Cedar Falls, IA; mother-in-law, Shirley Gibbs of Hawkeye, IA; sister & brother-in-law, Carol (Gibbs) and Randy Winkey of Aplington, IA; sister & brother-in-law, Jean (Gibbs) and Bruce Pape of Maynard, IA; numerous cousins, as well as many nieces and nephews. Curt was preceded in death by his parents, Adolph and Elva Nielsen, brother Lynn Nielsen, sister Marilyn (Nielsen) Voorhis, and his father-in-law Wayne Gibbs. Services will be 10:30 a.m. Saturday, December 23, 2023, in the Community Center at Orchard Hill Church, Cedar Falls, IA. Visitation will be 3:00-6:00 p.m. Friday, December 22nd at Richardson Funeral Service in Cedar Falls. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to the family for a scholarship fund in his name.

Curt Nielsen

November 15, 1962 - December 18, 2023