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Robert Manning Nielsen

Nov. 3, 1943 - Sep. 27, 2021

Date of Service: Oct. 4, 2021

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Robert Manning Nielsen

RUPERT - Robert Manning Nielsen, a lifelong resident of the Paul and Rupert area, passed away surrounded by his family on the morning of Monday, September 27, 2021.

“Bob” was born on November 3, 1943, to Blain Malcolm and Ida Eliza Manning Nielsen in Paul, Idaho. He was the sixth child of Blain and Ida, following his older siblings, Ronald, Coleen, Margaret, and a set of twin girls, Edith and Ethyl, and preceding his younger sister, Marilyn, and brother, Richard. As a boy, Bob was a big help to his siblings and parents on the Nielsen family farm and feedlot, but if anyone had a mischievous spirit and grin, it was Bob. Whether he was blowing out tires and radiators while racing Ron’s tractors, or conning Marilyn into licking metal mailboxes in the winter, Bob was always thinking of a prank he could play on family and friends. Bob’s hard work didn’t stop on the farm; he excelled both academically and athletically at Minidoka County High School. He was elected Senior Class President in 1961, and loved being on Spartan baseball, basketball, and football teams during his career. He especially enjoyed playing on teams with his cousin, Bill Manning, and after college, loved playing on rec league teams with Bill and his brother, Rich. Bob would talk about how when Rich was young, Bob would push and bully him to play basketball. After four years away in the Naval Academy, Bob came back to Paul to see that Rich was now much bigger and taller than Bob, eager to compete with and against Bob in multiple sports and wouldn’t be bullied and pushed up against the milk barn anymore!

Bob’s success led him to an appointment to the United States Naval Academy in Annapolis, Maryland, in 1962. At the Academy, he was appointed a Company Commander, selected as the top Marine Corps recruit in his class, and to round out his accomplishments, he was elected as “Social Chairman” for his class. He toured the Mediterranean Sea with the Spanish Navy, sailed on the aircraft carrier U.S.S. Shangri-La, and marched in funerals for both President John F. Kennedy and General Douglas MacArthur. He also boxed competitively in over 100 academy matches while earning his degree in Marine Engineering. His pride as a United States Naval officer was dampened when his poor hearing and multiple knee injuries prohibited Bob from serving with his fellow Midshipmen in the Vietnam War. It was difficult news for Bob, so after getting his degree, he worked for General Electric along the East Coast for a year.

Bob stayed in touch with an older Midshipman from Wyoming, followed his advice, and applied to the University of Wyoming Law School in 1967. Bob’s goal was to be a successful attorney, yet still be close to his roots and help Blaine, Ron, and the rest of the family on the farm. He met Cara Keefe, a Cheyenne native and Wyoming student, and they were married in November 1968. He received his Juris Doctor in June 1969, and with Cara, chose to move back to Paul to start his law career. In his early years, Bob was elected Minidoka County Prosecuting Attorney, then along with Roger Ling, the two began a law partnership that lasted nearly 30 years, which subsequently added Brent Robinson as partner. Bob started his own law practice in 2000 and continued serving the community until his death. He especially enjoyed mentoring and partnering with dozens of young attorneys who eventually became admired and respected lawyers and judges. He was very proud of his most recent partnership with Matt Frost, and really thought of Matt as a son.

Bob and Cara built their home west of Paul and started their family. With Bob practicing successfully, and Cara working as a speech pathologist and teacher, they had three children: Robert Erik (born 1971), Christopher Blain (1973), and Ida Sara (1976). Bob loved to watch each of his kids participate in school activities, summer and school sports, dance and gymnastics competitions, and spending time at the family cabin in Ketchum, Idaho. Winter included skiing at Sun Valley and Pomerelle with friends and their families, while summers included golf at the Rupert Country Club, golf trips with friends, fishing trips to Alaska and throughout Idaho, and pheasant and goose hunting with Rich and many friends. Bob loved to entertain, so he learned to play guitar and sing songs to the family on snowy winter nights at the cabin. Bob brought his “Social Chairman” connections to Paul, where he and Cara loved to host parties with Bob’s wild hat collection, Motown hits, and comical dance moves. Later, Bob and Cara moved to their home closer to Rupert. While he mellowed as he got older, Bob continued to live adventurously through Erik, Chris, and Sara, and his grandchildren. Bob spoke fondly of his Naval Academy days, engaged in countless hands of gin rummy, loved grilling and cooking, tended his rose and vegetable gardens, and was willing to bet anyone on any game (as long as he received more points than the spread), and cheered for the Midshipmen, both the Wyoming and Dallas Cowboys, and the New York Yankees.

Bob’s civic involvement included youth sports, Elks, and the Rupert Country Club. He coached Erik and Chris’ multiple teams and heroically attended over a decade of Sara’s “Nutcracker” performances. He was President of the Rupert Country Club, shared his love of golf with his family, and continued his law practice with recent recognition by the Idaho State Bar for 50 years of dedicated service. Bob served with astronauts, war heroes, and the quarterback of the Dallas Cowboys, but his greatest honor continued to be serving the people of the Mini-Cassia area.

Bob is survived by his former wife, Cara; his three children and their spouses, Erik (Melissa), Chris (Alicia), and Sara (Scott Erling). The greatest accomplishments of his life were his three children and his grandchildren. Bob loved his six grandchildren immensely and was proud of each of their academic endeavors and activities, Brandon, Michael, Andrew, Emma, Marc, and Elle. Bob is also survived by his sisters, Margaret Duff and Marilyn Swensen. He was preceded in death by his parents; his brothers, Ronald and Richard; and his sisters, Coleen Boulter and Edith and Ethyl.

The funeral service will be held at 1 p.m. on Monday, October 4, at Rasmussen-Wilson Funeral Home, 1350 East 16th Street, in Burley. Burial will immediately follow at Paul Cemetery with military rites provided by the Mini-Cassia Veterans Group. A Celebration of Life will be held at the Rupert Elks Lodge after the burial.

A private family viewing will be held from 10:30-11:45 a.m. on Monday, October 4, at Rasmussen-Wilson Funeral Home, preceding the funeral service.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Bob Nielsen’s memory to the Rupert Elks lodge. This designated fund will go towards the needs of our youth in the Mini-Cassia area.

A live webcast of the Funeral Service will be available and maintained at the following link: https://youtu.be/rjzlD6MFdv8.

Condolences for Robert Manning Nielsen

Comments may be screened and removed by the staff as deemed appropriate.

From Idaho State Veterans Cemetery:

Rest in peace with honor and gratitude.

From Toyia Hutchison:

Rest in peace Bob. You made my life easier in so many ways over the years and I will be forever grateful.
My condolences to his entire family...he will be truly missed.

From Dawn (Ling) King:

So sorry to hear about the loss of a true legend. Cara, Sarah, Erik, Chris and family please know that I am sending warm hugs and deep condolences for your loss. Bob was one-of-a-kind and he always lit up a room. Maybe he and my dad Roger can have a good laugh together on the golf course of heaven. Kindest regard, Dawn

From Laura Woodworth-Ney:

Bob was family to me. His laugh will light up my memories. He was like an uncle to Matthew. Thinking of you all at this difficult time.

From The Richard Boelter family. :

Uncle Bob you were one of a kind!
All your goofy hats and being there whenever we needed you.
You will truly be missed!
We really appreciate all you have been in our lives.
Thank you.

From The Richard Boelter family. :

Uncle Bob you were one of a kind!
All your goofy hats and being there whenever we needed you.
You will truly be missed!
We really appreciate all you have been in our lives.
Thank you.

From Debbi and Craig Smith:

We've been privileged to know Erik and Melissa Nielsen while they lived in Bend, Oregon. I'm an Idaho girl born and raised in Twin Falls, so I was very excited when Erik was our golf pro at Bend Golf and Country Club. He shared many of his dad's Crazy Hats over the years. He often shared funny stories that went along with each hat. What a wonderful father, so sorry for your loss. May happy memories sustain you in the days ahead.

From Monte & Carole Dayley:

A beautiful tribute for Bob; the family did an awesome job! Our class reunions always had the full support of Bob, being our class president and we will miss him.

From Clayne S. Zollinger, Jr.:

The last of the Gentleman Attorneys. He will be greatly missed.

From Steve Uriguen:

Bob, a true friend and a champion of Mini-Cassia. I will always cherish a lifetime of memories from the Nielsen family. Rest in peace. My condolences to the entire Nielsen family.

From The Richard Boelter family. :

Uncle Bob you were one of a kind!
All your goofy hats and being there whenever we needed you.
You will truly be missed!
We really appreciate all you have been in our lives.
Thank you.

From Chad & Temple Kinyon :

Erik, Melissa, Andrew, Emma, and all who loved Bob, you’re in our hearts and thoughts. May all the wonderful memories help console you.

From Frank and Connie Uriguen :

Bob's many contributions to the Mini-Cassia community will be a lasting memory. Hope his family will find peace knowing that he was greatly loved. Will miss him as an attorney, but mostly as a friend! RIP May the Lord help the Nielsen family find comfort!

From Ty Wilferth :

Rest in peace Bob you were a good friend of the family for many years say hello to Dad Mom and Gay .....Until we meet again.

From lionel hollins:

Chris,
My condolences and prayers to you and your family I pray for comfort and peace for you.

From Cheryl Toevs Matheson:

Bob will always be remembered as the leader of the “Class of 62”. Bob was a friend starting before our first grade at Paul. The community will miss a great champion. Rest In Peace Bob you did a good job.

From The Memphis Bunch:

A single visit by Mr Bob to see Chris, Alicia and Brandon in memphis several years back lead to some of most enjoyable memories our group still have and speak of on the regular today. RIP Mr Robert Manning Nielsen. You were loved by many sir. Condolences all around,.

From Kay Ishak:

Sara, to you your brothers, your mum and your beautiful family, my heart aches for you during this difficult time. May perpetual light shine on him and his souls Rest In Peace. I pray for your family to be held in Gods love as you celebrate your dads life and feel his abscence as he enters eternal life.

From Kay Ishak:

From Sid Kilgore :

Bob (our Alf and roommate at academy) destined to excel at every challenge and successful at every turn. Your loss creates a large vacuum in humanity and classmates miss you. Regrettably, Sid (the Fox)

From Anne Rush:

My brother Jim Rush & I read Bob’s obit & we send condolences to his family. We enjoyed going to high school with him & have good memories.

From lionel hollins:

Chris,
My condolences and prayers to you and your family I pray for comfort and peace for you.

From Steve Anderson:

I had the opportunity to work with Bob on several occasions while I was at PMT. He will certainly be missed, RIP Bob.

From Judy Manning West:

You have left a memorable mark on this world with your accomplishments and humor. You excelled - hit highest marks at so many things in your life...Rest in Peace...

From Bob and Diane Kerbs:

What a wonderful man he was. A brilliant attorney and caring person. We’ll all miss him. Our hearts and prayers go out to his family.

From Navin Prabhu:

Chris, I am terribly sorry to hear the news and deepest condolences for your loss brother. Know that your Dad will always be looking upon you from heaven above and I pray that the Almighty grant him eternal rest.

From Galyn Severe:

I enjoyed working with Bob in Law Enforcement for many years. RIP my friend.

From Sandra and Jim Stevens:

Jim and I feel privileged and fortunate to have known Bob. Our friends from Paul have a special place in our hearts. Bob and all of the Nielsen family are a part of our memories growing up in a small town.

From Marlyce & Doug Tuma:

Uncle Bob was always so special to us. Such a kind generous man with lots of good stories and always had a big hug to give. This is a beautiful tribute. Our thoughts and prayers are with the family and may Bob fly high with all his angels.

From Kay Ishak:

From The Memphis Bunch:

From Roger & Christy:

Our prayers and thoughts are with this beautiful family! Bob was an awesome man! Godspeed Bob Nielsen

From Suzanne Burton:

Sad to hear of Bob’s passing. He was always kind to me and my family.

From Beth Nelson Campbell:

I am so sad to hear of Bob's passing especially so close to his brother Ronald's passing. I lived close by Bob and baby sat Eric and Chris when they were young. You will be greatly missed Bob!

From lionel hollins:

Chris,
My condolences and prayers to you and your family I pray for comfort and peace for you.

From Brian & Melissa Monaghan:

We are saddened to hear of his passing. Our thoughts and prayers for Chris and the rest of the family during this difficult time.

From John and Cindy Povlsen :

Bob was our grandsons Uncle Lupe. Of coarse there is a story behind this.
He will be greatly missed.

From Michelle Andersen:

Bob(Loop). Thanks always
You are a legend . That is the perfect term.
Until we meet again
May you Rest In Peace

From Ray W. Patterson:

Bob as I knew him over the years was very impressive to watch in Court, taking depositions and challenging the adversary whenever the occasion arose. He was fun to associate with and watch over the years. I knew Bob to be honest in his court dealings that I was involved with throughout the years. It was my pleasure to be a friend.

From Timothy Schneider:

Bob was a great boss and a wonderful asset to the community. He will be greatly missed.

From Joyce Baker:

My prayers and thoughts are with Bob's family. He was a very dedicated man to his community and country. We always had the best times and great memories of our times with Bob. He will be greatly missed.

From Timothy Schneider:

Bob was a great boss and a wonderful asset to the community. He will be greatly missed.

From Timothy Schneider:

Bob was a great boss and a wonderful asset to the community. He will be greatly missed.

From Connie Mitchell:

Bob was a very kind and generous man. He helped me so many times when he didn't really have to. He was always in my corner giving me advice and reassurance. Thank you my dear friend. Rest in Peace

From Michelle Andersen:

Bob You we’re a true friend to my dad(Tom Howarth) and myself. Thanks for everything always. Go rest high on that mountain. God bless your family

From Nancy & Larry Miller:

We have many fond memories of Bob and their State Champion softball team. So sorry to hear he has passed.

From Sherri Smith:

Pops (Lupe) you will be deeply missed... Hit them straight...rest in peace.

From Bill & Carol Shockey:

Lupe was our friend and we will miss him. Rest in peace and save some big fish for us.

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