William Clyde Nielsen

William Clyde “Bill” Nielsen, 76, of Niles, Michigan, died peacefully Friday, November 7, 2025 at home in the comfort of his family’s presence.

His life began June 3, 1949 in Grand Rapids, Michigan the oldest of two boys born to Harold and Peg Nielsen. He married his high school sweetheart, Debby Duiven on March 11, 1972 in Grand Rapids.

Bill cherished his family and passed his passions of hunting, fishing and golfing on to his children and grandchildren. He was proud of his twenty-seven years of usher service at the University of Notre Dame. He enjoyed woodworking and leather work. Bill was very proud of his fifty-three years of marriage. He honorably served in the United States Air Force for four years.

Bill will be greatly missed by family and friends. He is survived by his wife of fifty-three years, Debby Nielsen of Niles; daughter, Stacie (Ryan) Nielsen Bortel of Minneapolis, Minnesota; sons, Brett (Amy) Nielsen of Byron Center, Chad (Julia) Nielsen of Lake Orion; nine grandchildren; brother, James (Sue) Nielsen of Jenison; and a host of nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents.

Family and friends will gather for a Memorial Service where he will be accorded full Military Honors, Wednesday, November 12, 2025 at 11:00 am in Summit Church, 1700 West River Road, Niles, Michigan 49120.

Bill will honorably be laid to rest in Fort Custer National Cemetery at a later date.

The family prefers contributions in memory of Bill be made to Corewell Health Hospice and Palliative Care, 4025 Health Park Lane, St. Joseph, Michigan 49085.

Arrangements have been entrusted to Halbritter Wickens Funeral Services, Niles. Please share a memory or a message online: halbritterwickens.com.