Jeff Nielsen

Mr. Jeffrey Thomas Nielsen, age 56, of Audubon, passed away on Saturday, June 21, 2025, in Audubon, IA.

Jeffrey Thomas Nielsen was born on December 03, 1968, the son of Thomas Ray Nielsen and Joan Dorothy (Poulsen) Nielsen. Jeff was baptized and confirmed at Our Saviour's Lutheran Church, where he was a lifelong member. Jeff attended Audubon Schools, graduating with the class of 1987. He furthered his education with Des Moines Area Community College after high school.

Jeff's professional journey in the auto body industry began at a young age of 13. He worked for Ron Lauridsen at Ron's Auto Body in Audubon, a job that would shape his future. In 1993, Jeff founded Nielsen Automotive, a testament to his skills and dedication to providing quality auto body work. On August 07, 1999, Jeff married Trisha Wahlert. Their union marked the beginning of a beautiful family life, with children Adrianne, Jayden, and Katelyn, who brought immense joy and fulfillment to Jeff's life.

Racing was more than a hobby for Jeff, it was a part of his DNA. The number 77N. He competed in various races, from stock cars to four-wheelers, always pushing himself to the limit. If you happen to stop by Jeff's office, you'll see the pride he took in racing, as he has an extensive collection of trophies and photos of past events. Off the track, Jeff had a love for the wide-open road on a Harley-Davidson. He and Trish went to Sturgis a few times and also completed the "Iron Butt Challenge." Jeff was a dedicated father who cherished quality time with his family off the bike or track. He loved attending all his kids' activities and enjoyed family vacations to Branson or the lake. He also involved himself as a helping hand when his son Jayden participated in truck pulling competitions.

Preceding him in death are his mother, Joan Nielsen; a sister-in-law, Tori Spencer; and a father-in-law, John K. Weighton.

Jeff is survived by his wife, Trisha Nielsen of Audubon, IA; his children, daughter Adrianne Nielsen and her son Emmett Klug of Grimes, IA; son Jayden Nielsen of Audubon, IA; daughter Katelyn Nielsen (Cameron Fry) of Carlisle, Iowa; his father Thomas Nielsen of Spencer, IA; his sister Carla (Jeff) Swank of Spencer, IA; nieces and nephews, Michael Swank (Nikki Riley) and their children Zoie, Westen, and Owen all of Spencer, IA, Marisa (Matt) Patet of Minnetonka, MN; his father-in-law Tim (Beth) Wahlert of Audubon, IA; and his mother-in-law Peggy Weighton of Audubon.

A public visitation will be held from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. on Friday, June 27, 2025, at Our Saviour's Lutheran Church in Audubon.

The funeral service for Jeff will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Saturday, June 28, 2025, at Our Saviour's Lutheran Church in Audubon, IA, with Rev. Sean Dougherty officiating. Following the funeral, a committal will take place at Maple Grove Cemetery. A luncheon will be held in the Fellowship Hall of Our Saviour's Lutheran Church following the burial.

Funeral Livestream Link:   https://webcast.funeralvue.com/events/viewer/113736

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to the Jeff Nielsen Family. They will be designated at a later date in honor of Jeff. They may be mailed to the Schmidt Family Funeral Home, P.O. Box 201, Audubon, IA.

The Nielsen Family would like to extend their heartfelt thanks to the community for their support during this difficult time.

Funeral services are entrusted with the Schmidt Family Funeral Home of Audubon, IA.