Benhardt Neilsen

Benhardt Aksel Neilsen Mr. Benhardt Aksel Neilsen, 75 of Atlanta, Michigan died peacefully in Ann Arbor, Michigan on May 29, 2016. He was born to the late, Aksel and Josephine (Lodico) Neilsen in Wyandotte, Michigan on June 21, 1940. He served his country proudly in the United States Marines for 6 years. On November 9, 1973 in Warren he married his wife, Philomena (Aiello) Neilsen and together the couple celebrated 42 years of marriage before his passing. Benhardt retired in 1989 after working 20+ years as a millwright for Millwrights Local Union 1102 in Warren. In 1974, the couple moved to Atlanta. He was a member of the VFW Post 9489 and the American Legion Post 201. Bernie was also a member of the Lion's Club. He worked at Atlanta Community Schools as a janitor for a year and a half and donated his time for many years at the Montmorency County Fairgrounds. Benhardt loved his John Deere tractor and could always be found riding it in his yard. He valued the time he spent with family and friends, especially his grandkids. He will be dearly missed. He is survived by his loving wife, Philomena Neilsen of Atlanta; sons, Bernie (Cheryl) Neilsen Jr. of Atlanta; Chuck Neilsen of Sierra Vista, Arizona; Keith (Rose) Neilsen of Atlanta; Jack (Kameron Berryhill) Neilsen of Chicago, Illinois; David (Victoria) Neilsen of Garner, North Carolina; daughters, Lee Ann Shelly of Gaylord; Janet (James) Hatley of Lewiston; Camille Campanella of Brighton; Aimee (Norm) Dukes of Atlanta; 20 grandchildren; four great-grandchildren; brother, Jim Neilsen of Tennessee; sisters, Sena Nemeck of New Hudson; and Charlene Antonio of Wynadotte. He was preceded in death by his parents, Aksel and Josephine Neilsen; daughter, June; and brother, Larry. As were his wishes, cremation has taken place and there will be a celebration of his life held on June 28, 2016 at the Atlanta Bible Church.
He is survived by his loving wife, Philomena Neilsen of Atlanta; sons, Bernie (Cheryl) Neilsen Jr. of Atlanta; Chuck Neilsen of Sierra Vista, Arizona; Keith (Rose) Neilsen of Atlanta; Jack (Kameron Berryhill) Neilsen of Chicago, Illinois; David (Victoria) Neilsen of Garner, North Carolina; daughters, Lee Ann Shelly of Gaylord; Janet (James) Hatley of Lewiston; Camille Campanella of Brighton; Aimee (Norm) Dukes of Atlanta; 20 grandchildren; four great-grandchildren; brother, Jim Neilsen of Tennessee; sisters, Sena Nemeck of New Hudson; and Charlene Antonio of Wynadotte. He was preceded in death by his parents, Aksel and Josephine Neilsen; daughter, June; and brother, Larry.
As were his wishes, cremation has taken place and there will be a celebration of his life held on June 28, 2016 at the Atlanta Bible Church.