Nissen, Raymond Lee

Raymond Lee Nissen, 74, of Cedar Rapids, died March 11, 2010, at the Hiawatha Care Center following an extended illness. Memorial services will be 11 a.m. Tuesday, March 16, at St. Paul's United Methodist Church. The Rev. Harlan Gillespie of St. Paul's and Pastor William Nissen of Harvest Life Christian Fellowship will officiate. Friends may call from 4 to 7 p.m. Monday at Cedar Memorial Park Funeral Home. Inurnment will take place at St. Paul's United Methodist Church columbarium.

Surviving are his wife of 54 years, Nancy; children, James Nissen and wife Rhonda of Crystal Lake, Ill., Linda Ringstad and husband Kirk of Castle Rock, Colo., and William Nissen and wife Pamela of Central City; a brother, Alan Nissen and wife Nancy Poust of Erie, Colo.; and grandchildren, Jacob Ringstad, Seth Ringstad, Adam Ringstad, Dan Nissen and wife Sarah, Jackie Nissen, Lauren Nissen, Nicholas Nissen, Mary Anna Nissen, Noel Kas Nissen and Elias John Nissen.

He was preceded in death by his parents; and siblings, John, Lavina, Marilyn and George.

Raymond Lee Nissen was born May 9, 1935, in Oelwein, the son of Richard Alvin and Mary (Boldt) Nissen. He was a graduate of Oelwein High School, where he played basketball. He was All State in basketball, competed in the North South High School Tournament in Kentucky, and held the Oelwein High School scoring record for 50 years. He was honored with the key to the city of Oelwein, and a Nissen Day picnic was also held in his honor. After graduation, he attended Iowa State Teachers College, where he also played basketball. Following graduation from there he worked as an industrial arts teacher for three years, and went on to work as an insurance adjuster for Iowa Fire and Casualty, Plans Examiner for the City of Cedar Rapids, and found his love as a contractor working in carpentry and wood work. He enjoyed all types of wood working, especially making furniture and making additions to people's homes.

He was a member of St. Paul's United Methodist Church and Thursday Noon Optimist Club.

He was a loving father, grandfather, brother and friend who will be greatly missed.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Harvest Life Christian Fellowship or St. Paul's United Methodist Church.

Please leave a message, tribute, or memory to Ray's family on the Web page,  under obituaries.