Niels Lawrence Nielson
Niels Lawrence Nielson, 89, of Upper Saucon Township, died unexpectedly Wednesday, June 14, 2023. He was the husband of Enid (Buckley) Nielson. They would have been married for 62 years on June 24th. In his early years, he was an enthusiastic member of the Boy Scouts up through Eagle Scout and a Scout Master for a few years. Niels graduated from Penn State University with a BS in Industrial Engineering. He entered the Navy as a Lieutenant JG in order to fly in Naval Air for 4 years and then served in the Navy Reserve.
Upon returning home, he briefly joined Western Electric, Allentown, before taking a job with the consortium of British, Dutch, French and American oil companies, Aramco, in Iran. This was in the late 1960's, before the Iran revolution. After 4 years working in Iran and traveling the world with his family on summer trips home to the states, he returned to Slatington, PA. He worked for US Bronze Powders in Flemington, NJ, which later became Ampal Inc. of Palmerton PA, for 45 years, retiring as Senior Vice-President of Operations. During his many years at US Bronze, he was a mentor to the younger engineers in the company. His expertise in engineering led to the introduction of electric induction furnaces at multiple sites and to the location selection, design and construction of the Ampal plant in Palmerton PA.
Born in Allentown, he was the son of Niels L. Nielson Sr. and Winifred (Theyken) Nielson. Niels was an avid reader of American and World History, loved opera and flying, owning his own aircraft for years. He loved taking care of his property and above all – his family.
Survivors: Wife Enid, Son Peter S. Nielson, his wife Jacqueline and Grandson Alex of Newside, PA. Sisters Terry Chuchman of Quakertown, PA and Trudy Henthorn of Walnutport, PA. Sister-in-law Victoria Buckley and husband Royal Furer of Huffs Church, PA. He was pre-deceased by his beloved daughter Sarah Caroline.
A Memorial Service will be held at 11:00 A.M. on Friday, August 18, 2023 in the Sanctuary of the First Presbyterian Church of Allentown, 3231 W. Tilghman St. Allentown. A calling hour will be held on Friday, from 10 A.M. to 11 A.M. at the Church. Arrangements by the J.S. Burkholder Funeral Home, Allentown.
In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made in his memory to The Kristi Hanawalt Life Skills Center. The Kristi Hanawalt Life Skills Center was opened to provide services to meet a critical need for younger adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Niels and the family have seen the need for and the positive effects of these types of services on the lives young adults with disabilities.