Peter Ronald Nielson

Peter Ronald Nielson, 91, of Mason City, passed away Wednesday, March 12, 2025, at MercyOne North Iowa Medical Center surrounded by family. A memorial service will be held on Friday, August 1, 2025, at 11 a.m., at Major Erickson Funeral Home, 111 North Pennsylvania. Inurnment will be held in Memorial Park Cemetery. A visitation will be held one hour prior to the service time on Friday. Memorials may be directed to the family of Ronald Nielson.

To watch Ron's service click here: Ron's service

Ronald Nielson was born May 16, 1933, in Rochester, MN, son of Alfred and Alice (Robb) Nielson. Ron’s family moved to Mason City in 1940, where he lived the rest of his life. He attended Mason City public schools, graduated in 1952. He attended Mason City Junior College (NIACC) and The University of Iowa.

Ron served two years in the US Army, August 1954 to July 1956. He was stationed in West Germany, a member of the 4th Engineer Battalion. Ron was proud to serve his country. Upon his discharge he returned to Mason City and worked for his father, Alfred Nielson Excavating.

On August 25, 1956, he married Evonka Stoynoff at St. Paul Lutheran Church in Mason City. They were married for 61 years and raised three children together.

After the death of his father in November 1965, Ron became the owner-operator of Nielson Excavating, Inc. He ran the business until his retirement in October 2016. He continued to go to the shop every day to putter around. His daily routine also included a drive around town and check the progress of various construction and paving projects.

Ron was a member of the Elks Lodge and North Iowa Builders Exchange. He earned his private pilot’s license in 1975. He loved the freedom of flying. When Ron traveled by highway, he used landmarks and his innate sense of direction to guide him. He was interested in the projects he observed along the way; new roads and bridges: the equipment and methods used to construct them. Ron and his family enjoyed snow skiing and sailing together. He especially enjoyed fishing trips to Canada with his sons and grandsons. Ron spent many hours on his deck observing nature and watching his family play on the lake.

Left to cherish his memory are his children: Eric (Carol) Nielson of Ankeny, IA, Heather (Bob) Thompson of Mason City, IA, Kurt (Yelena) Nielson of Irvine, CA; 7 grandchildren; 8 great grandchildren; sister: Ellie Swale of Seminole, FL.

He is preceded in death by his parents, wife: Evonka in 2017; granddaughter: Katie Nielson; sister and brother-in-law: Diane and Jim Basore; Brother-in-law: Tom Swale; Brother-in-law and wife: Bill and Mary Stoynoff.