Charles Nielsen Obituary

Aunt Mattie, Julie and Michael, Gayle and I want you to know that even though we are far away here in Costa Rica, that our thoughts and prayers are with you from across the miles. Mom and Dad have been keeping us updated during the past weeks and we have been very concerned about his condition and state of mind. I know that his passing will be a mixed blessing in that his suffering has been relieved, but that ours will linger, only to be buffered by good memories of good times we shared with him. There are so many wonderful memoies that I have of spending the summers of my youth at the lake and Uncle Charlie, spending countless hours behind the wheel of the boat, the truck, and the winch, being our ski instructor, lifeguard, fishing pal, and all around cool guy. He was not only "Uncle Charlie" to me and my cousins, but was "Uncle Charlie" to many of my boyhood friends who accompanied me during those summers. Not until I grew up and had the opportunity to be "The Big Toy", myself, at Mom and Dad's house on the waterway, did I get to appreciate how much work it was to have a boat full of young, energetic and selfish kids. Each one wanting to be the next one to ski, and the Captain having to be responsible for their safety and making order of the chaos while sorting out who had logged more time in the water than the others, so that all arrived at the dock satisfied, only to jump onto the dock and leave the captain behind with the chores as they sped off to tell their parents of their great expertise in the water. I am sure we did the same when Uncle Charlie hosted us, and I know he must have known that even though we were too young to understand at the time that we would someday appreciate his generosity, patience and love. I surely do. We look forward to seeing all of you on our next trip back to the States and hope that you know that our thoughts and prayers are with you even though we cannot be there with you at this time. Love, Bobby and Gayle Nielsen (Jr.)

Ms Mattie & Ms Sue, Tara and family:
I just found out today about Mr. Charlie's passing and I am so sorry to hear of your loss. Seems strange to say I have known him for twenty plus years. How time flies. Just want you to know you all are in my thoughts and prayers. I wish to all the family comfort and know that Mr. Charlie is in a better place. Take care and hope to see you soon.

Love to all,
Cindy

Julie,
I'm sorry to hear about the loss of your father.

Dear Mattie,
Charlie was fortunate to have you as a wonderful wife. Hopefully, that is consolation for you.
Love,
Don & Vera Jean

Mrs Mattiem, Julie and Michael. I was so sorry to hear about Mr Charlie. He was such a sweet and loving person. You are in my thoughts and prayers. God Bless each of you at this difficult time.

The the Nielsen Family: I was very saddened to learn of "Uncle Charlie's" death. My daughter Gayle and son-in-law Bobby have kept me advised of Charlie's illness, hospitalizations and his passing. It is my prayer that happy memories of days gone by will sustain you all in the months ahead.

Hello. My deepest condolences to your family. Charles is actually my first cousin, but I didn't know him growing up. I have pictures of him as a young child when they came to visit my mother & father (Johnson Hagood Ballentine, Louveta's brother) at Jax Beach. I'm not sure I was even born then. I was born in May 1936. My daddy died when I had just turned four, so I don't remember him, and didn't get to meet any of his family until I had married and could travel on my own. My Aunt Ruth helped me meet some of y'all by inviting me to the Ballentine reunion at St. Stephens. I met so many people, but I do remember Uncle Joe and Cousin Bobby Nielsen, and Aunt Ruth's sons. Joe West called me from FL and told me about this so I pulled it up on the net. I moved to LA four years ago from Lake City FL, where Joe now resides. I was Martha Orpha Ballentine. As you might know my grandmother's name was Orpha, and Aunt Ruth had named her daughter that also. I got the name Martha from my mother's mother, Martha, so I was named after both my grandmothers, who died in childbirth. My heart will be with y'all today as you bury this loved one. Love, Martha (Ballentine) Fielder, Bernice, LA

MATTIE,JULIE,MICHAEL,
BUCKY AND I WAS SO SORRY TO HEAR ABOUT CHARLIE.WE LOVE YOU AND WE ARE THINKING AND PRAYING FOR YOU. I WILL BE IN TOUCH WITH YOU.
LOVE YOU
CAROLYN