Eva Vernise Nielsen was born November 21, 1927 in Wausa, NE, the daughter of LaVerne and Alice Bobenmoyer Thomas. Vernise attended school in Hartington, NE and graduated from high school in 1945.

On September 30, 1945 Vernise married Ole Nielsen at the Hartington Congregational Church. The couple made their home northeast of Hartington on the Nielsen family farm.

In 1953 they moved to Lakewood, CO where they owned and operated a motel and then in 1970 they moved to Ogallala where they became managers of Front Street. In 1978 Ole and Vernise then started Pioneer Trails Restaurant and Nielsen Construction.

Her hobbies included collecting antiques, painting, reading and gardening.

She enjoyed playing the organ, piano, and accordion.

Preceding her in death were her parents, a brother Verlyn Thomas, and brother-in-law Carl Jensen.

Survivors include her husband Ole Nielsen of Ogallala; two sons: Randy Nielsen of Lakewood, CO and Rick Nielsen of Ogallala. Two sisters:Marilyn and her husband Glenn Hahn and Zada Jensen, all of Ogallala. Four
grandchildren: Lee Nielsen and his wife Melinda, and Erin Nielsen, all of Ogallala. Trent Nielsen of Littleton, CO and Tyson Nielsen of Superior, CO. Also two great-grandsons: Nolan and Oliver Nielsen, both of Ogallala.

Cremation was chosen and there will be no viewing. Memorial Service will be Saturday, March 7, at 1:30 p.m. in Draucker Funeral Home. Rev. David Dobbertien of St. Pauls Lutheran Church will officiate.

Private Inurnment in the Ogallala Cemetery at a later date.

A memorial has been established to the Petrified Wood Gallery in Ogallala.