The funeral service for Dennise Theodora (Petersen) Nielsen will be held at 11 a.m. Wednesday, Oct. 18, at Community Lutheran Church, Geneva. The Rev. Joel Xavier will officiate. Burial will be in Geneva Cemetery. Visitation will be one hour before the service at the church. Bonnerup Funeral Service is in charge of arrangements.

Dennise died on Sunday, Oct. 15, 2006, at Good Samaritan Center, Albert Lea. She was 94 years old.

Dennise was born March 29, 1912, in Freeborn County, the daughter of Dennis and Jacobine (Nielsen) Petersen. Dennis died prior to the birth of Dennise and her mother married Jens M. Petersen in 1916. She lived her whole life in Freeborn County.

Dennise was a baptized and confirmed member of Trinity Lutheran Church in Albert Lea until 1950. She married Niels K. Nielsen on March 2, 1932, at the parsonage of Trinity Lutheran Church. Dennise and Niels farmed on various rentals until they moved to Geneva and purchased their own farm. Dennise was a homemaker and farmed along side her husband all her life.

Dennise was active in Mother&8217;s Club, Home Extension and 4-H when the family was younger. When all the children were away from the nest, she went to work at the Cottage Caf/ in Geneva as a baker.

Dennise has been a member of Community Lutheran Church of Geneva for over 50 years and active in women&8217;s groups and was famous for her homemade bread, rolls, T-Rings and assorted baked goods. Her flowers and garden were always her pride and joy along with canning her bountiful garden harvest.

Dennise is survived by her husband, Niels of Geneva (Good Samaritan Center); her son, Larry (Darlene) Nielsen of Rushford and their children: Susan Nielsen, Diane (Ray Jr.) Pagnoni, Ross Nielsen, Geraldine Nielsen; daughter, Nancy (Edwin) VerHey of Hollandale, and their children: Joni (Scott) Groth, Judi VerHey, Mark (Joanna) VerHey, Jill (Shannon) Jensen; daughter, Joan (Marion) Mast of Bixby, and their children: Jodi (Jim) Peters, Gregg (Karis) Mast; son, Doug (Pat) Nielsen of Hastings, and their children: Aaron (Rhonda) Nielsen, Andy Nielsen, Ann (Tony) Norgaard, Diane Novatney, Deb Novatney, Joice Hanson; son, Steve (Jinney) Nielsen of Geneva, Minn., and their children: Lynda (Kevin) Norland, Leah (Eric) Ransom, Leanna (Jerad) Peterson. They celebrate with 27 great-grandchildren. Also surviving are three brothers: Harry &8220;Pat&8221; (Mary Helen) Petersen, Robert &8220;Bob&8221; (Marcia) Petersen, John (Mary Ann) Petersen all of Albert Lea; sister-in-law, Joyce Petersen of Albert Lea and several nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents; step-father; brother, Axel Petersen.

Denise will be greatly missed by all who knew and loved her. Blessed be her memory.