Norman Penrose Neilson, better known to friends and family as Nippy, died peacefully in his sleep at the age of 89 on May 24, 2008 in South Lyon Medical Center, eleven weeks after the passing of his beloved wife Deana.

Nippy was born in Wabuska, Nevada, on January 31, 1919 to Nelse and Nellie (Penrose) Neilson. Most of his life was spent on the family farm, the Half-Circle N Ranch on Highway 95A, on which he was born. It was there in 1954, that Nippy met his lifetime love and future wife Deana, who moved with her three children onto the Neilson Ranch soon after. There they raised their children—Michael, Judi, and John, and grandchildren, not to mention alfalfa, wheat, cattle, goats, sheep, pigs, chickens, countless dogs and cats, a coyote, a family of magpies, and a wide variety of organic fruits and vegetables. In addition to his work on the ranch, Nippy took a job for the Lyon County road department in 1956, and worked there for about 10 years. He was an excellent role model and friend to his children; his handshake was his word, and he was known for his easy-going nature and generosity. "When I was young, I thought he was the strongest man in the world," says his grandson Jason. "There was nothing he couldn't lift." Nippy was always willing to help his neighbors and enjoyed sharing the many fruits of his labor.

In addition to his dear wife Deana, Nippy was preceded in death by his parents Nelse and Nellie; his brother Andrew at a young age; his brother Harold in World War II; and his sister Florence Tamagni. Survivors include Norman's sister Ruby Lessenger of Reno; children Mike and Judi (Bertolin), both of Yerington, and John Ross of Reno; grandchildren Shannon King of Salt Lake City, Utah, Jason Pontius of Oakland, California, Mike Neilson of Reno, and Beau Reed of Yerington; great grandchildren Adrienne and Arin Lee; and numerous cousins and shirttail relatives and friends.

Cremation arrangements were under the direction of Freitas-Rupracht Funeral Home 25 Hwy 208 Yerington, Nevada 89447. Nippy and Deana will be buried together at the Valley View Cemetery.

Nippy and his wife were active members of the Farm Bureau during the 50s, 60s, and 70s, and they enjoyed outings with the Farm Bureau, including many potluck dinners. Thus the Neilson family would like to invite all friends and relatives of Norman & Deana Neilson to a potluck lunch at 11:00 am Sunday, June 22, 2008 at the Jeanne Dini Theater where Norman and his children attended school. (A potluck dish is entirely optional.) Immediate family will hold graveside services prior to the gathering.

Family and Friends may sign the online guest book at www.FRFH.net.

Memorial donations may be made to the Ronald McDonald House 323 Maine Street Reno, Nevada 89502.
(775) 322-4663. Donation envelopes are available at the funeral home.