Eric C. Nielsen

Eric C. Nielsen, 74, of Steamboat Rock, Iowa passed away Friday, January 30, 2026 at Accura HealthCare of Onawa. 

Per Eric’s wishes, cremation has taken place. No services are planned at this time. Arrangements are under the direction of Goslar Funeral Home and Monuments, Onawa, Iowa. 

Eric Conrad Nielsen was born September 14, 1951, in Medford, Oregon. Early years along the Rogue River at his grandparents’ lodge may have planted seeds for Eric’s lifelong connection to nature — and his later logging and forestry pursuits. 

Eric titled a “Description of Myself” at age 11 in which he noted he had a “library of around 50 books.” He was a reader — and a storyteller! His sharing of simple incidents — with aptly contorted facial expressions — sent listeners into peals of laughter. His genuine curiosity and interest in people he met created an extended family wherever he was. As one lifelong friend said: “He stayed at my house, and I stayed at his. For some reason, I think that says it all.”

After graduating in West Monona’s (notorious) Class of 1969, Eric hitchhiked to a lot of places, temporarily landing in Denver before returning to Iowa. He worked for his dad’s construction company and learned to log trees for a friend’s sawmill in Eldora.

Eric’s love of music was rooted in the 1960s and flourished each decade with new artists. Many gatherings at his property outside Steamboat Rock, Iowa, was accompanied by cranked-up rock ‘n’ roll. He played hard at rugby, was artful at slalom water-skiing, commanded dirt bikes and ATVs, and relished a good escapade with buddies (making for even better stories).

When he met and married Subrenia Ann Thomas in 1976, it defined true love. Together, they ventured to her home state of Florida for several years, ultimately returning to Steamboat Rock. They bought an 1867 house on Main Street and settled into busy, productive lives. Eric logged trees until his knees demanded surgery. When he realized how much time he would spend in Ames rehabbing the knees, he decided to take classes at ISU. With his forestry degree, he established his own business, Resource Services, in 2000 and began a career planting native grasses and trees.

Eric served on Steamboat Rock’s City Council. Professionally, he was very active, which included chairing the Iowa Chapter of the Society of American Foresters for 2 years, and serving on the Prairie Rivers of Iowa Board, which noted: “He brings to the . . .  board his experience in planting, maintaining, marketing, assessing, and phyto-remediation of native grass establishment, resource management and forest products.”

Eric lived his life as a kind and free soul: a caring son, a there-for-us big brother, a got-your-back best friend, a loving/teasing husband, a dependable professional — and we all miss him so very much.

Survivors include his brother, Bill (Jodie) Nielsen; sisters, Liz (Patrick) McClure and Anna Wohlert; nephews, Brett (Abigael) Nielsen, Vince (Jess) Nielsen, Andrew (Sara) Wohlert, and Keith (Lauren) McClure; cousins, Julie Heumann, Dorie Levine, and Mara Bacsujlaky; good friend, Kevin Pieters; and many more relatives and friends. 

He was preceded in death by his wife, Subrenia Nielsen; son, Emery Lad Nielsen; parents, Wilbur and Nancy (Collison) Nielsen; and nephew, Miles McClure.  

Condolences may be left online for the family at www.goslarfuneralhome.com