Peter Axel Nielsen

Peter Axel “Pete” Nielsen, age 68, passed away on February 16, 2026, in Des Moines, Iowa.

He was born on August 14, 1957, in Des Moines, the fourth child of Kenneth and Therese (Lydon) Nielsen. Pete was born and raised in West Des Moines and graduated from Dowling High School in 1975. He later attended DMACC, where he became a draftsman.

Proud of his Danish and Irish heritage, Pete followed in the footsteps of his father and grandfather, Axel, working in the family flower business, Nielsen’s Flowers, and later owning his own shop. Pete was a creative soul with a lifelong love for drawing and painting. He had a special gift for making the ordinary feel unique and meaningful.

He enjoyed golfing and fishing and treasured time spent with family and friends. Some of his favorite memories were celebrating his birthday at Clear Lake with his daughter, a place that held a special place in his heart. A loyal sports fan, Pete cheered for the Iowa Hawkeyes, Cyclones, and South Dakota State Jackrabbits—but was an Oklahoma Sooner fan at heart. He loved dogs and will be especially missed by his granddog, Walter. Pete loved Jesus and was grateful for the many blessings in his life, never forgetting to thank God for the gift of a brand new day.

He is survived by his daughter, Leslie (Chris) Chapman; his grandson, Christopher; his brothers, Paul (Nancy), Fred, and Tim (Beth); and his sister, Julie (Dave) Tantillo. He is also survived by many nieces, nephews, grand-nieces, grand-nephews, cousins, and friends who adored him and will miss his warm heart and smiling face.

Pete was preceded in death by his parents, Kenneth and Therese Nielsen; his brother, Kenny Nielsen; his nephew, Erik Nielsen; and his sister-in-law, Carol.

Visitation will be held at 9:30 a.m., followed by a funeral service at 10:30 a.m. on Saturday, February 21, at Sacred Heart Catholic Church, with a luncheon to follow. Burial will be held at a later date. Memorial contributions can be made to the American Heart Association.