Dorthea Rae Nielsen, 65 of Sterling, passed away Fri., Aug. 7, 2015 in Greeley. Memorial service will be held Sat., Aug. 15, 2015 at 11:00 am at Emmanuel Baptist Church with Rev. Sean Cole officiating. Services will conclude at the church.

Dorthea was born Jan. 27, 1950 in Zimmerman, Minnesota to William C. and Zona L. Dunsmore Nielsen. She graduated from high school and continued her education for several years to become a registered nurse. She moved to Colorado in 1979. Dorthea worked for Banner Health Hospital in Sterling.

She was a member of the Emmanuel Baptist Church. Dorthea was involved in activities of the American Legion, Relay for Life and the American Cancer Society.

Dorothea is survived by her daughters Amy L. Moon and husband Richard of Sterling and Trixie D. Nielsen of Panama City Beach, Florida; sisters Susan Knapp and husband Phil of Hot Springs, SD; Betty Buchholz and husband Pat of Bakersfield, CO; Nora Psotta and husband Eddie of Greeley; and Edith Nielsen of Sterling; brother Carl "Howdy" Nielsen and wife Mary of Sterling; three grandchildren Kayla R. Moon, Aaron I. Moon and William C. Nielsen and two great grandchildren Kamden C. Moon and Kooper W. Moon all of Sterling.

She was preceded in death by her parents and two brothers Eric Nielsen and Christopher Nielsen.

Contributions may be made to the Dorthea Nielsen Memorial.

Chaney-Reager Funeral Home handled the arrangements.