ELLINWOOD — Daryle Wayne Nielsen, 63, died Oct. 16, 2013 at his home.
Born March 6, 1950, in Sterling, he was the son of Melvin “Chub” and Betty (LaMay) Nielsen.
On Feb. 10, 1977, he married Gaila (Branson) in Lake Tahoe, Nev. She survives of the home. A 37-year resident of Ellinwood, he was a safety director for Southwind Drilling. He was a volunteer firefighter and EMT, retiring after 32 years, and he was retired from the city of Ellinwood as electric superintendent of production and distribution. He was instrumental in the development of the KMEA Mutual Aid program and was the first recipient of the Daryle Nielsen Distinguished Service Award, given annually for those who are recognized for exemplary leadership and service during disasters and need for cities in the state of Kansas.
Mr. Nielsen was a member of St. John Lutheran Church. He served as a board member for Kansas Power Pool Agency, Kansas Municipal Utilities, and Kansas Municipal Energy Agency.  
Other survivors include, a son, Shawn W. Nielsen (Jennifer), Wichita; a daughter Shelly Ward (Matt), of Burleson, Texas; a sister, Linda Belden (Dan), of Hutchinson; and two grandchildren. He was preceded in death by Melvin and Betty Nielsen and Irene (Elliot) Nielsen.
Memorial service is scheduled at 10 a.m. on Friday at the St. John Lutheran Church in Ellinwood with Pastor Jeff Frakes presiding. Visitation will be 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. on Thursday, with family present from 6 to 8 p.m., at the church. Memorials may be given to the Ellinwood Fire Department, the Ellinwood Ambulance Service, and the Ellinwood Community Foundation in care of the funeral home.

Funeral arrangements provided by
Minnis Funeral Home**
P.O. Box 246
Ellinwood, KS, 67526
Great Bend (Kan) Tribune, Oct. 20, 2013