Floyd Alfred Nielsen, 75 of Fredericksburg, TX, was called home to be with the Lord on February 13, 2024. He is preceded in death by his father and mother, Andrew and Leola Nielsen, along with his father and mother-in-law, Kermit and Gladys Luedecke.

Floyd was born on September 19, 1948, to Andrew and Leola Nielsen of Stonewall. He is survived by his wife Shirley (Luedecke) and two children: son and daughter-in-law, Bradley and Tiffany Nielsen and daughter and son-in-law, Melissa and Dr. Neal Eckert. He is also survived by three siblings: Jim and Gale Nielsen, Karen and Ross Peterman and Eileen and Leland Ottmers.

Floyd's love for life and family lives on in his five grandchildren: Hannah and Laura Nielsen and Anders, Jack and James Eckert. His whole world revolved around his wife, children and grandchildren.

He lived his life working hard and had a passion for farming and ranching. As a child and young man, Floyd spent his days working alongside his father, Andrew. He was also known for his incredible athleticism and is still known for hitting a baseball out of the park and over Highway 290. Floyd played football and was also a member of the Pride of the Texas Hill Country Fredericksburg High School marching band.

Later on, Floyd hauled grain and fertilizer for Nielsen Trucking and worked for his Uncle Percy Nielsen in rural land development before he decided to start a career with Texaco working in the oil field. He began as a mechanic on the Texas-New Mexico Pipeline but was quickly promoted to be a welder when his supervisors discovered the unmistakable skills he developed growing up on a farm. Floyd moved up to Area Supervisor and began working on the Orion Pipeline where he was promoted to Chief Inspector. He retired from Texaco Engineering and went to work in the same capacity for Shell Oil followed by Magellan Midstream Partners. Floyd was hard-working, dedicated and his attention to detail was displayed in each project that he executed. After he fully retired from the oil field his time was spent at home in Fredericksburg, clearing land, farming or working his stock in Stonewall as his children tagged along. In everything Floyd did, he was always teaching and took great pride in every task he completed.

Much like his father Andrew or Pop, as he was better known, Floyd possessed a special, God-given gift when caring for the land and the animals they raised. Floyd, or Pop-Pop, as we call him, was found at his happiest when on a tractor or spending time driving the land in his mule. Whether he was checking fields, livestock, or just taking in the country and talking to God the time on his mule was filled with pure joy. Floyd was notorious for showing up at his children's property to check on them and their work. Floyd knew every detail of his land and he made sure his children were caring for it as he would. He grew up knowing the importance of agriculture and was very proud to carry on that family tradition.

Floyd loved his Lord and Savior above all. He was baptized at Trinity Lutheran in Stonewall and attended Holy Ghost Lutheran Church. When time allowed, Floyd served his community in various ways as a member of the Stonewall Volunteer Fire Department and on the Holy Ghost Lutheran Church Council.

Floyd was much more than a hard-working man. He was a greatly loved son, brother, husband, daddy, Papa Floyd and Pop-Pop. He was kind, gentle and his patience was constant. His life was complete when he was with his wife, children, and grandchildren, they were his proudest accomplishments. He fervently prayed for them, taught them important lessons and more importantly, made sure they knew he loved them.

Those who knew and loved Floyd can recognize that there is so much left unsaid. We can easily see that the hard-working, reliable and meticulous aspects were just small pieces of his character. God broke the mold for men with Floyd, he was the most incredible son, husband, father and Pop-Pop anyone could ask for.

The family will greet friends 5-7 p.m., Monday, February 19th in Fredericksburg Funeral Home.

Funeral services will be held 2 p.m., Tuesday, February 20th, in the fellowship hall of Holy Ghost Lutheran Church.

Memorial contributions may be made in his memory to Holy Ghost Lutheran Church, Stonewall Volunteer Fire Dept., or the charity of one's choic e.