William Levis Nielsen

William Levis Nielsen was born on May 11, 1934 in Selma, California to parents Jacque Levis Nielsen and Ernest Julius Nielsen. Mom was a school teacher and dad was a postmaster as well as serving on the school board. Education was very important to the family and dad received a strong foundation in math and grammar. He attended school in the Selma area during his early years and graduated from high school in Campbell, CA while living with his aunt. He enjoyed the time in Campbell as he was allowed to spread his wings. He continued his education studying Engineering at California State University Fresno. Upon graduation he started working at CalTrans. Soon after he married Muriel Sue Nielsen. The couple moved up and down the state of California, while he supervised the building of bridges and infrastructure on site as a civil engineer. They enjoyed the northern California area and Mendocino was a very special place for them. The couple eventually settled in Lemoore, CA. They welcomed two children into their lives including daughter, Melissa Carol Nielsen(Cepeda) and son, John Levis Nielsen. Life eventually brought Bill to the Sacramento area after the end of his marriage. He transitioned from traveling as a site engineer to working in the field office. His work in the office included contract work with the railroads which was especially meaningful since he had a genuine love of trains. Melissa and John have great memories of setting up dads train set in the large entry way of the home the family built in Kingsburg, CA. Bill married Florence Bence in Sacramento and they were happily married for 24 years. Flo had one daughter, Shari Bence. Bill became a special part of Shari's life and she continued to reach out to him and support him throughout his life. Daughter, Melissa and son-in-law, Robert had two children, Rebecca Cepeda and Rachel Cepeda. The couple made many friends and enjoyed welcoming them into the home for wonderful meals and fellowship. They actively attended and served in church. Special friends included Melbourne and Georgette Sattler and their two children "Little Mel" and Danae. The children affectionately called Bill and Flo "granny and gramps." Victor Ballart and Paula Emison remained lifelong friends with them as well. Bill was an avid photographer and was a member of a photography club where he showed his work and learned from others. He enjoyed traveling and taking pictures of the outdoors while waiting patiently for the correct lighting and adjusting settings on his 35mm camera. After the loss of Flo, dad married again and built a new life with Christi Dugan(Nielsen). He enjoyed a close relationship with her son Joe Dugan and daughter-in-law Jenny Dugan. After Christi passed dad relocated to Visalia, CA. He enjoyed being close to his daughter and son-in-law and sharing stories about family and engineering, including the modernization of highway 198 and the building of the Kaweah Delta Hospital. Although his mobility had declined, he was still able to enjoy getting out and trying the many different breakfast places to eat locally. He passed away peacefully on Oct. 14, 2025. A memorial service will be held at 11:00am on Nov. 18 at the Dinuba First Baptist Church, 600 E. Nebraska Ave, Dinuba, CA 93618. Services have been entrusted to Salser & Dillard Funeral Chapel. Memorial Tributes and condolences may be offered by logging onto www.salseranddillard.com.

William Levis Nielsen

May 11, 1934 - October 14, 2025