MEBANE, NC - Niels Christian Nielsen, 73, formerly of West Lafayette, IN, died November 3, 2015 at his home in Mebane, NC. He was born on July 24, 1942 to the late Etlar and Sarah Crecie (nee Dyal) Nielsen in Madison, where he was raised. He served in the Federal Army Reserves from 1960-1968 with six months active duty during that time. Niels met and married Judith Noble in 1966 and they raised two children, Dr. Erik Etlar Nielsen, now of Dexter, MI, and Dr. Kirsten Nielsen-Knight, now of Minneapolis, MN.In addition to his wife and children, he is survived by sisters, Karen Riely and Anna (Tino) Nielsen of Madison, WI, and three grandchildren, Olivia Knight, Hanne Nielsen, and Fynn Nielsen. A graduate of the University of Wisconsin-Madison, Niels continued his education at Vanderbilt University where he received a PhD Degree in Molecular Biology in 1972. During 28 years as a USDA ARS Research Geneticist and Adjunct Professor on the faculty at Purdue University, he trained dozens of advanced degree students, and published over 100 scientific papers, but was equally as proud of the successes of his wife and children. As part of his research, he made important contributions to our understanding of the nutritional components of soybeans. In later years, his research focused on soybean and peanut food allergies. Upon retiring from the USDA in 2006 he took a part-time position at North Carolina State University in Raleigh, NC, where he maintained an active research program until 2009. Niels had a love for bluegrass music and fine woodworking, and he was an avid fisherman. A celebration of his life will be held at English Settlement United Methodist Church, 28215 Plank Road, Burlington, on Saturday, November 21, 2015 from 1-2 pm. The memorial service will begin at 2 pm with burial and full military honors immediately following at English Settlement United Methodist Church Cemetery.Miller-Reesman Funeral Home620 15th Avenue, Union Grove, WI 262-878-2500www.miller-reesman.com