Niel E. Nielsen, brilliant Engineer, husband, father, brother, uncle, and friend, passed away peacefully on August 23, 2026 at the age of 72. He is survived by his wife Linda and son Scott.

Born to Esther and Conrad Nielsen in Chicago but raised in small-town Clayton, IL, Niel was precocious from the very beginning. Niel was the eldest of four brothers (Tom, Jeff, and Joe) who looked up to him. Growing up as a farm boy instilled a sense of humble pragmatism that would define the rest of his time. Known initially for his destructive capabilities, he soon became one of the world’s greatest fixers of just about anything. Those who knew him experienced how he was always quick to offer help, expecting nothing in return but the satisfaction of seeing something work again. In fact, it was offering to jump start her car in the parking lot of The Chalet that united him with Linda.

Niel was also an inventor and entrepreneur. After graduating Southern Illinois University with a bachelor’s in Electrical Engineering, he worked at Viskase for 25 years. He then founded and lead the family electronics company, ScoreTronics, which he ran with Linda for the next 25 years.

Those closest to him knew of his integrity and authenticity, and rugged perseverance through many health challenges later in life. He was a lover of science, music, and a staunchly secular man. He possessed an enormous sense of curiosity and had a low tolerance for dishonesty and abuse of power. He embodied the idea that “kindness is free”.

Please join us in celebrating Niel’s life on Saturday August 29, 2026 at Adolf & Powell Funeral Home, 7000 S. Madison St. Willowbrook, IL., from 2:00 PM to 4:00 PM, with words of remembrance at 4:00, followed by a Reception. 

In lieu of flowers, please donate here to the SIU Foundation for the Niel E. Nielsen Scholarship, which has been arranged to offer an opportunity for the next brilliant mind from a small town to attend engineering school at Southern.

“Live now; make now always the most precious time. Now will never come again." —Jean-Luc Picard, The Inner Light