Grethe Kathrine Nielsen

Grethe Kathrine Nielsen, went peacefully to be with our Lord, Jesus on December 16, 2025, at the age of 99.  She was welcomed with loving arms by her husband, Kaj.

Grethe was born on May 26, 1926, in Lasby, Denmark, cherished daughter of the late Osvald and Thora Wagner, beloved little sister of the late Edith Wagner.

She lives on through a whole host of relatives and dear friends including her sons Erik (Joan) Nielsen, Peter (Pamela) Nielsen, and Paul (Deborah) Nielsen, grandchildren Victoria (Jeff) Lyons, Patrick (Annelise) Nielsen, Luke (Grace) Nielsen, great-grandchildren Philip, Christian, Amelia, Timothy, and Frejya, her beloved chosen children Louise (Jack) Thomas, Steven Cantin, Pam Cantin, Joseph (Mary) Cantin, their children Stacie, Mandy, Brad, Greg, Danielle, Christopher, Nick, Katie,  grandchildren Andre, Lana, Dylan, Callie,  Max, Harper and Beckham.

Her loving husband Kaj, chosen son Nelson Cantin and his wife Melva Cantin were called home before her.

Grethe lived a full life of service, grace, and unwavering faith.  Her door was always open, with a pot of strong coffee brewing and a baked treat.  She loved knitting and many babies were welcomed with a hand knit sweater.

She and Kaj delivered Meals-On-Wheels together for many years.

She embraced adventure, working for her Aunt in Varde Denmark where she met her love, Kaj.  They immigrated to the United States with baby Erik, sponsored by Kristina and Jens Hansen.  At the orchard  on Onondaga Rd, she learned to tend honeybees, drive a tractor and sold apples at the Lansing City Market. They became United States citizens and built a home together in Holt, Michigan.  As Nielsen Construction grew, Grethe stepped in to keep the books.  She was a constant presence there over the years and will be greatly missed.

She loved cooking, playing piano, and hosting parties at 4604.   Kaj and Grethe welcomed many travelers to their home including Edith, Knud, and their boys Lars and Ole.  They enjoyed trips to Denmark to see family including Reinholdt, Irene and their daughter Hanne.

She was one of the founding members of Messiah Lutheran Church, singing her heart out in the choir, and was on the alter guild.  Her strong faith was a constant thread as they raised 3 boys, and she became a second Mom to their closest friend’s children.  She welcomed daughters-in-law, grandchildren and great-grandchildren with such joy!

As she approached 100 years of age and her memory and body “wore off,” she was lovingly cared for by family, friends, neighbors, and caregivers, each called to be a jewel in the mosaic that reflected her spirit.

“Well done, good and faithful servant!  You have been faithful over a little; I will set you over much.  Enter into the joy of your master.”  Matthew 25:21

Memorial services will be held on Saturday, May 30, 2026, at Messiah Lutheran Church in Holt, Michigan.  Details will be shared at a later date.   In lieu of flowers contributions can be made to Messiah Lutheran Church, Holt, MI or Meals-On-Wheels through the Tri-County Office Agency 5303 S. Cedar St., Lansing, MI. Arrangements by Estes-Leadley Holt/Delhi Chapel.