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
The celebration Grethe’s life will be held 11:00 a.m., Saturday, May 30, 2026, at Messiah Lutheran Church, 5740 W. Holt Rd., Holt, Michigan 48842, with a luncheon to follow. In lieu of flowers contributions can be made to Messiah Lutheran Church 5740 W. Holt Rd., Holt, MI, 48842 or Meals-on-Wheels through Tri-County Office on Aging 5303 S. Cedar St., Lansing, MI, 48911. Arrangements by Estes-Leadley Holt/Delhi Chapel.
16 Messages to “Grethe Kathrine Nielsen”
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Jack Stohr
December 17, 2025 at 12:13 pmA loss for this world. A gain for heaven including Kaj.
Brian & Katie Frederick Whitta
December 17, 2025 at 5:23 pmMrs. Nielsen was an amazing lady. We felt fortunate that we had opportunities to meet her, to enjoy her cooking, and to see the good that she instilled in her family. Be assured of our prayers. We are deeply sorry for your loss!
Kim Swartz
December 18, 2025 at 8:26 pmDear Grethe…My wish for you is that you are peacefully resting…I will miss your unique personality and spunk.
Marlie
December 18, 2025 at 8:26 pmI hope you are resting in peace. I will miss your love for god and your desire to sing and lift the spirits of residents at ICAL. It was a pleasure of taking care of you.
Teri Dart
December 22, 2025 at 5:14 amGrethe there was never a dull moment when you were around. I am so blessed to have the fun-filled trips to Aldi with you and Debbie and the Filet of fish sandwiches afterwards while listening to your stories were a highlight for me after church. Todd was truly lucky to have you as a girlfriend but I am happy you are reunited with the true love of your life. Until we meet again…..
Louise Thomas
December 22, 2025 at 4:50 pmMy Dearest Grethe, I miss you so much but I know you are enjoying so much love and peace now, so I can’t be sad. Thank you for absolutely everything! And that’s a lot!!! Hug everyone (too many to mention) for me! Looking forward to seeing you again. Lots of Love, your adopted daughter, Louise.
Dan Walcutt
December 23, 2025 at 6:48 amMy time at her table has made me a better person, her stories will be with me.forever.
She will be remembered everytime my family has C.O.F.
Love you Grethe.
Nancy Rapelje
December 24, 2025 at 12:15 pmWhat a wonderful life you had. What a huge blessing to those of us who knew you. You were always full of joy and welcomed everyone with open arms. I will miss you Grethe. Well done faithful servant
Richard W. Wert
December 25, 2025 at 10:59 amFor Paul and Family:
Please accept my prayers and condolences at this very sad time.
Steve truax
December 26, 2025 at 1:33 pmGrethe what a great life you had. God bless you and your family. Kaj and Grethe were great with the chats we had over the years. Your nephews ole and lars introduce me to your family which we have stayed in contact over the years, its was nice to share my visits to Denmark when I got back.
gud velsigne dig Grethe
Thomas Thompson
February 19, 2026 at 7:54 pmGrethe was a beloved member of our family, the last to immigrate from Denmark. She was a godly gracious cousin, a cousin of my father. I look forward to listening to her sing in Heaven’s choir someday.
Paul Nielsen
February 23, 2026 at 4:30 pmI love you so much and I miss you mom, you are the rock that held our family together. You’re always kind and gentle to everyone you met. You treated everyone with kindness and respect, the way we wish we treated everyone every day. I will see you later mom, in heaven.
Chris Marsh
March 13, 2026 at 3:29 pmGrethe was such a beautiful person and I miss her so much. I will forever treasure our talks and time together. The kindness and love she showed me is something I will never forget. Love you Grethe.
Stacie Cantin
May 25, 2026 at 8:30 amThough our hearts ache in your absence, we find comfort knowing you are wrapped in heavenly peace and everlasting love. Gretha, you were a light in every life you touched. Your warmth welcomed all who crossed your path, and your kindness made strangers feel like family.
You nourished more than our bodies with your comforting food and drink — you nourished our souls with conversation, wisdom, laughter, and love. Around your table, we found belonging, comfort, and joy. Every handmade gift and every treasured keepsake you lovingly shared carried a piece of your heart that we will cherish forever. Through the sweaters you knitted, the Christmas stockings you lovingly made, the precious gifts for new babies, and the memories woven into every family gathering, your love continues to surround us.
Your smile could brighten the darkest room, and your laughter brought happiness that echoed deep within us all. The beauty of your spirit lives on in every life you touched, in every story we tell, and in every act of kindness inspired by you.
Though we must say goodbye for now, it is not forever. We carry you within our hearts until the day we meet again. Until then, we will feel your presence in the warmth of family, in the comfort of shared meals, in the laughter of children, and in the love that binds us together.
Gretha lives on within us all — a heavenly spirit watching over her family with grace, love, and gentle guidance.
Rest peacefully, dear Gretha. You were deeply loved, and you always will be.
Colleen.McDonald
May 28, 2026 at 11:36 amSuch a wonderful lady! Always enjoyed that hug and big smile every Sunday in church.
You will definitely be.missed!!
Lars Handtke Toft
May 29, 2026 at 3:05 pmFor our beloved Grethe,
You were truly a wonderful person—always warm, positive, and welcoming to everyone around you. We will forever cherish the many happy moments we shared together, both here in Denmark and during our visits to you in Holt.
You have now been reunited with Kaj, the love of your life. The love you shared was something truly special, lasting a lifetime, and it was always so clear to see how deeply you cared for and respected one another, right until the very end.
We will always remember your bright smile, your laughter, and your positive spirit. You brought joy wherever you were, and you will be deeply missed.
Our thoughts and heartfelt sympathy are with Paul, Peter, Erik, and their families.
With love and warmest regards,
Edith & Ole, Hanne & Søren, Sebastian, Sarah & Lars