"my sympathy to the family i will miss him .i will always remember."
In loving memory of
Jonathan Owen Nissen
July 18, 1962 - April 14, 2008
Jonathan Owen Nissen45.0 died on April 142008.0 at Castle Medical Center in Kailua HI. A celebration of his life will be held at 11 A.M. Friday May 162008.0 at the United Church of Christ in Maquoketa Iowa. Rev. Jay Keppel & Rev. Russ Fate will officiate. Following the service there will be a time to visit with the family at the luncheon to be served in the church dining room. Jon was cremated and inurnment will be at the Mount Hope Cemetery Maquoketa at a later time. A service was held on the beach of the Marine Corp Base in Kaneohe HI on April 18. At that time friends and co-workers paid tributes to him and flowers were thrown in the surf to be carried out to the ocean. The Carson & Son Funeral And Cremation Services in Maquoketa is in charge of the arrangements.
Jon was born on July 181962.0 a hot summer day in Maquoketa. He was welcomed by his parents Donald F. and Phyllis (Rugger) Nissen and siblings Cindy Chris and David. He was given the middle name of Owen so that his initials would spell his shortened name.
He attended Maquoketa Community Schools and in 1978 became brother to Eduardo Gómez a YFU student from Chile. They stayed in close contact over the years. After his junior year in high school he spent the summer in Germany as a YFU student. His host brother was Axel R√ñder. They too have remained in close touch since that time. He graduated from Maquoketa High School in 1981.
Following graduation he joined the Marine Corp Reserves but because of an ankle injury was given a medical discharge. He then attended the Virginia Military Institute (VMI). Because of the worsening of his ankle injury he had to return home to recuperate. He later enrolled at the University of Iowa. In 1984 he decided to study oceanography. He sold his stereo and shotgun to pay for a plane ticket to Hawaii. The stewardesses on the plane said he could stay with them until he found a place but he opted for the YMCA. The pastor of the Maquoketa UCC Rev. Russ Fate contacted the UCC Hawaiian Conference office and Rev. Merseberg picked Jon up moved him into the church's Aloha housing and found him a job in the church office. He worked at various jobs - security guard boat operator landscaping etc. - for a year paid state income tax and was then able to attend college as a state resident. He completed work on his BA in history in 1990 and his MA in political science in 1993. He was working on his doctorate and writing his thesis on his computer when it was stolen. He never completed that last step in his education. He was a member of the Golden Key National Honor Society and the Phi Alpha Theta History Honor Society.
As a graduate student he was employed at the East-West Center a government think tank studying the role of small navies in the Pacific Rim area.
He married his beloved wife Claudia Mussnig of Austria and later Tennessee on September 6 1999 on the beach of the Marine Corp Base in Kaneohe HI.
He was a licensed real estate salesperson but never worked in that field. He was employed at the Marine Corp Base in Kaneohe for 20 years. At the time of his death he had been employed for several years by Homeland Securities Solutions Inc. training Naval and Marine personnel. He was a licensed Nat'l Safety Council Emergency Care Public Instructor.
Jon had a great library of history and military books. He liked to golf boat and fish with his friends. His hobbies included computers photography whale watching studying and traveling. While working in South Korea he met a man who looked just like his father had a few years earlier. The man was from Denmark the same town as the Nissen ancestors and his name was Christian Nissen the same as one of Jon's brothers. Jon and his wife drove across the mainland in 1999 visiting places he had gone to as a child with his family. He gave Claudia history lessons as they went. Jon and Claudia made two long trips to Europe the second one with his parents. He had a great sense of direction and could always find his way in new unfamiliar places. He loved his adopted state of Hawaii and had many good friends and neighbors there. He was a son a brother a husband a father figure to several young people a true friend - giving help and support as needed a student a teacher a jokester and a patriot. He greatly enjoyed just talking with Claudia and exploring Oahu finding new favorite places for the two of them. He loved to discuss history and argue about politics and sports. (He was a Steelers Fan.)
He is survived by his loving wife Claudia of Waipahu HI; his parents Don and Phyllis Nissen of Maquoketa; a sister Cindy Plaskon of Midlothian VA; two brothers Chris (and Mara) Nissen and Dave (and Lynn) Nissen all of Maquoketa; aunts nieces nephew and cousins; YFU brothers Eduardo Gómez of Temuco Chile and Axel R√ñder of Mulheim Germany; two brothers in Hawaii John V. (Vic)Freeland and Michael Phaneuf.
Memorials may be made to the United Church of Christ or the charity of the donor's choice.
Please sign Jon's guestbook at www.carsonandson.com.
Tributes
"Dear Nissen familyI'm sorry to hear of Jon's passing. I remember him like all the Nissen's as having a quick wit and well liked by his classmates. He had a very full and interesting life.sincerelyJohn Nelles"
"Dave and Lynn Chris and Mara and family - sorry to hear about your brother's death - our thoughts are with you."
"Nissen Family- We are so sorry to learn of the loss of your brother/son. You are in our thoughts and prayers during this difficult time. God Bless."
"Chris Mara and the Nissen family So sorry for your loss. You are all in our thoughts and prayers. With deepest sympathy The Goessling Family"
"I am sorry to hear about Jon. I have nothing but happy and fun memories of all our school days together.Especially in 5th grade I got caught passing a note to him that said You stink! because he broke up with me. I had to read it out loud to the class and stay in from recess. :)Love and sincere thoughtsGlenda (Scott) Smallwood"
"Chris Mara and Tess our thoughts and prayers are with you and very sorry to hear of the passing of your brother"
"Dear Donald Phyllis and FamilyYou all are in our thoughts at this very sad time. We did not know Jon was in need of a medical miracle and so seeing this announcement on the website was a shock. How much we sympathize with you all. I remember Jonathan and Bob playing at the Sunday School in Maquoketa when they were about 4 or 5 before we moved to Rockford. Bob is 47 now.Please convey our thoughts to his wife and we will await further information on a service. Love Ann and Jack"
"We are so sorry what happened to Jon. Our Sympahty to Phyllis Donald CindyChris and David. Jon was my American brother while I was studying at Maquoketa Community School 1978-1979. Good memories I had with him. I visited in Hawaii 1988 and I saw him last time in Maquoketa 2001. I will miss him my rest of my life."
"Dear Claudia Phyllis Donald and family I'm sorry to learn of your personal loss. You are in our thoughts and prayers during this difficult time. Jon was a fine person and a friend of mine since many years (my American brother). He will be missed. I will never forget him and always have him in my mind.AxelMoni Lara Christina Sigrid und Rolf Roeder"
"Please accept my sympathy at your time of loss."
"I am sorry to hear about your loss. I remember Jon in school as a person full of life and usually smiling. To the family of Jon -With Deepest Sympathy in your loss. Time has a way of soothing us and lightening our sorrows Time has a way of helping us and brightening our tomorrows and those who are concerned for you and how you must be feeling Are hoping you'll remember that time has a way of healing.A warm note of comfort care and concern in the loss of your loved one- and a wish with deepest sympathy that time will bring you peace."
"To all the Nissen familyMay the special thoughts of Jon stay in your hearts forever as beautiful memories.With sympathy from both of usSharon & Darrel"
"My thoughts & prayers are with you. I remember Jon as happy always with a smile on his face."
"Dear Nissen FamilyPlease accept my condolences for the loss of your husband son brother Jon. I was a classmate of Jon's graduating with him in 1981 from Maquoketa Community High School. I admired his spirit and love for life. I am sure he has left you all with a lifetime of warm and comforting memories."
" sorry for your loss. Our hearts and prays are with you."
"I was so sorry to hear about the passing of Jon. Our sympathy goes out to you and your family.Bruce Engel"
"Chris & family-You have our deepest sympathy. May your fond memories provide you with some measure of comfort during this difficult time. You are in our thoughts and prayers."
"I was very sorry to hear of Jon's passing. As a classmate throughout many years in Maquoketa schools we enjoyed alot of time together with our friends. I remember him as a happy person who enjoyed adventure. No doubt he continued to spread joy to others throughout his life. My deepest sympathy to the Nissen family."
"Dear Nissen Family we are so sorry for your loss. I met Jon about 30 years ago when I was an foreigen exchange Student in East Moline ILL. Jon was the American brother from my twin brother Eduardo he was a good friend and son. We will remember him always."
"Don Phyllis Chris & Mara--I am so sorry to hear about the loss of your son/brother. I don't remember actually meeting him but I remember hearing stories. Your family is in our thoughts and prayers."
"Don Phyllis Chris Mara David Lynn and CindyThinking of you with our Thoughts and Prayers which goes out to you all during this time. May it bring you some comfort to know you have friends who care very much about you.Charles & Jackie"
"Dear Nissen familyI was so saddened to hear about Jon. The picture of him I hold in my mind is that of a young handsome and sweet young man. I was always entertained by his humor and admired his loyalty to friends. I'm so sorry for the pain his passing causes. I hold Jon and all of you in my thoughts and prayers."
"Don Phyllis and entire family I was so shocked and saddened when I saw on the internet of Jonathan's death. I had no idea he was ill and needed a miracle. Please know that you all have my very deepest sympathy and I pray that God holds you in the palm of His hand and He will carry you through this time. I have lots of memories of Jonathan as if I remember correctly I was at your house the day that you brought him home from the hospital after his birth. I remember the joy I had whenever Cindy & I would have to watch him for a short time in the day. Not having brothers or sisters getting to be around all of your children was enjoyment. Time does heal pain but sometimes not as quickly as we would like. I will pray that you feel God's hand upon you and His peace."
"I was very shocked and saddened to hear of Jons passing. My sympathy and prayers go out to the entire Nissen family. Jon and I spent alot of time together as kids and growing into adults. I always enjoyed my overnight stays at the Nissens because I was in the country instead of the boring urban scene. I remember riding horses and planting trees with Don. I hadn't seen Jon in person for many years but we talked over the phone from time to time; that I will cherish."
"To his loving wife Claudia his loving parents Don & Phyllis and to his brothers and sister ChrisMara and Tess David and fanily and Cindy and FamilyWhen Mom called to tell me the news about Jon I was very saddened and my heart is breaking for each of you. You lost a loved one that was near and dear to your hearts and we lost a classmate. I can't imagine what you are all going thru at this time. Know that my family is holiding you up in our prayers and will continue to pray for you as you are facing the days ahead. Though we may not understand why this has happened God will be by your side to help you along the way. What I have always will remember most about Jon was that he always had a smile on his face. Besides that I won't forget that he enjoyed wrestling and even won the match with Chris the night before Chris and Mara were to get married. Though we were not best friends I witnessed the joy that he brought to his family and those around him. His smile brightened wherever he was at. I know that he is still smiling down at all of you. One day you will see him again. Until then keep your faith and hold the memories that you have of Jon in your heart. God has his hands around you and is holding each of you in the palm of his hand. Just remember the bible verse I can do all things thru Christ who strengthens me."
"Dear Don PhyllisClaudiaChrisDavid &Cindy...we are so sorry to hear about the loss of your son/brother Jon.Through Eduardo´s memories we knew about Jonhow wonderful and great person he was. You are in our thoughts and prayers during this very sad time...the life is way that continues faraway than eyes can see...MarysolPablo & Rodolfo."
"I am another classmate of Jon's who is very sorry to hear of his sudden passing. He was always nice to everyone. My thoughts are with you."
"Dear Nissen Family We are deeply sorry for your loss. Know that we are thinking of you all and praying for you.The memories that you have will carry you through this time and the times to come. You have many friends and people that care. Please take that thought with you wherever you go.God Bless you allThe Lee Rutenbeck Family"
"I am the program manager for the HSSI contract Jonathan was working on when he passed away. I knew Jonathan only slightly since we worked in different parts of the world but I was well aware of his outstanding capabilities. Jonathan was a professional and dedicated instructor who was well liked and respected by his fellow instructors. Although throughout most of his life he belonged to his family he too was a member of our HSSI family and we also will miss him. I realize words are not always the best things when we suffer the loss of a loved one but I still wanted to convey my thoughts of Jonathan and ask you to accept my deepest sympathy in this difficult time."
"Dear DonPhyllisClaudiaChrisDavid and Cindy we were so saddened to hear about Jon. You are all in our thoughts and prayers during this difficult time. We have lots memories and photograph of Jon when we were in Hawaii in 1988 and in Maquoketa in 2001. It was a wonderful time we share whit him. Whit deepest sympathy Paulina and Pilar"
"We were so sorry to hear about Jon. Our thoughts and prayers go out to the family.Carol and Gary"
"i met jon and his family 18 years ago !!! iâ??°m deeply sorry about this great loss for his family and friends !!!! whenever i hear words like iowa or hawaii he will always be in my mind !! i whish us the strengh to go on and let us keep the feeling for jon in our hearts and souls !!!aloha jon !!!guido"
"My deepest condolences to the Nissen Family His wife Claudia and Jon's extended family. It was a shock to hear of his passing.Jon was a great friend while we grew up together and he was a great friend later in our lives. Through Jon's persistence we reconnected and kept that friendship alive. I will always be thankful for the energy Jon put into staying in touch with me. We would trade phone calls through the years sometimes not connecting for a time but we would have great talks when we did get in touch. I will miss Jon saying...I knew it was you on the phone I hesitated from answering it because I thought you wanted to borrow some money. That is just some of Jon's humor I will miss. Jon lived his life to the fullest he was good natured and just a really good guy!I will miss him."
"Dear Donald and Phillis.I'm so sorry for Jon's death it was a shock for our family. I've prayed for him. God says in the Bible that death came in the world because of one man that sinned (Romans 5:12) but God loves us so much that he promised us that there will be a resurection (Acts 24:15).God want's you to pray to him and he will help you in such a hard time (Isaiah 41:13). I will pray for all of you too.Love Marcelo Gâ??â?¥mez"
"Although I only new Jon for a short period in that time I knew I?ve made a valuable and life long friend who?ll I?ll always remember as someone who I am privileged to know. His family and friends in Hawaii have suffered a devastation loss and the impact is felt here in North Carolina by his friends (brothers) who?ll miss him but never forget him. Miss ya broBilly "
"I was shocked and saddened to hear of Jon's passing. I will remember him as someone who was always professional always positive and always there. My thoughts and prayers go out to his family and friends. Semper fipat"
"Day to day I have rememberances of our times. I stop doing and reflect on what a great time we had together. I am truely blessed to have Jon in my life. Yes I still hear his words of wisdom when I have that moment of need. We were good together like that. Please keep in touch. Aloha Vic"