Arnold Facius Nielsen

Arnold Facius Nielsen, 84, of Monroe, North Carolina passed away peacefully on Monday, February 9, 2026, surrounded by his family.

Arnold was born on November 25, 1941, in Hartford, Connecticut to the late Emanuel Fredrick Nielsen and the late Emily Freida Facius Nielsen.

Arnold grew up in Middletown, Connecticut where he graduated from Woodrow Wilson High School. As a young man, he spent his summers at Cornfield Point in Old Saybrook, a place he dearly loved and carried with him throughout his life. After high school, he attended electronics school and began working at AT&T. In 1967, he made the bold decision to return to college full-time, ultimately earning his B.S., M.S., and Sixth-Year Degrees. From 1978-1998, he was employed by Aetna Insurance Company in a variety of roles and lastly, as a data analyst.

Arnold often said, “God has blessed us”! Thus, he lived his life with deep gratitude to God for the saving grace of Jesus, the gift of family and friends, and for the country he dearly loved. He believed wholeheartedly that God’s hand was continuously upon him. Though he quietly endured rheumatoid arthritis for most of his adult life, he never once complained - facing each day with strength, resilience, and unwavering faith.

Arnold was passionate about travel, often saying he was happiest when “on the road again”! He traveled extensively throughout North America, with Alaska and Myrtle Beach holding special places in his heart. Throughout his many journeys, he created lasting memories with his wife, children, grandchildren, extended family, and dear friends — experiences that became treasured stories shared for years to come. Along the way, he delighted in collecting rocks and pieces of driftwood - small keepsakes from nature that reminded him of the beauty he encountered and the places he loved. A meticulous and gifted woodworker, Arnold found joy in both craftsmanship and restoration. He loved the “hunt” for antiques, carefully restoring them to their former beauty - turning others’ castaways into cherished treasures. Arnold also had a remarkable green thumb. He found peace in nature and great satisfaction tending his gardens. During his travels, he was known to collect seeds, delighting in nurturing them and watching them grow. He held a particular fondness for orchids which reflected his patience and care.

Arnold is survived by his beloved wife, Sharol of 62 years; children - Lisa (Richard), Arne (Jessica), and Sharol AE (Tony); grandchildren - Ian (Emily), Amy-Erin, Ben, Remiel, Thatcher, Noah, Autumn, Ethan, Parker, and Hannah; a great-granddaughter, Bethany; and his sister, Paula Satmary.

In memory of Arnold, the family requests that donations be made to Samaritan’s Purse, a ministry that was dear to his heart.

Arnold found strength in the promise of Isaiah 40:31: “They that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles.”

Hartsell Funeral Home of Midland is serving the Nielsen family.