Edward (Ace) Nielsen of Ghent, NY passed away surrounded by his loving family on April 1, 2010 at Columbia Memorial Hospital. Edward was born on December 20, 1928 in Cairo,NY to Arnold and Martha Nielsen from Denmark. Edward served 3 years in the Navy aboard the USS Boxer. He was a member of the Carpenters Union and a Self Employed Carpenter, building many homes and projects in Columbia County. In his retirement, he became a member of the Gold Prospectors Association and traveled the country RVing with his wife Beatrice. He enjoyed metal detecting and gold prospecting with his friends across the country. Edward was a loving father and grandfather, who gave great joy to his family with his wonderful sense of humor. Edward is survived by his loving wife of nearly 61 years, Beatrice Halstead Nielsen. He is the father of five, Donna Reutenauer, of Ghent, Edward (Linda) Nielsen of Copake Lake, Gary (Lee Lee) Nielsen of Valley Falls, NY; Mark (Lisa) Nielsen of Ghent and Michael (Lynda) Nielsen also of Ghent NY. Edward is also survived by his grandchildren, Jamie (Amy) Reutenauer, Suzie (Phil) Reutenaur Geerholt, Tanya Nielsen, Amanda Nielsen, Adam (Tia) Nielsen, Jessica Nielsen, Lindsay Nielsen, Andrea Nielsen Meghan Nielsen, Ethan Nielsen, Rachel Nielsen, Ryan Nielsen and nine great gandchildren. Also surviving is his brother Floyd (Jennie) Nielsen, sisters Fances Halstead, Myrtle (Harold) Stall, Dorothy (Charles) Schroeder and Elizabeth (Joe) Wolfe, brother and sister in-laws, Allen and Thersa Halstead, Charles and Julie Halstead and countless nieces and nephews. Ace was pre-deceased by his brothers, Alex, Albert, David and sister Eva Moore. Funeral Services will be held Tuesday 10:00am from the Ghent Bible Baptist Church. Interment will be in the Ghent Union Cemetery. Calling hours will be Monday evening 5 - 8:00pm from the Wenk Funeral Home Chatham, In Lieu of flowers donations can be sent to the Community Hospice of Columbia Greene 47 Liberty St.Catskill, N.Y. 12414 and Bible Baptist church Ghent, NY. 12075 for on-line condolences visit wenkfuneralhome.com