Vance Alan Nielsen, who resided in Mena, passed away Saturday, August 31, 2019, at Baptist Health Hospital in Fort Smith. He was born February 25, 1946, in Primghar, Iowa, to the late Loren H. Nielsen and Phyllis Mae Rogers Nielsen. He was 73 years old. He was preceded in death also by his wife, Sharie Nielsen; and a brother, Blake Rogers Nielsen.

Vance was a retired administrator for higher education, and was an U.S. Coast Guard veteran of the Vietnam War.

He is survived by two sisters, Dana J. Nielsen and husband Joel Bertrand of Alexandria, Virginia and Beth Nielsen-Smith and husband Fred of Dothan, Alabama; one brother, Loren W. "Rusty" Nielsen and wife Becky of Huntsville, Alabama; and William P. Nielsen, whom he was referred to as "Big Brother" and wife Cindy of Trustville, Alabama.

Cremation arrangements are under the direction of Brotherton Brothers Cremation Services in Fort Smith; 914 N. 32nd St. Fort Smith, Arkansas  72903. (479) 434-3901.

To pay an online tribute, please visit www.brothertonbrothersfuneralhomes.com.