Good Neighbor Just like family
In a mobile, ever-changing society, longtime neighbors are becoming increasingly rare. But Larry and Donna Nielsen buck the trend. They’ve lived in their Indian Trail neighborhood for 40 years. Even more unusual, in addition to raising their two children, the Nielsens have nurtured their entire neighborhood, according to Tony and Joan Ursich. The Ursichs have been the Nielsens’ neighbors for 38 years.
In a letter to The Spokesman-Review, the Ursichs wrote, “They hold the keys to just about every house. Whether they know it or not, they are the Blockwatch of the neighborhood. We trust them with anything, including our grandchildren, who love them.”
Thinking about others seems to come naturally to Larry Nielsen. He often clears the snow off his side of the block and then crosses the street to clear the other side. When any of his neighbors travel, Nielsen is the one who cuts their grass and fetches their mail. But no matter how much he gives, he still feels like he’s got the best end of the bargain. “We’ve been very lucky,” he said. “This neighborhood has been a blessing to us.”
The Nielsens are the first ones to greet new folks and to make them feel welcome. Ray and Donna Kuhn felt the warmth of that welcome when they moved to the neighborhood 16 years ago. Most of their immediate family live a great distance away. When the Neilsens found out the Kuhns would be alone this Christmas, they insisted the couple come over and share their holiday dinner. “They’ve always treated us like family,” said Kuhn.
She and “the other Donna” took daily walks together for many years until a hip surgery sidelined Donna Nielsen. “She was my outlet,” said Kuhn. “We’d go for walks and solve the world’s problems.”
In July the Nielsens celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary. They had a big catered meal in their backyard and, of course, invited their neighbors. Always generous, the Nielsens sent home plenty of leftovers with the Kuhns. “They truly care about others,” said Kuhn.
In the summer months Larry Nielsen shares juicy ripe tomatoes from their garden. According to his wife, he’s never met a stranger. “He loves to visit,” his wife said with a laugh. “I’ll be out back working in the garden, and he’ll be out front chatting.”
To Donna, being a good neighbor is simply making sure everyone is safe and taken care of. When Joan Ursich’s daughter was young, she slipped on the ice and broke her nose. Ursich said, “She immediately went to Donna like every other child in the neighborhood would have.”
These days with families often so far-flung, it’s heartwarming to know good neighbors like the Nielsens are willing to step in and fill the gap.
“We just look out for each other,” said Larry Nielsen. “It makes you feel good.”