| Nekrolog |
- Pia Bjerregaard April 11, 1945 ~ November, 23, 2003
Well-known Meeker resident Pia Bjerregaard, 58, died Sunday, Nov. 23, 2003, at St. Mary’s Hospital in Grand Junction.
Pia was born April 11, 1945, in Copenhagen, Denmark, the daughter of August and Eva Susanna (Linder Madsen) Bjerregaard. As a young girl her love for animals blossomed as she began riding lessons in Copenhagen.
Her family moved to Fredrikssund and she received her first horse. She began traveling to riding schools in Denmark, Sweden and Germany. Between the ages of 14 and 19 she trained with the European National Equestrian Olympic Team where she furthered her love of animals that she carried with her throughout her life. At the age of 19 she had the opportunity to travel to Meeker at the invitation of Soren Nielsen. She visited the Nielsen ranch up the river and fell in love with ranch life. Following her March 7, 1967, wedding in Denmark to Grant Nielsen, she returned to her new American home.
Pia’s passion then turned to her three children as she dedicated herself to their various activities. She led 4-H horse, dog and sheep programs for several years while attending to her own horse business where she bred and raised Arabians and Quarter horses. On the side, Pia enjoyed teaching riding lessons. Even as busy as her life had become, she still found the time to enjoy and appreciate the beauty of Colorado’s sunsets and scenery.
Pia also started an antique store featuring European antiques. Starting in 1987, Pia worked off and on at both Pioneers Hospital and the Meeker Family Health Center. She was devoted to her work and her family, spending countless hours with her grandchildren and children. She loved the outdoors and trips to the mountains. She also enjoyed raising goats, cows, horses and her border collies.
Survivors include three children, Ann Marie Nielsen and her fiancée Gene Scritchfield, Alan Nielsen and his wife Becca, Kent Nielsen and his wife Marci all of Meeker, six grandchildren, Mason, Tristan, Daylon, Derek, Denee and Kaysyn and two brothers, Hans and Frank, both of Denmark.
Funeral services were held Saturday, Nov. 29 at the Fairfield Community Center. Interment was made at the Nielsen Ranch on the Mesa.
Friends who wish may make memorial contributions to the Pia Bjerregaard Memorial Fund at any First National Bank of the Rockies. Cochran Memorial Chapel was entrusted with the funeral arrangements.
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Om slægterne Brændgaard & Heilesen
1945 - 2003 (58 år)
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