The North American Division memory page for Arne P. Nielsen

Arne completely changed the trajectory of my life. He believed in me before I believed in myself. Luckily I was able to tell him in person the impact he had in my life. True spiritual Giant

I met Mr. Arne in Chuuk SDA School back in 2016. He’s fun and approachable man. He’s always smiling and spend some time talking to us, missionaries.

Arne was a wonderful colleague and leader. While I only worked with him during his time at NAD, I quickly appreciated his kindness, willingness to listen and give counsel, and encouragement. His ready laugh and enjoyment of life will be missed. Looking forward to seeing him soon when Jesus returns.

I knew Arne for about 20 years as we both returned from mission service about the same in the early 2000s and then bumped into one another over the years. When Arne left Florida Conference to head to the NAD in 2013, the new Florida Conference VP for Education, Frank Runnels, invited me to join the FLCOE team in 2014 and I continued to see him from time to time like at the 2018 NAD Teachers Convention in Chicago.

My best connection with Arne was in the past 18 months as I took over the Southern Union Education Director position. I was able to attend a number of UDOEC meetings as well as NAD Advisory meetings and I always appreciated how Arne kept the meetings moving along and how he respected everyone and their opinions. He always kept his eye on the goals for NAD education.

Starting in September 2023, Arne and I, along with some other folks like Keith Hallam started bringing our golf clubs to these meetings and to play a round of golf before the meetings began- Arne really seemed to enjoy these outings – so did I.

He will be missed but we have a blessed hope that one day we’ll be able to be with him again.

Murray Cooper

He was Mr. Nielsen to me, although he was only a few years older. I was a junior at Mount Pisgah Academy when he and Teen arrived and joined the gymnastics team.

He spotted for me on a standing back flip during tryouts for the team. I had never attempted a standing back flip. I was no gymnast; my chances of getting on the team were low. But I got points for anything I tried, so I tried it all. I remember a ring of kids watching in disgust as I made a fool of myself over and over on every advanced, impossible move. But there was Mr. Nielsen, his hands ready to catch me, and I knew I would be okay. I made the team.

Arne Nielsen was kind and reasonable, fun and steady. He and Teen were so very young in those years! I didn’t see him again until I attended my first NAD teachers convention in Chicago, and then—Lo! There he was, a top dog! I was pleased.

How fitting that such a quality person would become a leader of many. I haven’t interacted with him in decades, but I look forward to the day when I can thank him for his genuine care, for always seeing into the heart, and for being at the ready to catch us if we stumbled.

Arne was an effective leader with a servant’s heart, and his love for God was exemplified in his daily life. He was kind and considerate, and made others feel at ease in his presence. He will be greatly missed.

I met Arne Nielsen when I started working as Associate Director of Education & Certification Registrar at the Atlantic Union Conference. As I associated with Arne I found him to be knowledgeable, experienced, and forward thinking. He was a people person and an exemplary and focused leader. Indeed we have lost a great leader and mentor but we look forward to the second coming of Christ when all the faithful of the earth will be reunited.

The brisk walk, engaging smile, twinkle in his eye, delightful sense of humor; total commitment to all he engaged in, his memorable black truck—I miss you, Arne! First met him in the GC bldg as his office was in the same area as Retirement and then close to our dept here in the new NAD building. Whenever I’d see him walking towards his truck I’d teasingly say. “Arne, is your wife really going to get to see you???” And he’d just smile broader and walk faster!!!! See you soon on the “other side, Arne”. Blessings to Teen and family. Gayle Fell, Sharp Assistant

Arne was such a ball of sunshine. I have only known Arne for 7 years and throughout those years I have never seen him in a bad mood, maybe a little tired but always smiling and joyful. We would see who would beat each other to work in the morning at the NAD and most of the time I would pull into the parking lot and see his truck parked way in the back of the parking lot. Arne would come in at 5:30 in the morning and beat me to work.
Arne had helped guide me in my decision to be baptized a Seventh-Day Adventist. He would tell me to make the decision mine and not let the decision come from the pressure of my environment. He also gave me advice about my car, advice about my daughter Miracles education path, relationship advice for me and my husband, and advice on finding a church home.
I remember Arne coming in excited and telling me that he and his wife had a baby. I was thinking that’s great I had a child at a later age. He pulled out his phone and showed me the picture of the little dog that they had just gotten. He was so happy and talked about his 4- legged baby every time he saw me.
You never want to question GOD but sometimes it happens, and I do. GOD, he was such a kind, funny, caring, and good person willing to help all. It is so painful to see that GOD has called such a beautiful person to end his time here with us so suddenly. I pray for peace, spiritual healing, and comfort for Arne’s family and loved ones. We love you Arne and you will definitely be missed.

What a huge, tremendous loss to the NAD. Very shocking and unexpected. My department is on the same floor as his, and we both came into the office early, so our paths would cross sometimes. Such a caring person, would always flash that smile of his and issue warm greetings. Always busy, but never too busy to talk with you, and he would throw some humor into his conversations too. Never missed a day, unless he was traveling, and always one of the first ones (or THE first one) in the building in the morning. He was very committed to his work and mission, and an impressionable leader. He is one of those people who leaves a huge impression on those he meets. My heart is broken for our loss, and for his wife Teen, and his boys. May God’s peace and comfort, that only HE can give, be very close to them at this extremely difficult time.

Arne was such a respectful colleague. If I needed to speak with him about a project or if I needed Education’s input on something, he would make time for me. I appreciated his calm presence, his thoughtfulness, and his smiling eyes. He was truly a Christian gentleman. He will be missed.

Arne was always helpful to me. First by email, then in professional encounters and in the last year as my direct supervisor. I will keep his smile, his optimism, his passion for young people and for Adventist education as his special legacy to me. I can not wait to see him again in heaven where we will be able to enjoy God’s love without the limits of this world.

It is with Blessed Hope in Christ’s soon return that I express our deepest condolences on the loss of our leader. Arne was loved, appreciated, and will be missed by the Adventist Education community of teachers and administrators. Arne was a kind, professional, Christian leader with an exemplary spirit. I was always grateful for His assistance with the promotion for our annual week of spiritual emphasis, Finishing Strong. It was invaluable. The imprint and impact that Arne leaves will not be fully realized until we meet again and see the Master Teacher face to face. Even so come, Lord Jesus.

The untimely passing of Dr. Arne Nielsen is such a devastating blow to the Adventist community and the countless lives he impacted. I will always remember his warm smile, twinkling eyes, and calm spirit. My heartfelt condolences and prayers go out to his family and those who are grieving for his loss. “And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.”

Arne Nielsen had a huge impact on Adventist education in the North American Division. He believed in it whole heartedly and supported it untiringly. Often when we had meetings he would need to join by Zoom because he maintained a heavy travel schedule visiting schools and meeting with other educators. He was wiling to address difficult issues and often did so by asking questions. He is already greatly missed but his imprint on education will continue on.

I always appreciated the good work that Arne did for the NAD and his input in the office and field. He came to NAD with much talent in his area of expertise and was ready to assume the top spot when Larry retired. He has been a credit in his planning for the teacher’s convention, and guidance of education in NAD, and I especially appreciated his work with the Guan-Micronesia Mission which needed leadership and visits from the NAD office. Arne is missed and will be so for some time to come. My prayers and condolences are with his wife and extended family.

Arne had a quick laugh, an infectious smile, and a calm demeanor. He also had a wonderful sense of humor. He made everyone feel comfortable and heard. He was a great listener, collaborator, and communicator. I grew up with Arne. He was a couple of years ahead of me in school, but we attended academy and college together. I spent several years on the Andrews University Gymnics with Arne and Teen. More recently I worked with Arne at the NAD in the office of education, and completed my PhD with him. Arne was one in a million, and Teen too. Their partnership in ministry and life is enviable. I pray daily for Teen and the boys. That great gett’n up morning can’t come soon enough. Come Lord Jesus, Come.

Arne Nielsen was a member of The Journal of Adventist Education Advisory Board from April 2019 until his passing in June 2024. He was a source of inspiration, not only sharing ideas and supporting initiatives but also ready and willing to help make things happen by sharing resources. His kindness, keen sense of mission, and commitment to Adventist education and the professional development of Adventist educators were contagious. We feel the loss and will miss him. Although we mourn now, we look forward to another day when death and dying will be no more, and it will be life eternal, forever with Jesus (John 16:22). What a day that will be! — Faith-Ann A. McGarrell, Editor, The Journal of Adventist Education, General Conference of Seventh-day Adventists

This is Accountant from Chuuk SDA school Micronesia. In my whole career I didn’t see that kind of humble and cherished full accreditation officer. He taught me who to live and give respect to everyone even you are on high position. I don’t know I’ll meet anybody with this beautiful heart.

My memories goooo way back – summer camps, gymnics but most of all – 1979 – Arne’s mother was the director of our 8 week – 10 country – Home Economic European Tour – Anita was on the tour too – we had such a great time – at one point we played “Gilligans Isle” – I believe Arne was “the Professor”. – oh the memories. I’m honored to had known him in his early years – deeply sadden for his loss. Until we meet again.

What a gentle and kind man, He truly showed God’s Character to others
Prayers for the family

The last time we saw Arne there wasn’t a clue that he would be gone so soon, we’ll miss you Arne.

Like so many others, Arne was a dear friend and colleague. I was privileged to work with him and Larry Blackmer in the launch, development, and roll out the Encounter Bible curriculum across the NAD. Arne was the epitome of servant leadership and showed me how to lead gently but with a clear vision. Working with Arne truly helped shape my life and I praise God for those years we served together. Teen, you’re still in my prayers.

I remember Arne as a friendly professional person who I encountered professionally over the years as he moved to his service assignments in the denomination. Over time, we became friends. He was always kind and gracious even as he and I worked on some difficult issues. I will miss him and regret not spending more time with him during our service here at NAD. When we lose friends, we look forward to that glorious day when God will topple the separation that hurts so much.

I met Dr. Nielson during my three years as a teacher at the Florida Conference. He was reassuring, encouraging, and smart. I never felt intimidated around him. I will miss him but plan to meet him ‘on that great gettin’-up morning.’ Praying for the family. #surprisedbyhispassing.