Karl C. Nielsen

With love and deep sadness, we announce the passing of Karl C. Nielsen, age 86 of Cumberland who passed away peacefully at MMC on August 28th, 2026, surrounded by his loving family. Karl was born on April 10th, 1940, the son of the late Christian and Arlene (Willey) Nielsen.

Karl was the oldest of seven siblings growing up in the North Deering neighborhood of Portland. Karl attended Deering High School and graduated in 1959. Following graduation, Karl served in the Navy with the Seabees (Construction Battalion) stationed in Morocco after the Agadir Earthquake in 1960. He received a US Navy medal of commendation for his heroism during the earthquake. When he returned, he married his sweetheart, Eleanor (Sabasteanski) Nielsen on September 30th, 1960, and settled in Cumberland, Maine where they raised their three children. Karl was a hard worker and began working at a local garage in his teen years where he developed a love for engines. His career included working for Southworth Machine Company for 32 years where he worked as a machinist and welder. He also worked for B&M Baked Beans, and in his retirement worked for R.C. Hazelton and Sons, MSAD 51 school district, and ran his own landscaping business.

Karl found his greatest joy in the simple moments spent with the people he loved most. He treasured time with his wife, Eleanor, and their family, whether they were camping, snowmobiling, or simply walking along the beach together. He had a natural talent for tinkering and could fix nearly anything, always willing to lend a hand and figure out how to make things work.

Karl poured his heart into his gardens and took great pleasure in tending to them. He also had a lifelong passion for motorcycles, tractor pulling, hot rods, and antique cars. He and Eleanor shared many special years attending local cruise nights, making memories, and enjoying something they both loved.

Karl also believed that good food was meant to be enjoyed. He never turned down a lobster dinner and especially cherished Eleanor’s homemade baked treats. Above all, Karl will be remembered for the happiness he found in family, the things he loved, and the many memories he created with those who were fortunate enough to share his life.

In addition to his wife of 64 years, Eleanor (Sabasteanski) Nielsen, he is survived by his children, Laurie (Nielsen) Dorr and her husband David of Augusta, Maine, Craig Nielsen and his wife Michelle of Biddeford, Maine, and Christine Nielsen of

Windham, Maine; his 6 grandchildren, Kathryn (Dorr) Lawrence and her husband Adam, Hannah Dorr O’Neil and her husband Patrick, Chelsea (Morrill) Jacobson and her husband Svenn, Allison Morrill and her partner Chris, Brian Hall, and Brady Nielsen; and his 4 great-grandchildren Eleanor Lawrence, Theodore O’Neil, Florence O’Neil, and Sunniva Jacobson. He is also survived by 3 brothers (Kurt Nielsen, Leif Nielsen, and Erik Nielsen).

He is predeceased by his parents (Christian and Arlene), his sister (Karen Macmaster) and two brothers (Peter and Christopher Nielsen).

Family and friends are invited to visit from 1pm – 2pm on Friday, September 11, 2026, at the new Conroy-Tully Walker Cremation, Funeral, and Gathering Center, 300 Allen Ave. Portland. A Memorial Service with Military Honors will begin at 2pm.

Memorial donations may be made to: American Heart Association, www.heart.org/en/honor-memorial Travis Mills Foundation, www.travismillsfoundation.org/waystogive/; or Autism Society of Maine, www.asmonline.org/get-involved/donate/