Michael “Big Mike” Nielsen was born in Culver City, California, and later moved to South Lake Tahoe in 1967.
Big Mike was well known around the area for his love of fishing and hunting and was often found telling stories at some of the local diners or tackle stores around town.
Mike owned several Union gas stations in the Los Angeles area before moving to Lake Tahoe and operating Stateline Shell, Stateline Texaco, and South Y Texaco.
He was preceded in death by his father, Arthur Nielsen; his mother, Rosella Nielsen; his brother, Barry Nielsen; and his sister, Janice Nielsen.
He is survived by three children, Mary Nielsen, Margaret Nielsen, and Michael Nielsen; his daughter-in-law, Jennifer Nielsen; and his two grandchildren, Sophia Nielsen and Tyler Nielsen.
There will be a celebration of life for Big Mike at the American Legion Post in South Lake Tahoe on November 21, 2026, from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m.