Agenika Jolanda Nielsen went into the arms of the Lord on July 3, 2026, at 11:45 a.m.

A funeral will be held 10:00AM, Friday, July 10 at Eastgate Funeral Service, 3117 E Century Ave, Bismarck.

Visitation will be from 5:00-7:00PM, Thursday, July 9 at Eastgate Funeral Service. A prayer service will begin at 7:00PM.

Agenika Jolanda VanOӱen, lovingly known as Ankie, was born in Hilversum, Holland, in 1945. From a very young age, life demanded more of her than it should have, shaping her into a woman of extraordinary strength, resilience, and determination. Despite enduring tremendous hardship, including surviving domestic violence more than once, she never lost her kindness, compassion, or generous spirit.

Ankie came to the United States from the Netherlands to begin a new chapter in Colorado after marrying. When that marriage ended, she courageously chose to stay and build a life for herself and her three children. She taught herself English, put herself through school, and owned and operated her own cleaning business before building a career with the airline industry. One of her greatest joys was sharing her love of travel with her children, creating treasured memories on family adventures by airplane and camper.

As a mother, Ankie was loving but firm. She believed that preparing her children for life's challenges was one of the greatest gifts she could give them. Her high expectations were rooted in love, and the independence, strength, and resilience she instilled in her children remain among her greatest legacies.

After her divorce, Ankie found a personal relationship with God that transformed her life. Her faith became the foundation of everything she did, and she wanted everyone she met to know the same love, hope, and peace she had found in Him.

For more than 30 years, Ankie faced Parkinson's disease with remarkable courage. As the disease progressed and dementia slowly took hold, she made the decision to move to Bismarck to be closer to family. There, she was able to reconnect with her loved ones while continuing her long and determined fight. Although Parkinson's and dementia eventually stole her voice, they never stole her spirit.

Ankie had a special gift for making people feel loved. Friends, neighbors, and strangers alike were drawn to her warmth and quiet strength. During the final year of her life, her caregivers became much more than caregivers—they became her extended family. They cared for her with compassion and dignity, and loved her as she loved them.

Ankie is survived by her children, Monique Nielsen (fiancé Landen Assel), Bernie Nielsen (Aida), and Richard Nielsen (Heidi); six grandchildren; four great-grandchildren; her two sisters and their husbands, who reside in the Netherlands; and several beloved nieces and nephews in Holland.

She joined her parents, two sisters and brother in Heaven.

Ankie's life was a testament to perseverance, faith, and unconditional love. She overcame adversity with courage, embraced every challenge with determination, and never stopped believing in God's goodness. Though disease eventually silenced her voice, it never diminished her faith, her fight, or the love she poured into her family and everyone fortunate enough to know her.

She fought the good fight, finished the race, and kept the faith. Her legacy lives on in the generations she leaves behind and in the countless lives she touched with her strength, resilience, and unwavering love. Mam-Oma, you will be dearly missed.

She was reunited in Heaven with her mother, two sisters, and brother.

"I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith." — 2 Timothy 4:7