Jared Nielsen, M.D.

Jared Steven Nielsen was born on August 21st, 1972 in Florissant, MO. He graduated from this life on Friday, June 14th, 2024 from Pancreatic Cancer at the age of 51. His Funeral will be held on Saturday, June 22nd, 2024 at 10:00 am at 400 SE Pleasant View Drive Waukee Iowa available to watch until July 22, 2024 via 

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An open house visitation will be held on Friday, June 21st, 2024 from 5-7pm at Ernst Funeral Home, 80 NE Dartmoor Drive, Waukee. He will be buried on June 25th, 2024 at 10:00 am at Mountain View Memorial in Cottonwood Heights, Utah with a graveside service. 

Jared chose to become an ophthalmologist to help people live their life to the fullest through good vision. He completed his Bachelor’s degree in Philosophy at Brigham Young University in Provo Utah. During that time he also completed a two year proselyting mission for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints to the West Indies and served the people on St. Kitts, Antigua, St. Thomas. Barbados, Tortola and St. Lucia. He earned his medical degree along with a master’s degree in pathology in a combined degree program at Chicago Medical School in North Chicago, Illinois. Following a transitional internship at the University of Hawaii in Honolulu, Hawaii, he completed an ophthalmology residency at Loyola University Chicago in Maywood, Illinois where he served as Chief Resident. Dr. Nielsen then completed a vitreoretinal diseases and surgery fellowship at Northwestern University in Chicago, Illinois, where he remained a Clinical Instructor of Ophthalmology. He joined Wolfe Eye Clinic in 2007. A life-long learner, Dr. Nielsen completed a master’s degree in business administration from the University of Iowa Tippie College of Business in 2018. 

Dr. Nielsen was known as an active eye care researcher and participated in clinical trials designed to provide better care to patients who suffer from sight-threatening retinal diseases. As the Wolfe Clinic’s director of Retina Clinical Trials he served as a Principal Investigator in over 50 clinical trials. He was engaged as an investigator in the DRCR Retina Network. Dr. Nielsen was also an author of more than 20 medical papers, a reviewer for peer-reviewed retina journals and presented at major meetings throughout the world. He was passionate about medical education where he began and served as the Program Director for the Wolfe Clinic’s Retina Fellowship. Jared cherished the remarkable friendships and professional peers who collaborated with him to advance their industry. 

 Other achievements include: Eagle Scout; nominated to receive the Crystal Apple Award in Stockholm next month, which is a special recognition presented to an ASRS member who has gone to great lengths to advance the education and professional development of young vitreoretinal specialists. 

Outside of work, Jared dedicated himself to his family. He often combined his speaking trips with family travels, exploring new places with Hillary and their two sons, Zachary and Owen. Growing up across Idaho, Oregon, and California fueled his adventurous spirit and sparked a lifelong pursuit of hobbies. Jared cherished time with loved ones, enjoyed travel, and actively engaged in outdoor adventures such as skiing, cycling, golf, fishing, hiking, and wake surfing. 

His faith in the restored Gospel of Jesus Christ was a cornerstone of his life, motivating him to serve others generously with his time, talents, and resources. Jared remained receptive to opportunities to support those around him, seeking inspiration for ways to make a difference in their lives. He was a student of the scriptures. He served faithfully over the years as: Primary Teacher, Scout leader, Ward Choir director, Chicago Temple Supervisor, Priest Quorum Advisor, Bishopric Counselor, Elders Quorum Counselor, Stake High Counselor.

Jared and Hillary were sealed for eternity on August 17, 1996, at the Bountiful Utah Temple. Their son Zachary was born in Hawaii in 2001, and Owen joined the family in Chicago in 2005. They are grateful for their cherished friends in Hawaii, Chicago, and Iowa, who have become like family in countless ways. Jared is survived by his wife Hillary Maren Hatt Nielsen; his amazing sons who both bear his names: Zachary Jared Nielsen (Cora) & Owen Steven Nielsen; his parents: Steven Earl Nielsen (Jodi) & Kristen Mortensen Watts (John Watts); siblings: Jenica Barber (Joel); Karalee Fallert; David Earl Nielsen (Molly); Meri Erickson (Sean) and many other friends and family. 

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be directed in Jared's memory to: Wolfe Foundation (please email: adamman@wolfeclinic.com for more details), John Stoddard Cancer Center or the Pancreatic Cancer Action Network (PCAN).

Ernst Funeral & Cremation Services of Waukee has been entrusted with Jared's final arrangements.