Lonnie Dean Nielsen (June 29, 1953 – January 20, 2021) was an American professional golfer.

His father started him in golf as a youngster on the sand green courses in and around his hometown.

He attended the University of Iowa, where he earned a Bachelor of Business Administration degree in 1976.

[2] In 2009, Nielsen became the first tour professional to serve as a lead contributor to the GIVE (Golf For Injured Veterans Everywhere) Foundation.

[3] Nielsen died on January 20, 2021; he had dementia in the years prior to his death.