LaDean Nielsen

Our beautiful mother, LaDean E. Nielsen peacefully returned to her heavenly home on the morning of September 10, 2024.

She was born on September 15, 1942, in Rexburg, Idaho to Joseph Eldred Nielsen and Leah Genevieve Steiner as the oldest of three children.

She loved snow. As a child, she enjoyed playing with her siblings outdoors in the snowy winters in Idaho, sledding and building snowmen.

LaDean loved flying with her father above the dry farms of Sugar City, Rexburg, and Upper Snake River Valley areas. She also loved traveling with her family to nearby Island Park, Yellowstone, and Teton National Park.

She began playing the piano at 11 years old and continued lessons throughout her teenage years. Later she learned to play the clarinet as well. Mom graduated from Sugar-Salem High School in 1960 where she participated in seminary, the concert band, marching band, and was a Diggerette in the school's Pep Club. After high school, she attended Rick's College in Rexburg.

She moved several times throughout her early life before making Salt Lake City home for over 30 years.

LaDean was hardworking and enjoyed working as a bakery manager at Safeway and Albertsons. She used her years of baking experience to make wedding and birthday cakes for friends and family. Mom had a sweet tooth and always had a cake on her counter to share when visitors dropped by her home.

She had a talent for home décor and helped her sister, Sharon, decorate model homes. That eye for design carried over to her own home where she loved to decorate for each holiday.

She had a sweet love for animals and a special place in both her heart and home for many pet cats, earning her the title of "Grandma Kitty."

LaDean was a faithful member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and had a strong testimony of her Savior Jesus Christ. She enjoyed serving in a variety of church callings in both Primary and Relief Society.

She is survived by her brother, Brent (Janie) Nielsen; her children, Robert (Rena) Thayer and Connie (Shane) Whitney; four grandchildren; and seven great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her sister, Sharon, and her parents.

A viewing will be held Friday, September 27, 2024, from 9:30-10:45 am at the Taylorsville 25th ward building located at 4505 S Brians Way, West Valley City, Utah. Funeral services will follow at 11am.

Interment will be September 28, 2024, at 1:00 pm in the Sugar City Cemetery located at 1095 16th E., Sugar City, Idaho.

Be not afraid, only believe. - Mark 5:36 

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