Lester Nelson

Our amazing husband, father, and Papa -- Lester Reed Nelson, age 69 -- departed peacefully for a new mission on December 1, 2024. He was surrounded by his family and friends on both sides of the veil as his battle with kidney failure and a rare aggressive cancer concluded.

Les was born October 5, 1955, in Brigham City, Utah. He was the 4th of 6 children born to his loving parents Wayne and Veda Nelson. He was a sweet and rambunctious boy, often playing with his brothers in the Brigham City Tannery building and helping to care for his baby sister.

He grew up in Glendale, Salt Lake County, Utah and enjoyed many walks to the Hook and Ladder restaurant. Les excelled in ROTC at South High School. He was an excellent marksman and spent many wonderful hours hunting and camping with family. Les loved the scouting program; he was skilled at leather craftsmanship and especially wood working. He became a talented handyman and proudly wore his shirt "If Papa can't fix it, nobody can!" He was very clever and always found a way to fix what was broken. Les was a die-hard Steelers fan and enjoyed collecting Steeler merch and baseball hats from businesses.

Les was a faithful member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. As a young man he served a mission in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania from 1975-1977. He later served as a veil worker in the temple and in many other church callings. He married his sweetheart, Mary Helen Keys, in the Washington D.C. Temple on October 20, 1978. Their 46-year marriage was full of love and devotion through both pleasant and difficult times. They raised two children and were thrilled to fill their hearts and hands with 10 grandchildren.

Over the years Les worked hard at many jobs providing for his family. He was most proud of his work at ATK on the rocket motors. During his work as a long-haul truck driver, he survived a serious accident. This was one of many instances that Les demonstrated his selfless love. When a truck slid on the ice into oncoming traffic, Les chose to swerve over the bridge into the river instead of hitting the truck head on which almost certainly would have killed the driver. Les suffered many injuries including a traumatic brain injury. He never complained and was always grateful that the other driver was unharmed. Les found great joy in caring for others and enjoyed his various jobs in hospitals over the years including respiratory therapy and courier. His service at Tiny Tims Foundation was something he always looked forward to. In retirement he was kept busy doing home projects for his children and others, and reveling in time spent with his grandchildren.

Les was a friend to all! He could always be found talking to people anywhere they went. He teased people at every opportunity and excitedly showed everyone pictures of his grandchildren or told them that they needed to eat at his son-in-law's restaurant, Sauce Boss Southern Kitchen in Draper, Utah. Together with his loving wife, they made sure his family's dreams became a reality by providing support and encouragement in all possible ways.

The most important work Les ever did was in his passion for sharing the Restored Gospel of Jesus Christ. Les always had a welcoming smile, handshake, and hug to give. He loved people for who they are and where they were in their faith journey while at the same time encouraging them to dare to be better! Les was a pivotal influence for many in strengthening their testimonies and commitment to discipleship. His testimony has blessed our family both near and far and will continue to inspire his posterity for generations to come.

He leaves behind his dear wife Mary, his daughter Emmalee with her husband, Julius Thompson, and his son Jon Nelson. His beloved grandchildren Kaitee, Sadee, Macee, Jace, Jairius, and Zuree Thompson, and Ryder, Connor, Olivia, and Hailey Nelson will miss him deeply. He is also survived by his brothers Blaine (Ginger) Nelson, Jerry (Debbie) Nelson, sister Paula (Jim) Sheffield, sisters-in-law Beverly Rutkowski and Ruth (Mike) MacDonald, numerous extended family, and cherished friends. He is preceded in death by his parents Wayne and Veda Nelson, brothers Micheal, and Ron Nelson, mother-in-law Mary A. Keys, and brothers-in-law John, Frank, and Tom Rutkowski.

A viewing will be held Friday, December 6, 2024, at McDougal Funeral Home, 4330 South Redwood Road, Taylorsville, Utah from 7-9 pm. There will also be a viewing prior to services Saturday, December 7, 2024, at Whitewood Ward Chapel, 3555 West 5620 South, Taylorsville, Utah from 10-10:45 am with funeral services to follow at 11am. Interment will be at Taylorsville Cemetery, 4575 South Redwood Road, Taylorsville, Utah.