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Mark Nelson Obituary
West Des Moines
Our family is sad to announce that Mark passed away unexpectedly at home on July 18, 2015 in West Des Moines, Iowa. He was 65.
Mark was born in Provo, Utah, but grew up in Portland, Oregon. He graduated from Jefferson High School. He served an LDS mission to Germany. Mark received his bachelor's degree from Brigham Young University and a Master's degree in Library Science from Northern Illinois University. His career was in library services in Illinois and Iowa, where he raised his family.
Mark was a kind and gentle person who dearly loved family and friends. He was a gifted photographer, painter, intellectual, expert fly fisherman and musician. He drew special inspiration and rejuvenation from the Oregon beaches where he spent many happy days as a child. He is survived by his four children, Meredeth, Hilary, Emily, and Jon, and his grandsons Caleb, Cody and Eli, all of West Des Moines.
Mark was preceded in death by his parents Jon A and Gwen D Nelson of Portland, Oregon. He will be greatly missed by his siblings Eric, Sara Nees, Jeff, Rolf, and Joanna Morales, and children, grandsons, the extended family and many close friends, including dear friend Mary. Private memorial service to be held.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Mark Nelson
Tamara Brune-Wharton
April 16, 2016
Fond childhood memories of a very shy, kind and gentle young man with a heart of gold... who patiently taught me how to play guitar and to take time to listen between the notes.
Love and peace to you and your family.
Jill Woodward
January 19, 2016
Dear Mark, Thank you for the great memories in Oregon and Byu. You are one of my cherished friends. See you later on a heavenly beach.
Friends, Jill Healey Woodward
Cody Nelson
November 24, 2015
I remember my grandpa when he waould play with me non stop and we would always have so fun thing going on... Then he just got too sick but i'm greatful he's out of his misery. He taught me everything I know today, and I wouldn't be anywhere without him. I miss you grandpa...
Currant Creek Resevoir Uinta Mtn Range, UT
Jeff Nelson
August 31, 2015
Dear Mark:
Went up to Currant Creek to say goodbye! Remember the many times we went there to fish? Sat by the stream for a long time reminiscing and wondering why "the good die young!?" Played the guitar you taught me songs to play on, played the harmonica you taught me how to play, fished with the pole you made me and the flies you tied for me, and looked at those endless stars in the black of night, feeling you were near.
I had other plans for us Mark, but then you got too sick! What about those screen plays we were going to write, the music we were going to perform, the books we were going to write, the cartoon series, the fly shop we were going to open selling the fishing poles and flies you made, the websites, the trips we were going to take, the properties we were going to buy (one in Utah and one on the Oregon Coast,) the plans and how to spend the money we won in the Publishers Clearing House!? Now you are gone! A sad sad day! I love you Mark! I will hold your memory so dear! Goodbye for now! Love, Jeff
Laura Shugart
August 30, 2015
I will miss you Uncle Mark. Love you!
Gina Brune Roberts
August 29, 2015
I remember Mark always being with my brother Scott , and their friend Bob Darrah now they have gone
August 23, 2015
I knew Mark from PWP. He was a friend to everyone and the best dancer ever. Mark was a good friend and I am so sad to see he has left us. rip Mark
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