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About
John Nelson Obituary
He had a great love for his Savior and was a faithful member of The Church. He loved serving the Lord, and as a dedicated member of Parleys Third Ward, he served in many cherished callings including the stake patriarch for the YSA students of the University of Utah, a patriarch in the Salt Lake Wilford Stake, and a devoted and influential scout leader.
He lovingly cared for his sweetheart Lynne in her final days as she passed of a brain tumor in 1999. Following the death of his wife, he married Mary Ann Warren. The two of them served as Visitor Center Directors at the St. George Temple. He faithfully took care of Mary Ann during her last years as she battled with breast cancer until her passing in 2016. He had the opportunity to marry Karon Sorenson in 2017, who supported and cared for him through his final days.
His love for his family will be fondly remembered. His example was poignant in his generosity and service to all. He gave us the gift of laughter through his sense of humor and was instrumental in cultivating our passion for music. He relished conducting our family musical celebrations and enthusiastically played his viola with his loved ones. Whenever classical music is played, he will certainly be near.
He was preceded in death by his mother and father; Elroy and Alice Nelson. He is survived by his six children, Christine Nelson Gregory (Kent), David C. Nelson (Melisa), Catherine Nelson Bohman (Wayne), Matthew John Nelson (Kelli), Steven Sharp Nelson (Julie), Camille Nelson Schwendener (Alvin), and his 19 grandchildren and 3 great-grandchildren. He is also survived by his three brothers; Art Nelson, Hank Nelson, Jim Nelson, and one sister, Tina Nelson Preston.
We would like to express our sincere gratitude to the caring staff of Dignity Home Health and Hospice and Beehive Homes. Thank you for your devoted care of our dear father.
A viewing will be held at Larkin Sunset Lawn, located at 2350 East 1300 South, Salt Lake City on Wednesday, October 26 from 6:00-8:00 pm. An additional viewing will be on Thursday, October 27 from 9:30-10:30 am, shortly before the funeral services at 11:00 am, located at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints chapel at 2220 East Fisher Lane, Salt Lake City. Interment at Larkin Sunset Lawn.
Services will be streamed and can be viewed by visiting www.larkinmortuary.com
In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to a charity of your choice.
Marc and Jane Sanders
October 16, 2024
Always glad to remember John, his wonderful service to his family, patients, church and friends, his unselfishness, humor, musical talent and spirituality. We all loved him tremendously!
Steve Lindley
July 22, 2023
I knew John Nelson as Bishop Nelson while we lived in Iowa City. I remember and have a picture of his visit on Christmas Day. I was a deacon and a Teacher while he was my Bishop. I have a letter from him and his wife with a copy of Jesus The Christ and Articles of Faith by Talmage, he gave me when I left to serve as a missionary. I will always remember him, his wife Lynne and was grateful for his service to our ward.
Kristen Wight
October 29, 2022
Our family sends their deepest sympathy. John was my mother, Suzanne Weavers, favorite Sunday School teacher. She was always delighted and impressed with his lessons and would frequently discuss them at home.
Your father was a gifted man in many ways. May you continue to be blessed with his love and influence.
Kristen Reed Wight (Reeds and Weavers)
Sister moon
October 27, 2022
I was a sister missionary at the st. George visitor center. We all loved (Prez and Sister Nelson). I have soo many fond memories of them both. The one thing I loved mostly was Prez Nelson would make toffee and bribe all the tourist bus drivers. If they stopped with all the tourists for tours then the bus driver received his home made toffee. I never tried it nor do I like toffee, but I love that he was able to sweet talk anyone. I didn´t know sister Nelson had passed away till reading this. Your family has gone through a lot of loss. I am so very sorry. May your hearts feel some comfort! Much love from me!
(former sister moon).
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Marilyn Wright Krantz
October 27, 2022
Dear Nelson Family,
I am grateful that I was able to watch/listen to John's funeral service. What wonderful tributes were paid to him - through inspiring words and beautiful music. I first met John at East High School in the school orchestra. He played viola and I played the violin. As was mentioned in today's funeral, he had a contagious smile and he was kind and gracious - even way back in the 1950's! Everyone liked him!
John (viola), Gayle Duffin (violin) and I (violin) performed at our graduation ceremony in May, 1958 at Kingsbury Hall on the University of Utah campus. I don't remember what we played, but I do know that it was a lovely classical piece. What a sweet memory that is.
I have another connection to John. His son, David, married my niece, Melisa Wright!
May each of you be blessed with comfort and peace at this tender time.
With much love,
Marilyn Wright Krantz
George Croft
October 26, 2022
May my wife and I speak on behalf of a large group of 1970's Parleys Stake Young Adults and give heartfelt thanks to both Brother Nelson and his wife Lynne, who were called as instructors and mentors for us college aged young men and young women. The young adult program then consisted of attending ones' local ward but also being able to attend a Sunday lesson taught by John and Lynne as well as attending a weeknight social activity. The class was always packed and kept growing bigger as others from outside the area heard about the program. Brother Nelson had an empowering, insightful understanding of the scriptures and his teaching skills related well to us. From that group no less than 20 marriages took place within just a year or two. May his family know of the loving, caring and long lasting influence he had on us.
George and Teri Croft
George and Teri Croft
October 26, 2022
Your dad was a great YA Sunday school teacher. Through his class we became acquainted with one another and eventually announced our engagement during his class one Sunday. Our thoughts and prayers are with all of you and especially Matt and Kelli who were soften in our home growing up.
Robin Larson
October 26, 2022
John had musical passion which he shared with his family and others so willingly. We will always remember his wry sense of humor and his great attitude about life with its trials and wonders. His love for scouting was shared by our family. He was a great neighbor, friend and leader.
He and Lynne began a legacy that is being carried on by their children. We are in awe of all of you.
Much love, Bill and Robin Larson
David Cook
October 26, 2022
John was my dear uncle and I remember how kind and patient he was with us running around his house like maniacs as children and tracking water from the pool everywhere. He would take such loving care of Lynn and still have time to come and chat with us about our lives and tease us lovingly. His example of steadfastness to his family and he invited them each to grow their talents-especially in music- was an inspiring testament and the love his family shows for each other is beautiful. Wishing great love and peace to you all at this difficult time as he leaves to be with Lynn and inherit his eternal reward. I´m so glad that I am able to make it to Salt Lake for the service where I´m sure the words and especially the music in tribute to him will be wonderful.
Bryan Todd
October 25, 2022
For years when I was a young man, John was my home teaching companion. He taught me what it was to serve others. I have never forgotten the wonderful lessons I learned from him. He was an incredible man, the extent of whose influence cannot begin to be calculated. He will be sorely missed.
Mary Poelman
October 25, 2022
Sending my love to the Nelson family at this time of loss. I have fond memories of swimming in the family pool (we made a mess with that watermelon!) and going on a fun trip to Lake Powell before I served my mission. I´m grateful for the influence for good he was in my life. He´ll be missed!
Kristin Curtis
October 25, 2022
John was an amazing man. I remember a particular conversation we had when I was a teenager. He knew what to say, when to say something and how to say something. He was a man who was guided by and listened to the Spirit.
All my love to the whole Nelson family. Thinking of you all.
Diana Peterson
October 25, 2022
May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.
Dr Nelson was a remakeable man. Enjoyed visited with him. Every year at his eye appointment.
May you rest in peace.
Marc Sanders
October 24, 2022
John was a beloved brother-in-law, who I admire tremendously for his Christian life of service to others, and especially to my sister, Lynne, over so many years. I admire him so much, and love him so much for all that he did for her and the wonderful example he was to me.
Terri F Jensen
October 24, 2022
Sending much love, sincere sympathy, and great caring to each member of John's terrific family. What a remarkable, compassionate, generous, gracious, and wonderful human being John has always been! It is an honor to know him, and to be his cousin, as well as his friend. His great goodness will surely bless Heaven, just as it blessed everyone who knew him here on Earth.
His devoted care of Lynne and Mary Ann amidst their cancer struggles was exemplarary and so touching to all of us who witnessed it. Thank you so very much, Karon, for your devoted care of John amidst his own health challenges and passing to Heaven.
To John's children: You honor him with the lives you live, and I send my love and a very big hug to each of you at this most tender time,
Terri Fisher Jensen
Mike and Sue Thomas Family
October 24, 2022
John is one of the great individuals to have blessed my life. His concern, wisdom, meekness, and humor has blessed our family for years.
I saw John help individuals with their vision with compassion. In addition, he would take time to bless our young family with lessons, insights, and treats.
John is a hero to many people, including my family and me.
Erica Nelson Rivera
October 23, 2022
Uncle John will be missed so much! I loved joking with him - it was always my goal to get him to laugh because I loved how laughter seemed to take over his body. Some of my favorite memories were taking dips in their pool during the summer just before going back to school. What an amazing man and full life he lived! Until we meet again- love you, Uncle John!
Marcia Goodrich (MachadoI
October 23, 2022
I met Dr. Nelson when he hired me to help care for his wife Lynn. At the time, my three young children and I were living in an abusive situation. While I quickly came to admire and then love Dr. Nelson and his family, I could not have predicted how much kindness and support they would give to me and my children. Over more than five years, the younger children felt like my own. Even today, the love is there. When my son´s three-year-old daughter died in December, 2021, his children came with comfort and music to support us. The love between our families could not have happened without the goodness and teaching of Dr. Nelson and Lynn. Three qualities most remind me of Dr. Nelson: perseverance, faith and unconditional love. I really feel lost knowing he is not with us anymore.
Henry Schwendiman
October 23, 2022
One of my heroes!
Jane Powers
October 23, 2022
On behalf of myself and the Hope Clinic family I would like to express our most sincere sympathy to Dr Nelson´s family. What a beautiful accomplished family filled with the Spirit. God Bless and keep you all! Jane Powers and the Hope Clinic Family.
Tiffany Naylor-Weeks
October 23, 2022
Dr. Nelson gave me my first pair of contacts and glasses when I was a teenager. Then I had the privilege of doing his eye exams the last 8 years. He was a very, very nice & funny man. I loved when he came in for his eye appointments. He will be missed tremendously. RIP Dr. Nelson
Trudy Claiborne
October 23, 2022
I learned so much from working with and for Dr. Nelson. He accepted me for who I am and and treated me with respect. He was patient, always fair and willing to teach me what I needed to know. We shared a love for family and music.
I have great respect for his willingness and ability to maintain a very busy practice and raising 6 amazing people, who I know will miss him daily.
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