Stephen Nielsen Ph.D.

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Brigham Young University Idaho University of Nevada Las Vegas

Stephen Nielsen Obituary

STEPHEN NIELSEN PH.D. Stephen Forbes Nielsen, Ph.D., of Las Vegas, passed away March 25, 2009, with his family by his side. Born Nov. 5, 1930, in Shelley, Idaho, to Joseph and Ida Forbes Nielsen, he graduated from Ricks College, where he met and married his wife and eternal companion, Ada MarDean Lloyd, in the Idaho Falls Temple. After teaching high school for nine years, Stephen returned to college at SIU-Carbondale for his masters and doctorate degrees. He began teaching with the communications department at UNLV in 1969, where he taught until his retirement in 1998, as an emeritus associate professor. Stephen was a faithful member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints all of his life, having served as branch president, elders quorum president, bishop, seminary teacher, gospel doctrine teacher and choir director, to name a few. As a young man, he served a mission for the LDS Church in the Eastern States Mission. During his retirement, he and his wife served missions in the England London South Mission and the Canada Toronto Mission. Stephen was a gifted teacher, orator, baritone, and an accomplished whistler. His ability to recall and recite great works of literature and poetry enhanced the lives of not only his family, but enriched the lessons he taught regardless of the arena. He was a self-professed curmudgeon who was loved by all who had the privilege of knowing him. He will be missed greatly for his wisdom, counsel, compassion, generosity, humor and quick wit. Stephen was preceded in death by his parents; an infant son, Stephen Joseph; brothers, Jim, Stan, Howard and Lloyd; and sisters, Alta, Bernice, Mathea and Mary Jane. He is survived by his wife, MarDean; daughters, Cathi (Keith) Parry, Suzanne, Cindy (David) Ord and Becky (Ricky) Bush; nine grandchildren; eight great-grandchildren; and sisters, Bonnie and Carol. Services will be at 11 a.m. Monday, March 30, at the LDS Temple View Chapel, 877 Temple View Drive. A viewing will begin at 9 a.m. until 15 minutes prior. The family wishes to thank the doctors and nurses in the ICU at MountainView Hospital for their kind and loving care. Donations can be made to the LDS General Mission Fund.

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Published by Las Vegas Review-Journal on Mar. 28, 2009.

Memories and Condolences
for Stephen Nielsen

9 Entries

M. McCombe

April 8, 2009

Dr Nielsen was my Communication Studies counselor at UNLV, I remember him as a fine educator and a good man who gave much to his students. Rest in peace.

Tom & Maureen John

April 7, 2009

We were sorry to hear about Stephen's passing. He was a great priesthood leader and he always lead by example and he will surely be missed. Our love and prayers are with you.

Dona Cassese-Caccia

March 30, 2009

To every member of the Nielsen family,

Dr. Nielsen was my guidance counselor, confidant and mentor during my years at UNLV. He was a close friend of my fathers and was loved by every student that was lucky enough to spend time in one of his classes.
He is also the sole reason that I graduated from college. In my junior year, a bit overwhelmed with work and classes, I wanted to quit school. Because of Doc's guidance and support, I graduated ahead of schedule and have been blessed with a rewarding and successful career.

May he rest in peace and be remembered for all of his wonderful selfless endeavors.

With love and thanks

Jennifer & Tyler Holak

March 30, 2009

Our thoughts, prayers & lots of love go out to your family.

Dr. Larry Pierce

March 30, 2009

To The Family of Dr. Stephen Neilsen
We wish to express our condolences to you at the passing of Dr. Neilsen. Our prayers and thoughts will be with you. What an incredible legacy Dr. Neilsen has left. He will be remembered as a great educator, mentor, and leader as well as a beloved father, grandfather and friend. May you receive comfort in this as well as in your understanding of the purpose of life and eternal principles.
The Staff of the Dental Faculty Practice

Tony Allotta

March 29, 2009

I had Dr. Nielsen for Communications Studies in the early 1970's and still remember as a wonderful professor. May he rest in peace!

Keith & Judy Edwards

March 29, 2009

Mardean and girls, Judy and I will always treasure our assocition with your dad and your family. In addition to all else that he accomplished he was a great example -- my memory is that he did things the "right way" and had great expections for himself and others. We treasured your family's friendship.
Keith & Judy Edwards

Sandra Blake Toles

March 28, 2009

To the Family of Dr Nielsen,
I cannot adequately articulate how much Professor Nielsen meant to me He served as my Counselor and mentor during my years at UNLV. He was so very kind and compassionate while encouraging me to never give up. My love and Prayers are with you today and always

March 28, 2009

Thank you for all you have given to me. I love you and your family, it has been an honor to have been taught by you.
With Love,
Barbara Rosenthal

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