Bobby "Bob" Nielsen

Toquerville, UT - Bobby "Bob" J Nielsen, 91, died peacefully at his home, surrounded by family, on February 19, 2025. He was born on May 6, 1933, in Gunnison, Utah, to Delma Lucille Rostron Nielsen and Gilmer B Nielsen. Bob married his sweetheart, Emma Louise Clark Nielsen on May 20, 1958, in Elko, Nevada. Their marriage was sealed in the Manti Temple on May 20, 1964.
Bob grew up in Gunnison and Kenilworth, Utah. He graduated from Gunnison Valley High School in 1951 and joined the United States Navy in 1952. He served as a Petty Officer, 1st Class, during the Korean War. He worked as a Radio Operator, while assigned to the ship USS LST-1141 (later named USS Stone County). Bob insisted "LST" stood for "Large, Slow Target." After serving four years in the Navy, Bob returned to Provo, Utah, where he met his soul mate, Emma Lou, while "dragging" Center Street. Shortly after marrying her, he applied for the Utah Highway Patrol. He was accepted into the academy and started out as a Trooper. Soon after, and due to his inquisitive mind and willing spirit, he progressed up the ranks. After earning his Bachelor of Science degree from Weber State College (now University) in 1972, he was promoted to Captain, and later, Major. In 1981, Bob was selected to attend the prestigious Federal Bureau of Investigation National Academy. He was involved with the local FBI/NA chapter for many years afterward, including serving as President in 1986.
After retiring from the Utah Highway Patrol, Bob and Emma Lou, who both loved to travel, had an opportunity to live in Germany, where Emma Lou would continue her work for the Federal Government. Bob's outgoing personality led him to volunteer to drive tour buses to various shopping districts in Germany. His social nature and love of the outdoors enabled him to complete over 5,000 kilometers (or about 3,110 miles) of Volksmarches during his three years in Germany. Bob never met a stranger, even overseas. He made friends with everyone he met and developed lifelong relationships with many of those people.
After they returned to the United States, and Emma Lou retired, they relocated to Toquerville, Utah, where they continued to travel and go camping. They became active in the LDS church and absolutely loved their friends at their Toquerville Ward. He also loved golfing, hunting and fishing, and working on various projects. He often volunteered his time and energy to help those in need. He was adored by his family, admired by his friends, and always had a smile and warm greetings for everyone he met.
Bob was preceded in death by his beloved wife of 65 years, Emma Louise (Clark) Nielsen; both of his parents; his brother, Emil James Nielsen; and his sister, Cora Lou Nielsen Fotheringham of San Jose, California.
He is survived by his three children: daughter and son-in-law, Vicky Louise (Nielsen) Joseph and Andrew Joseph of Clearfield, Utah; son and daughter-in-law Larry Gilmer Nielsen and Dawn Marie Nielsen of Roy, Utah; and daughter Sandra Kay (Nielsen) Jenkins, of Washington, Utah. He is also survived by his brother, Gilmer R Nielsen, of Provo, Utah. Bob has four grandsons whom he adored; they are Brendan Joseph and Kyle Joseph, both of Clearfield, Utah, Oliver Abbott of Salt Lake City, Utah, and Benjamin Jenkins of Cedar City, Utah.
A viewing to honor Bob will be held on Friday, February 28, 2025, from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at the Toquerville LDS Chapel, 63 North Toquerville Boulevard. His funeral will be held at the same location on Saturday, March 1, 2025, at 2:00 p.m., followed by his interment at the Toquerville City Cemetery at 3:00 pm. Bobby Nielsen Funeral Service Program