Carole Dawn Nelson

Carole Dawn Maniocha Nelson was born in Chicago Illinois on February 17th 1944 to Leon and Mary Maniocha. She had one older sister, Patricia, and one younger brother, Michael.

She was raised on a farm outside Chicago for a good portion of her early years. She went to Catholic school through high school and then went to Northwestern to pursue her degree to become a dental hygienist.

After having finally settled down in Salt Lake City she worked for Bob Soderberg as his dental hygienist in the Sugarhouse area for almost two decades. When she retired from being a dental hygienist she found herself working at the Delta Center as an usher for 17 years. The best part about that job she said, were the friendships she made.

Carole met J. Kent Nelson while going to Northwestern and eventually married in Chicago. They lived in many cities because of Kent's service in the Air Force, but settled in Salt Lake City in the end. During this time they created three beautiful children; Karine, Kreg, and Karl.

Carole was a sweet women who loved people deeply, especially her children. She had many passions throughout the years but a few stood out the most. She loved to make her grandmother's recipes, even if they weren't quite right. She would happily pluck a tomato she grew during the summer and eat it with cottage cheese. She spent the summer evenings on the back porch reading and watching the sunset. She would watch the Utah Jazz every chance she had, even the last couple losing years. She loved talking with people and laughing over silly things. And let's not forget the passion she had for her morning tea.

Carole passed away in the early morning hours of October 7th, 2025. She left this world peacefully at home while sleeping.

She is survived by her children, her siblings, and by a host of other relatives and friends.

A visitation will be held for family and friends from 4:00-6:00 pm on Thursday October 16, 2025 at Larkin Mortuary, 260 E South Temple, Salt Lake City, Utah.