Joe Nield

Joseph C Nield, 56, of Afton, passed away on September 20 th , 2025, by Steer Creek at
the herder's camp up the Little Greys River. Fall round-up was in progress and he was
surrounded by family and friends doing what he loved with the people he loved when he
passed. The circumstances of Joe's passing have been a comfort and a blessing to his
family. Joe spent the day gathering cows on McCain Meadows. After returning to camp,
Joe spent time with his grandkids and visited with those present. It would be difficult to
imagine a better day.
Joe was born December 12, 1968, in Afton, Wyoming to L. Dee and Joan Nield. He was
the youngest of six children. He attended Star Valley High School and graduated with
the class of 1987. Joe served as a missionary for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-
Day Saint in the Canada Vancouver Mission from 1988 – 1990. When Joe returned from
his mission, he attended Rick's College where he met his wife Kay Lynn Hill. They were
married September 11 th , 1992, in the Logan, Utah temple. They did not return to school
that fall and instead began their married life herding cows on the Little Greys forest
permit for the remainder of the grazing season. Joe and Kay Lynn celebrated 33 years
of marriage together this fall. To this union were born seven children, McKay, Codi,
Wyatt, Jamie, Kim, Page, and Seth. Joe and Kay Lynn raised their children on the ranch
that they purchased from L. Dee and Joan. Joe was able to involve his children in his
work and taught them all lifelong lessons which serve them well. The thought and
consideration he put into the work he did was of the utmost importance to him.
Joe was a lifelong learner, and he loved to share his knowledge. He was a teacher and
a mentor to many over the years. He always joked about anticipating the day when he
had all his kids "trained up" so he didn't have to keep instructing everyone, but he
always seemed to find more kids and people to teach, and he was so proud of them when they did a job well. His advice and instruction will be missed by many.
Joe was a man of deep faith and dedicated service. He served faithfully in his church
callings and in many other leadership roles, always striving to help and uplift those
around him. His influence reached far beyond his own home. He inspired and guided
countless friends, neighbors, and community members throughout his life.
Joe is survived by his wife, Kay Lynn; children, McKay (Seth) Haderlie, Codi Nield,
Wyatt (Sophie) Nield, Jamie (Bryant) Dimond, Kimberlee (Rustin) Rinderknecht, Page
(Jay) Lee, and Seth Nield; and grandchildren, Ryker, Reagan, and Quinn. Joe is also
survived by his siblings, Dee Ann Gardner, Julie Nield, Claudia (Ron) Anderson, and
Lori (Ern) Cornia.
Joe is preceded in death by his parents L. Dee and Joan Nield and his brother, Terry
Nield.