Ted J. Nelson

Ted James Nelson of Nampa, Idaho, passed away peacefully Saturday, July 9, 2011, surrounded by family and friends. Ted died at the age of 66 as a result of a massive stroke.

Ted was born Jan. 7, 1945, to C. Wells and Esther Willmore Nelson while they were stationed in Charleston, S.C. Growing up, his family moved often, but his favorite place was Driggs, Idaho, where he could always find a cousin or friend.

After serving a two-year mission to Australia for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Ted moved to Boise, where he met Marilyn L. Spence of Nampa. Ted and Marilyn married Jan. 28, 1971, in the Idaho Falls LDS Temple. Ted and Marilyn had five children: Shannon, Jennifer, Clad, Reese and Whitney.

Throughout his life, Ted enjoyed spending time outdoors with his sisters or cousins, who he considered his best friends. He loved going fishing with his family and went on thousands of fishing trips with his children and always made sure everyone's line was ready before his own.

Ted owned and operated his own portrait studio for many years, including Bach Photographs, until he retired in 2005. In addition to this, he had many callings in the LDS church, but Scouting was dearest to his heart. He always felt it was important to magnify his callings and fulfill his responsibilities and wanted his family to do the same.

Ted will be remembered for his love of stories and jokes. His favorite topics were his grandchildren, hunting, fishing and pets. He was always happy and having a good time.

He was preceded in death by his father, C. Wells Nelson; his brother, John Wells; his father-in-law, Joe Spence; and several uncles, aunts and cousins.

Ted is survived by his wife, Marilyn Nelson of Nampa; his mother, Esther Nelson of Idaho Falls; six sisters, Kaye (Ray) Tremelling of Idaho Falls, Claire (Dave) Otvos of Idaho Falls, Barbara (Steve) Shake of Boise, Judy (Lynn) Kidd of Cove, Ore., Carol (Kevin) Green of Parma and Bonnie (Mark) Worthington of Boise; his children, Shannon Nelson, Jennifer and Mike Tolman, Clad and Melanie Nelson, Reese Nelson and Whitney Nelson; and his four grandchildren, Olivia, Paige, Adam and Andrew. He is also survived by many aunts, uncles, cousins, nephews and nieces whom he loved.

His family is very grateful for all the family and friends who have offered their love and comfort.

Funeral services are under the direction of Zeyer Funeral Chapel and will be held at 1 p.m. Friday, July 15, at the LDS Birch Lane building at 6111 Birch Lane in Nampa, immediately following a viewing from noon to 12:45 p.m. A separate viewing will be held from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. today, July 14, also at the Birch Lane LDS church building. Interment will immediately follow the services at Hillcrest Cemetery in Nampa.