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Dantzel W. Nelson

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Box Elder High School Brigham Young University Idaho University of Utah

Dantzel Nelson Obituary

Dantzel W. Nelson 1926 ~ 2005 Dantzel White Nelson, 78, died unexpectedly, suddenly, but peacefully, on Saturday, February 12, 2005 at her home in Salt Lake City, Utah. Her husband, Elder Russell M. Nelson of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, was at her side. Dantzel was born February 17, 1926 on the family farm in Perry, Utah. She was adored in the family of Maude Clark and LeRoy Davis White. She was reared in a household of music and love. She graduated from Box Elder High School, Brigham City, Utah, in 1941, having been named as the "Outstanding Senior Girl". She attended the University of Utah on a scholarship, majoring in education. Her musical talents were well known in the community as she excelled in concerts as a soprano soloist and in leading roles of a number of theatrical productions. She affiliated with the Chi Omega sorority. She graduated in 1946 with a Bachelor of Science degree and a certificate in secondary teaching. She married Russell M. Nelson in the Salt Lake Temple, August 31, 1945. Following her graduation, she taught at Hawthorne Elementary School in Salt Lake City. She also taught school in Minneapolis, Minnesota, while her husband continued his post-doctoral medical studies there. From the time of the arrival of their first child in 1948, her life's work and joy came from her being a mother and homemaker. Always active in responsibilities as a faithful member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Sister Nelson served in Relief Society, Young Women, and Primary auxiliaries in the Minneapolis Minnesota Branch, North Central States Mission, 1947 -51; 1954 - 55; Washington Ward, Washington, D.C. Stake, 1951-53; Cambridge Massachusetts Branch, New England States Mission 1953 - 54; and the Garden Park and Yale Second Wards of the Salt Lake Bonneville Stake. The Nelsons are the parents of nine daughters and one son. Into their constantly growing family, Dantzel welcomed the spouses of their children, 56 grandchildren, the spouses of 13 married grandchildren, and 14 great-grandchildren. Sister Nelson delighted in serving others. She had the ability to cultivate and celebrate the unique virtues of each family member. She and Elder Nelson held their own extended family gatherings at least once a month, which could include any or all of the 106 members of their immediate family. She sang as a member of The Mormon Tabernacle Choir from 1966 - 86. In 1999, she received the Exemplary Woman Award from Ricks College for her "Outstanding Example of LDS Womanhood." She expressed her creativity through needlework, sewing, quilting, cooking, and family history research. Freely she gave her works of art to others. For the past 21 years Sister Nelson traveled throughout the world at her husband's side, bearing her own witness of the Lord Jesus Christ and His restored gospel to many thousands of God's children. Her life was characterized by her unwavering faith, diligent discipleship, selfless service, and angelic attributes. She was preceded in death by her daughter, Emily N. Wittwer; parents, LeRoy D. and Maude C. White; sister, Beth W. Dredge; and brother, Kenneth D. White. She is survived by her husband, Russell; children, Marsha N. McKellar, Wendy N. Maxfield (Norman), Gloria N. Irion (Richard), Brenda N. Miles (Richard), Sylvia N. Webster (David), Laurie N. Marsh (Richard), Rosalie N. Ringwood (Michael), Marjorie N. Helsten (Bradley), and Russell M. Nelson Jr (Britney). She always considered their son-in-law, Bradley E. Wittwer, and the wife of his second marriage, Julie, as part of their own family. She is also survived by three brothers and one sister, L. Clark White (Grace) of Perry, Marjorie W. Mecham of Ogden, Boyd B. White of Perry, and Richard H. White (Mary) of Las Vegas. Funeral services will be held12 noon Friday, February 18th at the Salt Lake Bonneville Stake Center, 1535 E. Bonneview Dr. (1050 South), Salt Lake City. Friends may call at the Larkin Mortuary, 260 E. South Temple, from 6:00 - 8:00 p.m. on Thursday, February 17, or Friday, February 18 at the Bonneville Stake Center from 10:00 - 11:30 a.m.

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Published by The Salt Lake Tribune from Feb. 16 to Feb. 17, 2005.

Memories and Condolences
for Dantzel Nelson

47 Entries

Joyce Thelma Aurich

September 12, 2024

Before President Nelson became the prophet of the Church of Jesus Christ of latter-day Saints. He taught my son and Sunday school class and Denzel was my relief Society president. What a wonderful family you will surely be missed.

Angela Pinder

March 5, 2005

Dear Elder Nelson and Family,

You're in my thoughts and prayers as you go through this time of great loss. You are greatly loved by all the members of the church.

Becky Rohner

February 26, 2005

Dear Elder Nelson,

My prayers are with you as you adjust to this new phase in your life. Sister Nelson was a great lady, and one who has left a legacy of love behind. Growing up in the Garden Park Ward, listening to her singing, and being part of that ward family, is a heritage I treasure and thank my Heavenly Father for.

My parents, Delbert and Shirley Thulin, loved and admired you both. The special and great influence of you and your sweetheart has touched more lives for good than you will have imagined. A truly great woman has graduated, to the joy of those awaiting her, and to the deep loss of those she left behind. I'm grateful to the Lord for allowing us to know the Plan of Happiness, which gives great comfort, along with the precious influence of the Holy Ghost, to strengthen us at challenging times like these.

Know you are thought about with fondness and love, and know many people are praying for strength and comfort for you and for your family.

Take care,

Becky Rohner

Beth and Ken Brown

February 21, 2005

Dear Nelson family, Hi to Dave and Sylvia

Our hearts are broken at the news of the loss of your wife and mother. We have so many wonderful memories of her that go back to the Bonneville Stake years before we were married 34 years ago. One of our treasures is the picture of all of us at our wedding reception. Dave and Syliva, our prayers and our love are with you at this time.

Love, Ken and Beth

VeLoy Butterfield Family

February 21, 2005

Dear Elder Nelson and Family,

We were so saddened to learn of the passing of your wife and mother, Dantzel. What a beautiful lady and what a wonderful example to all of us of motherhood at its best. We have always admired your family and feel such a connection to so many of you, we wanted to express our love and condolences to all of you.

Elder Nelson, you were such an excellent stake president, and our dad enjoyed working with you when he was on the high council of Bonneville Stake. Our mother enjoyed working with Dantzel through PTA, and with both of you through callings in the stake; and we as a family were very touched that you took the time to write a beautiful letter of condolence to Dad when Mom passed away five years ago in January. It meant a lot to him as well as to all of us. We're sure that if he were still here, he would desire to write a similar letter to you at this time.

Many of us have enjoyed the friendships we have developed with your daughters, Marsha, Wendy, Gloria, Brenda, and Sylvia, while participating in music and other school activities, as well as in the wards and stakes we now attend. We have always thought you were the perfect example of what a family should be like and have felt it a privilege to know and be associated with you. Thank you for your great example and for your Christlike love. May the Lord’s influence be with all of you to comfort and sustain you at this difficult time.

Love,

The VeLoy Butterfield Family

(VeLoy Butterfield, Jr. "Vee", Jill Halliday, Patricia Webb, Carolyn Call, and Valeri Stoddart)

LaVee Reeve

February 20, 2005

We are saddened at your loss it is hard for a loved one to pass so suddenly,may peace and comfort be with you and your family,LaVee Reeve and Family.

Naomi Larson

February 20, 2005

Dear Family:

My thoughts and prayers are with you at this time.

Naomi Larson, Provo and Midway

Terry and Laurie Van Wormer

February 20, 2005

Dear Elder Nelson and family;

We were saddened on the news of the passing of Dantzel. We were very much acquainted with the Irions when we used to live in Murray, UT from 1992-1996 and we used to lock up the building where the Irions attended at the time. So this is just a condolences to all of you. God Bless you at this time of your lives. As Elder Matthew Cowley once said, "What does it matter, life is eternal!" May you all be comforted during this time.

Lara Rasmussen

February 19, 2005

Dear Elder Nelson:

Allen & I were very sad to hear about Dantzel. Our family has many special memories of the Melody Moms, study groups, Garden Park Ward, special blessings, etc. Dantzel was and is a great lady, and I hope she and my mom (Gwyneth) are now enjoying music together again. We love you both.

Amy Marshall

February 19, 2005

Dear Elder Nelson and Family:

I was so sorry to hear of your wife's passing. I pray the Lord will bless you with peace and comfort and this time in your lives. Sis. Nelson touched many lives and her legacy will live on through them until you are able to be with her again.

With love and prayers,

Catherine Blucher

February 18, 2005

Dear Elder Nelson and Family: Our family was saddened to learn of Sister Nelson's passing. May the Lord's comfort and blessings be with your family at this time.

Garth & Kay Lynn Wakefield

February 18, 2005

Our Dear Elder Nelson and Family,

How very sad we feel to have heard about Danzel. We are so grateful we were able to see both of you, and getting one last hug from Danzel, at the Tab Choir Christmas concert before our departure to preside over the Madrid Spain MTC. Our prayers are with you and your family. Our missionaries are praying for you too.

With much love and our condolences,

Garth and Kay Lynn Wakefield

Vicki and Norman Godfrey

February 18, 2005

Dear Elder Nelson and family,

We just want to express our deepest sympathy in the passing of your dear wife. We pray the Lord will help you through this difficult time.

Love Norm and Vicki Godfrey

WENDELL D. MAXFIELD

February 18, 2005

Dear Nelson Family:

It is with heavy hearts that we extend to Russell and his wonderful family our deepest sympathies and condolences on the passing of Dantzel. We didn't know her intimately, but felt that we did, from the many fascinating stories her dear sister, Beth White Dredge, related to us over our 59 years of close association with Charles & Beth...our closest friends and next door neighbors. We also feel close to the Nelsons, as our nephew, Norman, married one of their darling daughters, Wendy, whom we've loved and admired from the very "beginning"!

Our aging handicaps cause us to miss her funeral, but we send our love and affections to the family! She was a "truly great lady" with an "unparalled track record"! She will be missed by all who knew her!

Wendell & Christine

Chris Justice

February 18, 2005

Dear Elder Nelson and family,

I am sorry to hear of the passing of Sister Nelson. She always had a chocolate treat out of a basket to share with the student workers at the MTC. What a wonderful and lovely lady.

Bror Finell

February 18, 2005

Takk skal dere ha og mye Kjarlighet til den Nelson familien. Much "Ofa" from our new Tongan branch here in Monterey Stake and much Aloha.

May her sweet spirit now abide with her family and friends.

Derek Burrows

February 17, 2005

On behalf of my family and I we would like to express our heart felt sympathy at the passing of your wife,mother and grandmother. Isn't it wonderful to know families are eternal.

Sylvia Sanders Goodrich

February 17, 2005

Please accept our deepest sympathy. She was a lovely, beautiful person. Sincerely, Mick & Sylvia Sanders Goodrich

Linda Ottley Rich

February 17, 2005

Please accept our sympathy at this time.

Valerie Kuhn

February 17, 2005

Dear Elder Neslon and Family,

I am so sorry about the passing of Sister Nelson. Please accept my deepest condolences.

Jim and Janet McAllister

February 17, 2005

Dear Elder Nelson and family,

I am sorry to read of the loss of your dear partner and mother and grandmother. I remember many a night spending time in your home with Emily, Mike, and a gang of kids. Sister Nelson was always very kind. I remember seeing her at the ward or around the neighborhood always a smile on her face and a twinkle in her eye. I also know she was a quite a lady because my mother was married to a dedicated surgeon as well. I know that takes a certain dedicated lady for a surgeon to be successful. I have just realized where Emily got her beaming smile!

Our thoughts and prayers are with you.

Jim and Janet McAllister

Kevin & Wendy Jensen

February 17, 2005

Dear Dave & Sylvia,

Kevin and I were saddened to hear of Sylvia's moms passing. I loved to hear stories of the Nelson family durning our years in Pennsylvania. Your years of family letters were a pricelss treasure and inspire me even today. Our prayers and thoughts are with your family. We think of you often and cherish the time we shared with the Webster family at the Quadrangle.

Sharon (Odell) Burt

February 17, 2005

Dear Brenda & Sylvia,

I am so sorry to hear of your mother's passing. She was such a wonderful and sweet woman. I remember her being an avid supporter of us in A'cappella at East High and when I joined the Tabernacle Choir in 1972 she was such a good friend to me. She always kept me updated on you both. You and your family are in my thoughts and prayers. May "The Lord Bless You and Keep You."

With deepest sympathy,

Jan Garner Lev-Ron

February 17, 2005

Dearest Marsha and family,

I send my love to you during this sad time. Your mother was such a wonderful, warm person who always greeted me cheerfully, whether it was when I came by to pick you up for school or came over with Cathy, Ginny, Kathy and Tricia.

My thoughts and prayers are with you and you family. I send you my biggest hug.

Love,

Jan

Gordon Whiting

February 16, 2005

Dear Elder Nelson and family:

My brothers, Doug, Bruce and John and I and my sister Wendy extend sincere condolences on the unexpected passing of your sweet wife. The two of you have always been a favorite memory from our youth in Minneapolis. I remember when you and she acted in "Our Town" there for the branch, and I remember your singing together "Sweethearts can live on love alone." What a happy blessing you were in our lives!

God bless you all.

Sincerely,

Holly C Metcalf

February 16, 2005

Dear Elder Nelson and Family, especially Gloria and Wendy--old East High and Chi-o friends,

I am saddened to hear of the death of your wife (and mother). I had the privilege of being in your home on a few occasions and feeling the wonderful influence of her there. I know, first-hand, what a wonderful family you have and think of you all as an example to me. In addition, I know how much my parents loved and respected Elder and Sister Nelson. May the Lord bless and comfort all--from the oldest to the youngest.

Sincerely, Holly

Kathy Schoenhals

February 16, 2005

Dear Marsha and Nelson Family -

I was saddened to learn of Dantzel's death. I learned to sing "I'll See You Again" by Noel Coward because I heard Dantzel sing it in your home on Normandie Circle (she was practicing for her Squeakers and Squawkers Club). It made me cry- she had such an emotional quality to her voice. I think of her every time I sing it. She was such a lovely women......

"This sweet memory, across the years will come to me; Tho' my world may go awry, In my heart will ever lie, Just the echo of a sigh, good-bye."

With Much Love and Fond Memories,

Kathy

Dantzel Hancock

February 16, 2005

Dear Elder Nelson and Family,

I just wanted to tell you all that I have looked up to Sister Nelson my entire life. I was named after her and have always considered it a great privilege. I only wish that I would have gotten the chance to meet her, but I will always have her example to look up to. My prayers are with you all.

Love,

Dantzel Hancock

Evan Marshall

February 16, 2005

We want to express our deepest sympathies

Evan&Maryann Marshall

Robert Norton

February 16, 2005

I credit Sister Nelson as the foundation for the "sweet" memories so many of us had during our teenage years on Normandie Circle.

All our love,

Robert Norton Family

pam and russ Alston

February 16, 2005

Dear Marjorie and Brad,We love you, and we will be thinking of you during this sad time in your lives. I have so many fond memories of your mom and her willingness to take us up to your cabin in Midway.She was always so patient with us! We love your family.Our prayers are with you.Pam and Russ Alston

Matthew Boyden

February 16, 2005

Dear Nelson Family,

Our thoughts and prayers are with you at this time. It was a privilege growing up in your neighborhood. Thank you so much for your love and your wonderful example. We will miss Sister Nelson very much. At times like these, we are reminded of how grateful we are for the gospel and how wonderful the plan of salvation is. May your family be comforted and blessed with peace.

With love,

Matt & Alicia Boyden

John and Pauline Wheeler

February 16, 2005

Brother Nelson and family,

It is with great sadness that I learned of the passing of your sweetheart, mother and grandmother. She was a true lady who set a beautiful example of womanhood and motherhood for us all. She will be greatly missed, not only by those who loved her, but by those of us who admired and respected her. Again, our love goes out to all of you. John and Pauline

Dana Harris

February 16, 2005

Elder Nelson and family: My deepest sympathies go out to each of you. Elder Nelson, you were presiding over our Fontana Stake Conference this past January, and I could see the love and devotion you had for Sister Nelson, not just in your voice but on your face. May the lord bless and comfort you at this time.

Norma (Strang) (Nathan R.~dec.) Larsen

February 16, 2005

Dear Elder Nelson and family,

I am so sorry of the passing of your beautiful wife, Dantzel. May you and your family have comfort at this time.

I grew up in Garden Park Ward. You served as a counselor to Bp. Hoyt W. Brewster. I have wonderful memories of this time of my life.

Love to all,

Norma (Strang) Larsen

Jason Allred

February 16, 2005

Our family wishes to express our deepest heart felt sympathy to the Nelsons. Sister Nelson certainly was an elect lady. Our prayers are with you.

Marline Bingham

February 16, 2005

Dear Elder Nelson & Family

My prayers are with you at this time & my heart aches for your loss. What a beautiful and special lady.I just recently lost my Precious Daddy. Aren't we so Thankful for the Gospel & for the knowledge we have of Eternal Life? May Heavenly Father & His Precious Son, Our Savior Jesus Christ, Bless you & give you strength at this time. We will be with them again.

Carla Terry

February 16, 2005

Dear Elder Nelson & Family:

My most sincere sympathies on your loss. My grandmother, Helen Miller Bailey Jones, was your (Elder Nelson's) 1st cousin. Her mother was Chloe Nelson Miller Bailey. I know my grandmother was very proud to be related to you and thought very highly of your family. I know that you will miss Dantzel very much and hope that our prayers will help to sustain you through this very hard time. You have a wonderful family and Dantzel has left a lovely legacy. My heart goes out to your family.

Love,

Gayann Clark Norton

February 16, 2005

Dear Laurie, Gloria, and all of the Nelson family,

I was sad to hear of the passing of your mother. Having been your neighbor and friend for many years, I know how much you loved and respected your mother. I was fortunate to be able to see her on occasion in our Murray ward -- she was such a pretty lady and had such a look of peace on her face. I could tell she was really proud of her children and grandchildren. I know you will miss her so much and my heart goes out to you. I am thinking of you and praying that you will be comforted.

Becky Angell

February 16, 2005

Elder Nelson and Family,

We are so sorry for your loss. Your family is in our prayers. We love you.

The Angell Family

David Goates

February 16, 2005

Dear Elder Nelson:

Patsy joins me in extending to you and your family our love and best wishes at the announcement of Sister Nelson's passing. We have loved and admired her during our entire married lives and before. Her inspiration and example have blessed our lives and the lives of our children and grandchildren, though you may never be aware of how much.

We are so grateful to you for your "been there done that" counsel on family life. There are few in the Church who exemplify it better than the Nelsons. Thank you. We love you.

David and Patsy Goates

Cameron & Beverly Hansen

February 16, 2005

Wendy and Norm. We are saddened with the passing of your Mom. Our sympathies are extended to you and your family.

The Daren and Ann Snider Family

February 16, 2005

Dearest Elder Nelson and the extended Nelson family:

The lives of your family have been an inspiration to us as our paths have crossed many times over the years. As young missionaries in Hamburg, Germany to a visit to our Stake in Kearney, Nebraska, we have felt the love and true desire of you both to be servants of the Lord.

Thank you for your wonderful example.

We hope that the comfort and love that you have shared with others can now be felt in return.

All our love at this time.

The Snider's

Kearney, Nebraska

Trisha Haslam

February 16, 2005

Dear Elder Nelson and family,

My heart goes out to all of you for the passing of Sister Nelson. I did not know her personally, but as a member of the church, she was such a great example to me. Her beatiful smile and loving example will stay with me forever. Again, I wanted to let you know you are all loved and thought of at this hard time in your lifes.

Love, Trisha Haslam

Wayne O. Ursenbach

February 16, 2005

We first heard of Dantzel and Russell Nelson when we became acquainted with Mel and Wanda Cook. We have watched them ever since as he distinguished himself as a Surgeon.

In more recent years we became more aware of the great integrity of both of them as we served in the presidency of the Salt Lake Temple. Our daughter, Kathleen and Michael Bertasso had several interviews with him which resulted in their call to serve in the mission field as mission president.

We have always admired her and the realization that they were an eternal pair and you didn't get one without the other.

Being their age we can feel the loneliness that may be his. Our faith and prayers are with him as we honor this great lady and eternal queen.

Wayne and Bernice Ursenbach, and the saints in the Laie Hawaii temple.

Rachael Allred

February 15, 2005

I remember when Sister Nelson came to our Relief Society Homemaking night for the Murray 27th Ward to share her family traditions. It was such a joy to listen to her and her daughters who were able to attend. I loved the tradition of her children waking them up on Christmas morning with a song. Because of this, my children started our Christmas's the same way until their missions. I look forward to this Christmas as all my children will be home to sing.

My son Kevin was in William's Joy School. Emily and I had great fun along with the other mothers. Just this past Christmas we watch video of that Joy School year and my heart was again touched by Emily. Our paths parted many years ago, but I will always remember her and her great love for her Savior and her family. I know that she is having a wonderful reunion with her mother.

May our Heavenly Father bless you all.

Vanessa

February 15, 2005

Dear Elder Nelson and Family,

I am so sorry to hear of your loss. Although I do not know any of you personally, I know that Sister Nelson was a beautiful person and will be missed by many. My Grandmother knew her from a time in the past when she and my Grandfather were serving in Tonga. She loved her and told me wonderful stories of their time together in Tonga. Elder Nelson, you performed heart surgery on my other Grandfather so I feel a small connection to you both. I was so looking forward to meeting you this Sunday at our Stake conference here in Chandler Arizona. Your presence will be greatly missed but you will be in our hearts and our prayers.

God bless you and comfort you.

Vanessa

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