Reed Stender Nelson

Reed Stender Nelson 1918 ~ 2005 Reed Stender Nelson, age 87, passed away March 25, 2005 in Salt Lake City, Utah. He was born in Logan, Utah on Jan. 18, 1918 to Joseph Wesley and Martha Barbara Stender Nelson, the oldest of seven children. Reed graduated from Utah State in 1939 with a degree in chemistry and a high school teaching certificate. He fulfilled an L.D.S. mission in the New England States in 1939, serving under Pres. Levi Edgar Young who became a lifetime friend. In 1942, with his insatiable thirst for knowledge, he attended Ohio State University specializing in acids and explosives, graduating third in his class. He was hired by E.I. Dupont to work as a chemical engineer in St. Paul, Minnesota, manufacturing black powder propellant used in 18-inch naval guns. After the conclusion of World War II, Reed returned to Utah where he married Marjorie Yeates on Oct. 25, 1945 in the Salt Lake Temple. They moved to California where Reed had accepted employment with American Smelting and Refining Company as the acid plant superintendent. In 1946 he was sent to San Luis Obispo, Mexico to start up a sulfuric acid plant and to train personnel. Because of his knowledge and expertise he was involved in the start-up of acid plants in Arizona, New Mexico, and the Philippines. In 1982, he retired from Kennecott Copper as Master Mechanic at the smelter. Later, he was employed as a consultant for PASAR in Leyte, Philippines. He taught Filipino personnel to operate and repair their only copper smelter. He led a diverse life in many fields. He enjoyed the arts having a love of the classics. He loved to travel and wanted to know what was under every rock. His example taught his family the value of work, spending countless hours at the farm and his rentals. Reed always had great love and reverence for the Lord and His restored church. Among other callings, he served as missionary, Bishop of the Grant 6th Ward, branch president, counselor in bishoprics, member of a high council and as a clerk to three stake presidents, and loved teaching Primary. While in the Philippines, attended the dedication of the Manila Temple, was instrumental in the organization of branches and the building of several meeting houses. He was also a life member of the Mormon Battalion. He is survived by his wife Marjorie and children: Ronald (Margaret), Deborah, Claudia (Brent), Joel (Sue), 22 grandchildren and 16 great grandchildren; also sisters Vera (Wendell) Later, Barbara (Robert) Cox and brother Edwin. The family would like to express its thanks to the personnel at Garden Terrace and Care Source Hospice for their patient and loving care extended to Reed while a resident. Funeral services will be held, Wednesday March 30, 2005 at noon at the Mt. Olympus 9th Ward 4635 Lanark Rd. Friends may call Tuesday, from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. at Wasatch Lawn, 3401 So. Highland Dr also one hour prior to the service at the chapel. Interment will be held at Wasatch Lawn Memorial Park.