Ferrel Dan Nielson was born on January 4, 1938, in Ephraim, Utah, to Ferrel Nielson and Ada Nielson.
Dan graduated from Sevier High and went on to become a Certified Public Accountant graduating from Brigham Young University. He worked many years as an accountant, as well as teaching accounting courses for the LDS Business College.
Dan married his high school sweetheart, Maxine, the day after she graduated high school. They had four children: Debbie (Chuck) VanGorder, of South Jordan, Kevin (Lori) Nielson, of Riverton, Rachelle (Erick) Thompson, of South Jordan, and Brent (Mandy) Nielson of West Valley. Additionally, he has 17 grandchildren. In 2004, Dan married his second wife Kaye Nielson, who currently resides in Lehi.
Dan was best known for the many hours he spent in service to others. He had many church responsibilities throughout his life and served faithfully, blessing the lives of those around him. He also loved to work in his yard. He was often heard to say he was going to putter in the yard, and this puttering resulted in beautiful gardens complete with gnomes hidden to delight the kids. His grandchildren benefited from spending time with him, with several of them recalling Grandpa Dan teaching them to drive, ignoring some traffic laws he found optional. Others worked alongside him at the family-owned Subway, making (and eating) meatball sandwiches. There were trips to Lake Powell and the city pool, with Grandpa wearing his jeans the entire time. And the older grandkids remember trips to Blockbuster where they spent hours picking out just the right movie to watch together while eating popcorn.
Grandpa Dan loved to boss people around, but he pretended he wasn't bossy at all. He always, always wore suspenders. He refused to wait in any line, and usually found a way to get to the front. He liked to tease little kids, and would encourage them to be a little naughty. Grandpa would eat crab legs with his daughter Rachelle and her family every Christmas Eve, and he would out-eat even the sons-in-law.
Dan passed away on April 11, 2023 in his memory care home. He deteriorated quickly the last few months, and was ready for a long-awaited reunion with Maxine.
Visitation for Dan Nielson will be held on April 15, 2023, at 10:00-10:30 a.m. at McDougal Funeral Home in Taylorsville, 4330 S Redwood Road.
Following the viewing, the burial will be at Valley View Memorial Park, West Valley City, Utah.
Saturday, April 15, 2023
10:00 - 10:30 am (Mountain time)
McDougal Funeral Home
Saturday, April 15, 2023
11:00am - 12:00 pm (Mountain time)
Valley View Memorial Park
Visits: 662
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