Ivan Nielson

Born November 3, 1923 in Bluewater, New Mexico to Frihoff Peter Nielson a nd Marie Cluff. Brother to Willis and Nena Nielson (both deceased), Elaine Nielson (deceased), Melba and Mark (deceased) Cram, Wanda and Marshall (deceased) Ericson, Frieda and Robert (deceased) Ross, Lars and Elberta Nielson, AZ.

Through the grace of God he found and married his eternal sweetheart and companion, Lori Ann Henline Nielson in the Jordan River Temple.

Ivan loved all his children unconditionally and greatly missed those that the miles separated him from. He was the father of 12 children, Amber Nielson, Becky Harris, Cindy Nielson, Jeffri Nielson, Jonathan Nielson, Marc and Peggy Nielson, MaryAnne and Glenn Hunt, Richard Nielson, Sandra and Julianne Rush and Stacie Bevan. He was preceded in death by sons Rodney and Tracey Nielson and grandson Jeremiah Nielson. He was the proud grandfather of 34 and great-grandfather of 41. Ivan loved to see the world through the eyes of these children and he will be greatly missed by them.

Ivan spent his early childhood in Bluewater, New Mexico on the family ranch where his love of the outdoors began and never ended. His family moved to Mesa, AZ, where he attended school and graduated from Mesa High. Due to the turmoil in the world, Ivan enlisted in the United States Air Force. He c ompleted training and received his commission as a S econd L ieutenant and se r ved as a navigator on a B- 24 Bomb er in World War II. He always r emembered the sights and sounds from that period of history and w as proud to be of American Heritage .

Ivan was an active member of The Church of Church of Jesus of Latter-day Saints. He was called a n d served i n m any capacities.He served as a young missionary to the East Central States Missi on in the United States. He se rved at a time when there was much segregation a nd in-equal i ty to the people in America. He was g rateful and pleased to be alive in a time when he saw the 2008 presidential election. Ivan served in the Boy Scouts of America Program, with much of his time spent in leadership on the district and regional levels. He served 34 years and was the recipient of many awards including the Silver Beaver and Silver Antelope awards.

At the time of his passing he was serving as a home teacher and an ordinance worker in the Oquirrh Hills Temple. He had previously served as an ordinance worker in the Jordan River Temple and with his wife in the Manti Temple for over 15 years combined.

Ivan was devoted to his wife and family and enjoyed the beauties of life and all of God ' s creations . Ivan was a friend to all he met and his teachings, love and example will be forever etched in our hearts. His continuous counsel of "Using our mistakes as stepping stones to ascend to higher ground” will continue to encourage us. He will be missed but for a short time and is now beginning another mission.

A special thank you to the do c tors and staff at the IHC Heart Failure Clinic , Michael Peterson, MD and Jamie, Tim and Minnie the staff of Envision Health Care for their kindness a n d loving care of Iva n .

Funeral services will be held Wednesday, January 5, 2011 at 11:00 a.m. at the Crown Rose LDS Building, 5424 West Rosecrest Road. A viewing will be held from 10:00 to 10:45 a.m. prior to services. Interment will be in the Herriman City Cemetery.

Onlinecondolences may be shared at www.cannonmortuary.com