In Memory

Michael Nielson

Michael Nielson

Michael Nielsen

1947~ 2015West Valley City-Our beloved husband, father, brother, uncle, and dearest friend was tragically taken from us early Monday morning, February 9, 2015. Mike was born December 5, 1947 to Vernon and Dora Nielsen. He married his sweetheart Bonnie Jean Christensen on Friday, April 13, 1973 in the Salt Lake Temple.Mike was proud of his Danish ancestry and served an LDS mission in Denmark from 1967 to 1969. He held many callings in the LDS church including executive secretary, Sunday School teacher, chorister, choir director, Young Men's leader, scouting, High Priest leadership, and activities committee. He helped in several stake play productions and in building floats for the Days of '47 Pioneer Parade. Mike served in the Utah Air National Guard for over 30 years and had a deep love for our country. He always had a kind word and showed love and respect to everyone he met. Bonnie and Mike were avid basketball fans beginning with the Utah Stars to the Utah Jazz when they arrived in 1979. He was also a big Ute fan. Mike was a very talented man. He was a jack of all trades. He and his wife loved music and shared their musical talents in multiple ways. Mike loved to travel and was always planning his next adventure. He is survived by his loving wife, Bonnie; his three children, Danielle Anne, Michael Abel (Kate), Rebecca Elizabeth; sister, Renee (Dale) Jamison; and numerous nieces, nephews, brothers and sisters-in-law.Funeral services will be held Saturday, February 14, 2015 at 11:00 a.m. in the Granger West 7th Ward Chapel, 4460 West Cortney Dr., West Valley City, UT. There will be a viewing Friday, February 13, from 6-8 p.m. at the Redwood Memorial Mortuary and Saturday at the ward chapel starting at 9:00 a.m. Interment at Redwood Memorial Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, please send donations to the University of Utah Burn Center. 



 
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03/06/16 11:50 AM #1    

Courtland Cottrell

Michael was my friend since Junior High and my dental patient until he passed away. He was one of those people who quietly made a huge difference. When I was vasolating over whether or not to serve an LDS Mission, he wrote me a very inspiring letter from his mission field, encouraging me to serve. I know several people who were financially distraught, who Michael donated time and money to. This he did while he was in the midst of serious financial difficulty himself. He is survived by his wife, whom all of us thought would pass away first. Mike supported and nurtured her through numerous near-death episodes. Mike never said "No" to anyone in need. He was a true Christian and I will always admire him.


03/06/16 04:42 PM #2    

Sandra McCann (Poulsen)

Wow!  Once again, Court, you share a wonderful tribute to a classmate who has passed--a classmate you have spent time with since high-school graduation.  Thank you for letting us know a bit more about Mike's adult life and goodness!  Sandi 


04/28/16 09:45 AM #3    

John (Watts) White

Michael and I had one memorable meeting. The next to last day of our 9th grade. We were playing softball during gym, Michael was playing right field and I center field. A ball was hit between us and we both went after it. Unfortuantely we didn't see each other soon enough. I tried to slide underneath him but his chin caught me in the forehead. When I got up there was blood running down my face into my eyes. I was taken to the emergency room and Michael soon followed. Twelve stitches later it was over. I felt bad because I received all the attention at school, but Michael acutally got the worst of it.  Dislocated jaw and loose teeth. Blood always draws more of a response. We went to graduation the next day all banged up. We never did reconnect again after that strange event. I got teased for a few years after that for being a (Y) fan because of the scar on my forehead.


04/28/16 06:28 PM #4    

Laurel Parker (Rohlfing)

Are we sure the obituary is for the same Michael Nielson at Highland?  I knew Michael in high school but the two older pictures don't look a thing like him. Court, you've seen him recently.  Is it the same Michael?


04/29/16 02:39 PM #5    

Rhoana Atkinson (Shaw)

This is Michael from Highland High.  I was lucky enough to see him again and meet Bonnie at a Danish Missionary Reunion some years ago.  My husband had also served in Denmark and had come home in 1966.  President Christensen was both of their Mission Presidents so they enjoyed reminiscing.  It was obvious how much he and his wife cared for each other.  He died suddenly in a tragic car accident.


05/01/16 02:51 PM #6    

Laurel Parker (Rohlfing)

Thanks for clarifying this for me, Rhoanna.  I'm glad that you saw him recently. 


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