Douglas G Nielson

Obituary for Douglas Gordon Nielson

Douglas Gordon Nielson of Springville passed away peacefully Wednesday, December 5, 2007 at his home following a courageous battle with cancer. He was born to Gordon and Sherel Nielson on December 13, 1956 in Payson, Utah. He married Jeanie Johnston and they had one son, Travis Nielson. Doug later married Janis Wirick on September 2, 1994. He gracefully accepted being a father of 3 stepchildren and 8 grandchildren. They were blessed with many happy memories and experiences.
Upon graduating from Springville High School he served an LDS mission to Louisville, Kentucky and later attended Ricks College. He valued work and appreciated his employment associations and found particular satisfaction in marketing and sales, where he received recognition and awards. Doug loved being with his family and friends in the outdoors, golfing, gardening, camping, fishing at Payson Lakes, going on the deer hunt, attending the annual St. George family vacation and the Wirick reunion in West Yellowstone. He also enjoyed watching sports, especially the Utah Jazz and BYU football. He had a tender place in his heart for his pets and enjoyed their companionship.
Doug was a retired member of the Springville Volunteer Fire Department and appreciated his associations and service there. His genuine love for people often found him serving others by lifting and comforting them with his sense of humor. He was known on his mission as Elder Smiley Nielson. His church service, including home teaching and teaching primary, were important parts of his life. He treasured time with his wife, children, grandchildren, nieces and nephews. He is survived by his wife Janis, his son Travis Nielson, three stepchildren Leslie (Rich) Headrick, Eric (Kristi) Robinson, Katie (Shane) Thacker and 8 step grandchildren; father-in-law Neil Wirick, parents Gordon and Sherel Nielson, his five brothers, Stephen (Monique) Nielson, Russell (Lorene) Nielson, Brian (Joni) Nielson, Jeffrey (Jana) Nielson, and David (Kaci) Nielson; grandmother Shirley Nielson. He was preceded in death by his brother Michael Nielson, grandparents Wray and Alta Nelson and Sheldon Nielson, mother-in-law Marian Wirick.
Funeral services will be held Saturday December 8, 2007 at 11am, at the LDS Hobblecreek 5th Ward building located at 1440 E 900 S in Springville. A viewing will be held Friday December 7th at the same location from 6-8pm and again at 10am 1 hour prior to the services. Internment will be at the Springville Evergreen Cemetery.
A special thanks to Mike Neal for his many kind deeds and friendship and for Janis' loving care, patience and devotion especially during Doug's extended illness. Online condolences may be submitted to www.serenicare.com