Dee Kent Nielson

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Dee Kent Nielson, 83, passed away peacefully, surrounded by his family on February 23, 2012 in Bountiful, Utah. He was born on March 16, 1928 in Salina, Utah to Conrad Nielson and Darthella Jeanetta Poulsen. Dee married DonaLaRue Lyman on July 20, 1951 in Salina, Utah. Together they raised four beautiful daughters, Diana, Elaine, Karen and Mary. They were later sealed, along with their children, in the Salt Lake Temple on December 6, 1963. Shortly after his marriage to Donna, he was drafted into the army and served in the infantry from September 1951 to July 1953 in South Korea. After being wounded in combat, he received a Purple Heart and was also awarded the Distinguished Rifleman Badge. Dee was very proud of his service to his country and was a lifetime member of the Disabled American Veterans and a member of the American Legion for 57 years.

His early education took place in the Salina schools and he later attended Weber College. He earned his Bachelors and Masters degrees at Utah State University in Industrial Arts Education, after which he taught wood shop and cabinetmaking for 30 years at Horace Mann Junior High and West High School in Salt Lake City. Dee also served for many years as an Explorer Scout advisor in the Bountiful 18th Ward and earned his Eagle Scout award right along with the boys in his troop. Dee enjoyed hunting, was an avid fisherman, and many family vacations were spent camping and fishing at his favorite spots. He was a master gardener, and many friends and neighbors reaped the benefits of his garden and fruit orchard. His greatest love, however, was working with wood. His talents ranged from building homes to creating beautiful pieces of furniture and amazing wood carvings.

Dee is survived by his wife, Donna of Bountiful; daughters, Diana (David) Hall, Kaysville, Utah; Elaine (Alan) Hardy, Boulder City, Nevada; Karen (Robert) McConnell, Mission Viejo, California; Mary (Scott) Page, Vacaville, California; 17 grandchildren and 17 great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents, brothers Rex and Deaune, granddaughter Jennifer Hall and great-granddaughter Chloe Hardy.

A viewing will be held Monday evening, February 27, at Lindquist''s Bountiful Mortuary, 727 N. 400 E. from 6-8 p.m. Funeral services will be held Tuesday, February 28 at 11:00 a.m. in the Bountiful 31st Ward Chapel, 585 East Center Street where friends and family may gather from 9:30-10:30 prior to the services. Interment Bountiful City Cemetery. Condolences may be shared at www.lindquistmortuary.com