Roger Hugh Nelson

He was born March 7, 1931 in Spring City, Utah to Hugh Devere and Maudella Sarah Nelson. He spent his growing up years focused on academics, had a passion for science, experiments and helping his family. Prior to graduating in 1949 from Sanpete High School he was a Danforth Scholar which honors students chosen for academic excellence, personal integrity and high ideals. He was rated as one of the top 40 high school students throughout the United States to succeed in science. He was fortunate to have parents and mentors who recognized and encouraged his exceptional intellect.

The Spring before he graduated, he received the distinction as Utah’s first Westinghouse Science Scholar for his inventions in color photographic processes and commercial color separation camera. He left his small town and traveled to Washington D.C. where he was personally interviewed by President Truman at the White House as well as leading scientists from around the country. He celebrated his 18th birthday during this exciting trip.

Roger attended Snow College for two years in Ephraim, Utah, then continued on to the University of Utah, always the overachiever, he received his BS and MS degrees in Business and Finance in 1953 after changing his major from chemistry his senior year. He was affiliated with the University of Utah College of Business thereafter teaching and was the same age as many of his students.

On August 26, 1955 he married his beautiful sweetheart DeEtte Munk in the Salt Lake LDS Temple. His mother had met DeEtte in the apartment building they were managing and told him to go meet her. They fell in love and had a beautiful and adventurous life together.

After living in Salt Lake a short time, they packed up and moved to New York City where Roger attended Columbia University. They loved the big city life going to concerts and plays in their free time. With the help of DeEtte as dissertation typist and editor, he graduated with honors with his doctorate in 1958.

He had offers from around the country to teach, but chose to go back to Utah to be close to family and help his mom and disabled father who was confined to a wheelchair. He began a career as a professor of management, Director for Programs in Emerging Business and MBA Field Studies back at the University of Utah.

Wanting to achieve more and having a strong entrepreneurial spirit, he wrote many books that were published on new ventures, management and corporate strategy. He had a soft spot for trying to help others succeed, particularly enjoyed his time consulting for the Ute Indian Tribe and others in Alaska.

DeEtte and their three children Steve, Deanne and Mark were his pride and joy. He loved his family and would do anything for them. His love of travel provided opportunities for them to live abroad in England, Germany and France. Hawaii and anywhere tropical became their favorite vacation spots. Their home was a gathering place for all family and friends from large parties to weddings. Many nieces and nephews called their house home. All were welcome and they knew they were loved. They were extraordinary entertainers from bridge dinners to College of Business events. Roger was a big Utah Ute fan, loved attending sporting events and cheering them on. He fulfilled many callings in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints.

Always looking towards something new on the horizon, he jumped at the opportunity to work with the Czech and Slovak governments in privatizing their businesses and setting up new free market economies, He was listed numerous times in Who’s Who in America, The World and Finance and Industry. He was involved in the oil and gas exploration business for about 25 years all while teaching and having management roles at the College of Business. Everywhere he went, a student always stopped him to say hello. Upon retiring from the U of U, he started a recreational real estate development with his family at Scofield, Utah and built a family cabin as another place to spend time with his kids and grandkids.

He was a mentor and role model to many. His heart was even bigger than his genius level mind. Kind, gentle, loving, giving, supporting. One of the best men there was and lived a remarkable life in every way. Roger loved God, the beauty of this earth and his family.

Roger is survived by his children Steve Nelson (Danee), Deanne Johnson (Bob), Mark Nelson (Bobbi), beloved grandchildren and great-grandchildren, nieces and nephews. He was the last of three remaining in DeEtte’s family of 11 siblings. Survived by his in-laws Luella Munk Jorgensen and Nola Rae Munk.

Roger is preceded in death by his parents, dear brother Charles W Nielson (Betty) and his eternal companion DeEtte.

Our heartfelt thanks to all who have helped us over the years with his medical care and particularly these past few months while on hospice. We were able to keep him in his home. He was sitting on his patio in the backyard, looking at his beautiful flowers and yard right up to the end, his happy place.

Services to honor his life and legacy will be held Saturday, July 19, 2025 at Wasatch Lawn Memorial Park 3402 S. Highland Drive, Salt Lake City, Utah. Viewing 10:00am-10:45am. Funeral service 11:00am. Graveside for family to follow. Special thank you to the Utah Firefighters Emerald Society for the beautiful farewell.