David Nielsen

Dave passed away in the early morning hours Saturday, December 27, 2025. He left this earth peacefully, leaving behind a legacy of kindness, hard work, and love for his family, friends, and the outdoors.

Dave was born April 21, 1956, in Salt Lake City, Utah, to his parents, Eldon R. Nielsen and Karen E. Nielsen. He was one of seven children to bless their home. He is survived by his siblings, Alan Nielsen (Tammy), Andy Nielsen (Kristine), and Marylea Lockard (Rick). Dave is also survived by sister-in-law Kimberlee Phipps (Darrell) and many nieces and nephews who love him dearly.

He enjoyed a wonderful childhood. As a youth he enjoyed working on the dry farms, ice skating on the canal, fishing for catfish, and playing backyard baseball with his brothers and friends.

He was a faithful member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. He was called and served in the Rapid City, South Dakota mission field from 1975-1977. He held and served in many church callings throughout his life. One of his favorite callings was being a primary teacher to children. He loved sharing his love for the gospel and his testimony with others.

He met his sweetheart and eternal companion, Rebecca K. (Hunt) Nielsen, on June 27, 1972, during a youth conference at BYU and married her in the Salt Lake City Temple for time and all eternity on September 22, 1977. Together they raised four beautiful children, Nicholas D. Nielsen (Ilana), Matthew R. Nielsen (Candace), Emily R. Nielsen (deceased), and Ty D. Nielsen. They have eight grandchildren together: Akynna, Deneka, Gage, Grayson, Kenleigh, Paxton, Savannah, and Adalyn. His family was his life.

He spent his career working at Yellow Freight in Salt Lake City, Utah, where he was known for his strong work ethic and dedication. After many years of service, Dave retired from Yellow Freight, leaving with the respect and appreciation of his co-workers.

Dave was loved by everyone who knew him. He had a warm presence and a genuine way of making people feel welcomed and loved. He especially loved the outdoors and found great joy in hunting, fishing, rock collecting, bird watching, antiquing, gardening, and yard selling on the weekends. He also enjoyed baking, cooking, canning and was known for his many flavors of Christmas fudge and sharing it with others.

A funeral service will be held Saturday, January 3, 2025, at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Warrensburg, Missouri, from 4:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m., with a visitation from 3:00 p.m. until the time of the service. A visitation will also be held Saturday, January 10th, at Valley View Memorial Park and Funeral Home in West Valley City, Utah, from 10:00 a.m. to 11:30 a.m., with a graveside service to follow at 11:30 a.m.

Dave was preceded in death by his parents, Eldon R. Nielsen and Karen E. Nielsen; brothers, Robert Nielsen, Stewart Nielsen, identical twin Daniel Nielsen; his daughter, Emily R. Nielsen; his father-in-law, Radell Hunt; mother-in-law, Kay Hunt; and brother-in-law, Steven R. Hunt.