Donald Theodore Nehring

Donald Theodore Nehring, known throughout his life as Don, Donny, and even “Monk” in childhood letters from his parents, passed away peacefully on the evening of Friday, June 12, 2026, at the age of 89 in West Valley City, Utah, in the comfort of home and surrounded by the love of his family.

Born to Richard Oscar and Priscilla Henderson Nehring in Los Angeles, California, Don lived a life defined by curiosity, adventure, storytelling, and an unwavering love for people. He was preceded in death by his parents, Richard and Priscilla Nehring; his brothers, Richard and Ronald Nehring; his sister, Janeen Dobbins; his son, Nephi Nehring; and his grandson, Conner Nehring.

Growing up in Los Angeles, Don developed an early appreciation for the arts, theatre, filmmaking, and, above all, journalism. At Garfield High School, he was both engaged and energetic. As a sophomore, he played football on the B-squad and contributed to the school newspaper, The Garfield Log, where he began developing the writing skills and inquisitive nature that would remain with him for the rest of his life.

Don's passion for writing and publishing continued well into adulthood. In 1973, he helped found The Pleiade, a biweekly revue of contemporary, non-professional Utah literary talent modeled after the sixteenth-century French literary school of the same name, with its first volume published on June 1, 1973. He also contributed articles to various publications over the years, including "Film Project Noted" and "By The Way," which appeared in the first gossip column of the Valley View News on January 23, 1975. In August 1996, he served as Canyon General for the Tahtonka Times and contributed the article "Montana's Silent Safety Sentinel," further reflecting his love of writing, storytelling, and community journalism.

Military service was an important chapter in Don's life. He proudly served his country in two branches of the United States military—”double-dipping," as he often joked. He first served in the United States Air Force from January 25, 1956, until his honorable discharge on January 24, 1962, attaining the rank of Airman Second Class. His service took him from Pinedale, Wyoming, to Fuchū, Japan, and later to South Korea, where he was stationed at Elliot Combat Base, also known as "The Rockpile." These experiences broadened his perspective and deepened his appreciation for the people and places he encountered.

An avid observer of the world around him, Don took numerous photographs and motion pictures during his time overseas. As he recounted in his personal memoir, A Log of My Oriental Tour, he climbed to the top of "Pay Goon Day" and took in the surrounding landscape, capturing the experience on his movie camera. During his Air Force service, he received numerous commendations for his dedication and professionalism. Later, while working as a civilian at Hill Air Force Base, he continued to earn recognition for his outstanding service.

Education was one of Don's constant passions. After returning home from his service in the United States Air Force, he graduated from the University of Utah on June 2, 1973, earning a Bachelor of Arts degree in Language Education (French). He went on to become an educator, a role that never truly ended. Whether in a classroom, around a campfire, or at family dinners, Don remained a teacher at heart. He possessed an extraordinary breadth of knowledge, Don delighted in learning, teaching, and conversation. As he liked to say, "I'll talk about anything you want, and many things you don't."

Later, Don continued his military service in the United States Naval Reserve from April 15, 1978, until his honorable discharge on April 14, 1980. Stationed with the Naval Air Reserve Unit at Naval Air Station Alameda, California, he added a second branch of military service to his record. Throughout his years in uniform, he carried a deep sense of duty, patriotism, and pride in serving his country.[1.1]

A true free spirit, Don loved the open road. Daily drives often became unexpected adventures, carrying him across state lines and all over the American West. From Las Vegas to Yellowstone and to countless places in between, he found joy in exploration. He especially loved visiting Bridal Veil Falls in Provo Canyon, a place he returned to time and time again, and he was equally drawn to the historic Pony Express Trail, making frequent trips to visit its stations and relive a piece of Western history. Along his journeys, he was known for offering kindness to strangers, including helping hitchhikers travel safely to their destinations.

Don possessed a deep appreciation for language, culture, and continual learning. An accomplished linguist, he spoke Spanish and French fluently and delighted in learning phrases and expressions from many other languages. Even when he did not share a common language with someone, he would make every effort to communicate—searching for words that carried across languages, drawing on similarities between Latin-based languages, or simply finding another way to connect. He was an avid reader, writer, and conversationalist, and he approached the world with an insatiable curiosity that never faded.

His love of storytelling found expression in many creative pursuits. Throughout his life, he enjoyed writing poetry, creating skits, directing and animating home movies, and entertaining family and friends with jokes, stories, and observations. He was a great listener, but an even greater storyteller.

Don embraced technology with the same enthusiasm he brought to every other interest. Long before many of his peers, he developed a passion for computers and programming, creating multiple games alongside his son, Mike. He never stopped learning. He remained fascinated by scientific discovery, space exploration, and emerging technologies, following developments in space exploration, particularly those of NASA.

Service to others was one of Don's guiding principles. He believed deeply in helping those around him and taught his children and grandchildren that a meaningful life is measured not only by what we accomplish for ourselves, but by what we do for others. Whether it was stopping to help someone change a flat tire, giving a jump-start to a stranded motorist, or lending a hand to a neighbor in need, Don was always willing to help. Through both his words and his example, he encouraged future generations to look beyond their own needs and to leave the world better than they found it.

Don once said, "Each generation has its own problems to solve, but it's the duty of the last generation to plant the seeds for the next.” He saw this kind of humanitarianism and long-term thinking as one of humanity's greatest strengths—the same spirit that helped people cross America, establish communities, and build a better future for their children and grandchildren. He believed that true progress comes when people are willing to invest in a future they may never personally enjoy, trusting that those who follow will do the same.

Above all else, Don valued family. He spent much of his life searching for a true partner and building the legacy he cherished most—his children and grandchildren. He is survived by his children, Shelley (Bill) Haslip, Julie (Mike) Southard, Tanya Nehring, Joy (Jacque) La Croix, and Mike (Amy) Nehring.

He is also survived by his grandchildren Jennifer, Jimmy, Stacy, Christine, Logan, Adam, Parker, Sean, and Kyra; six great-grandchildren; and many extended family members and friends whose lives were enriched by his wisdom, humor, and generosity.

Don's life was one of stories, adventures, learning, and connection. He never met a stranger for long, and those fortunate enough to know him will remember his endless curiosity, quick wit, and remarkable ability to turn an ordinary conversation into something much more interesting.

The family invites all who knew Don to honor his memory by sharing a story, writing a poem, helping a neighbor, taking the scenic route, learning something new, striking up a conversation with a stranger, having a strawberry shake, or embarking on an adventure that wasn’t part of the original plan.

A funeral service will be held on Monday, June 29, 2026, at 11:00 a.m. at the Falcon Building, 4270 South Falcon Street, West Valley City, UT 84120. Interment will follow at 1:00 p.m. at Utah Veterans Cemetery & Memorial Park, 17111 South Camp Williams Road, Bluffdale, UT 84065.