David Nielsen

Our beloved and humble Husband, Father, Grandfather, Great-Grandfather, Brother, Uncle, and Friend, David Leon Nielsen, passed away on December 28, 2020, in Orem, Utah. He was called home to Heaven sooner than we were ready to let him go.

David (Grandpa Dave) was born in Provo, Utah, on August 4, 1941, to Mary Ardith Olsen and Eugene Leon Nielsen. He attended Franklin Elementary, Dixon Junior High School, and Provo High School – graduating in 1959. He then attended Brigham Young University for a couple of years before joining the Utah Army National Guard and beginning work at Sears.

After many years of courting, he married his eternal companion and best friend, Gail McQuivey, on August 24, 1962, in the Manti Utah Temple. Their love and support for one another and the strength they have shown in their lives has been paramount and a wonderful, treasured example to their family. We can all learn a lot from how they served one another, stood by one another, and sought ways to serve and care for others beyond themselves. Together, they have touched so many lives for the better!

When he was a young man, Dave enjoyed playing basketball with his brothers and going skiing. Later, his activities transitioned to vacationing and camping with his family, teaching himself guitar, going golfing with buddies, and bowling, too – he thoroughly enjoyed all of these activities! After working for Sears, Dave transferred to JCPenney to work as the Advertising and Display Manager for 30 years. We would often go admire his and his team’s handiwork which included the display windows of the store at University Mall. He was a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and served in many positions. He was also a temple worker at the Provo Temple for several years. He has always been involved civically by being a member of the Jaycees, the Kiwanis, and the American Legion – paying honorary tribute to many who have done so much for this country. He was in the Utah Army National Guard for 29 (almost 30) years and reached the rank of Master Sergeant E-9, in the Artillery Division. We are so proud of his accomplishments and the dedication he put into everything he did!

Throughout their lives, David and Gail have given the highest priority to family – many sacrifices were made to ensure their children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren had “enough” and were taken care of. Their profound love of all of their posterity was evident – together they were the biggest fans of all of us! They were almost always in attendance at every game and recital they could possibly get to – with their seat cushions in hand! Grandpa Dave will be especially missed by Skyler and Mayleigh because they won’t have his lap to sit upon and be read to by him.

Dave is survived by his wife, Gail, of Orem, Utah, and his children: Jeff (Lisa Merryweather) Nielsen of Pleasant Grove, Utah; Vikki (Darcy) Simmons, Pleasant Grove, Utah; five grandchildren – James, Cody, Kaden, Zach, and Erika; and eight great-grandchildren – JoJo, CJ, Jenaka, Domanick, Alex, Taryn, Skyler, and Mayleigh. Supportive surviving siblings of Dave and Gail are: Mary (Barry) Volk of Highland, Utah; Kim (Jane) Nielsen of West Jordan, Utah; Phyllis Salisbury of Salt Lake City, Utah; Helen Pace of Orem, Utah; MaryAnn (Trey) Sirks of Red Bluff, California. Dave was preceded in death by his parents and a dear brother, Stephen (Smasher) Nielsen.

A graveside service celebrating his life will be held on Wednesday, January 13, 2021, at 2:00 p.m. at the Provo City Cemetery (610 S State Street, Provo) – all friends, neighbors, and family are invited to join us. Please be sure to wear a mask so we can keep it safe, and bundle up warmly – we are praying for some sunshine! A viewing for family will be held earlier on Wednesday, January 13th, from 12:30 p.m. to 1:30 p.m. at the Sundberg Olpin Mortuary located at 495 South State Street in Orem. Burial will be in the Provo City Cemetery with a military tribute by the American Legion. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you consider making a donation to the Utah Food Bank, the Red Cross, or the Perpetual Education Fund (through The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints).