Larry R. Nielsen, 69, passed away with his loving wife at his side on Wednesday, April 15, 2015. Larry was born April 6, 1946 in Payson, Utah, and grew up working on the family dairy in Palmyra, Utah. He graduated from Spanish Fork High School in 1964. Beginning in 1966, he worked as an Engineering Technician for nearly 40 years at Hill Air Force Base, retiring in 2006.
Larry had two children, Ross and JoEll, from a previous marriage to Susan Garrett. Larry and Deborah met in 1980 and were married May 27, 1989 in Reno, Nevada. Larry loved his wife deeply and always thought of her first. He and his son were very close, and shared many of the same interests and hobbies.
Larry enjoyed cars, camping, 4-wheelers, and rode motorcycles all his life, but was avid about hot rods. He could identify a vintage car at a glance and found great pleasure in sharing his hot rod enthusiasm with others, especially his son. Larry and his wife participated in local car shows and attended many out of state as long as Larry was able. Most recently he looked forward to his Sundays at Liberty Park. Larry was a very generous, highly principled, and creative man. During his life he was fortunate to have developed many close friendships which he deeply cherished.
Larry was preceded in death by his father, Ronald C. Nielsen; mother, Loa Y. Hansen; brother, Curtis Y. Nielsen and daughter, JoEll Park. He is survived by his loving, devoted wife Deborah; and son, Ross G. Nielsen. He has five grandchildren and ten great grandchildren.
A viewing will be held Monday, April 20, 2015 from 11:00 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at Larkin Mortuary, 260 East South Temple, Salt Lake City. Those wishing to make comments or share thoughts may gather following the viewing. Interment will follow at 2:15 p.m. at the Spanish Fork City Cemetery, 420 South 400 East, Spanish Fork.
