Douglas Ivan Nielsen, age 63, passed away in the early morning hours of Thursday, June 20, 2019 surrounded by his family. He fought a long, hard battle with cancer and is finally at rest.
He was born on August 4, 1955 in Salt Lake City, Utah to Carol and Ivan Nielsen. He was the oldest of 46 children. As a young man he joined the US Army where he served most of his time in Germany. On January 12, 1979, he married Shelly Ann Christensen. Together they had two children, Annette and Jason. They later divorced and in 1996 Shelly lost her long battle with cancer as well. Later, Doug was blessed with a second son, John Murphy, with former partner, Patty Murphy.
Doug was a jack of all trades, but he spent most of his career working as a pit boss in various casinos across Nevada. He spent the last 15 years of his career employed at Pacific Water Inc. as Warehouse Manager. In 2002, after successfully completing rehab, he won his battle with addiction. He then spent the rest of his life working to be the best man, father, and grandfather he could be by reconnecting with his children and being there for grandchildren, as they were the light of his life. Doug also had a special place in his heart for dogs. He recently had adopted two rescue dogs that he called his fur babies.
He is survived by his three children, Annette and Jason (Johanna) Nielsen, John Murphy, and his six grandchildren, Kristian, Nathan, and Devan Sellers, Mackynzie Bruner, Jace and Jax Nielsen as well as his parents, siblings, and numerous nieces and nephews.
He is preceded in death by his sister, Diane, who passed away in infancy in 1960.
Funeral services will be held at Larkin Mortuary, 3688 W 12600 S, Riverton, Utah on Saturday, June 29, 2019 at 11:00 a.m. A viewing will be held at the same location on Friday, June 28th from 6:00 to 9:00 p.m. and one hour prior to the funeral.
Interment: Elysian Burial Gardens, 1075 E 4580 S, Salt Lake City.
