Skip to main content

In Loving Memory

Kelvin Von Nackos


1961•2026

Photograph of Kelvin Von Nackos
Choose an arrangement Write a message

Listen

Recording of the Obituary

Obituary

Kelly and his twin brother, Scott, were born in Long Beach, CA, to Nick and Laura Nackos. At age 12, the Nackos family moved to Hurricane, UT. Kelly thrived in this community, the unquestioned leader of “The Boys of Fall” brotherhood, his lifelong friends from 6th grade. It was there that he first locked eyes with that spunky, brunette, Sullivan girl, just as she crash-landed her Honda 70 motorcycle, eternally connected thereafter. Kelly excelled as a student-athlete at Hurricane High School, receiving many accolades in Football, basketball and track. He continued his education and football career at Dixie State University, leading the Rebels to a conference championship, and the individual rushing title record to boot.

Fulfilling his aspirations as a young man, Kelly served an honorable, two-year mission for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints in Osaka, Japan. While there, he blessed the lives of many families, remaining in close contact throughout his life.

Kelly resumed his education at the University of Utah, earning a bachelor's degree in business, which launched him into a 35-year career in the healthcare industry. He built a very successful medical staffing agency and chose to sell his stakes and retire in 2023.

On December 17, 1983, Kelly and Patti were married for all time and eternity in the St. George, UT, temple. Opposites by nature, perfect for each other. Bickering one moment and laughing the next. Kelly meticulously corralled the budget while Patti ensured their adventure. 43 years strong, traveling the world, biking, golfing, etc., spending everyday life by one another's side.

He was an incredible father to his three children: Jake (1986), Lexxy (1989), and Dalton (1991). Early fatherhood years were filled with ATV trips to Skyline Drive in the Manti-La Sal Mountains, rock-crawling through Moab, Lake Powell, and yard-work Saturdays, all of which were accompanied by timely dad jokes and one-liners now passed on to the next generation.

In 2012, he became Grandpa, wholeheartedly devoted to his grandchildren. He loved to host and serve his family, especially the grandkids, rewarding their every wish; but also teaching work ethic, offering house projects for hire. The grandkids could always count on him for a See’s candy sucker and a gentle reminder not to scratch his car. While he enjoyed some of life’s finer things, his compassion and generosity always shined through; one of his greatest joys, sharing what he loves with those he loves.

The night of his retirement party, Kelly was diagnosed with stage 4 colon cancer. Despite the news, he was a constant optimist, never a complaint, firmly rooted in his unwavering belief in the Plan of Salvation and eternal families. He remained faithful and steadfast through his last breath. Throughout the battle with cancer, he lived actively and full with his family, grandpa-ing, golfing, motorcycling, traveling, fishing with the grandkids, playing pinnacle, and advising his family on financial planning (“Don’t touch the principal!”). During the final years, peak family time was often spent together at the NackPad vacation home in St. George, UT, a place he dreamed of providing for his family. Core memories include pool time, deep conversations in the hot tub, shooting guns, playing games, and of course, enjoying Grandpa’s signature shaved ice and smoothies.

Survived by: His wife, Patti S. Nackos. His children, Jacob, Alexia (Jed Smith), Dalton (Braedin). His 9 beautiful grandkids. His siblings, Lila, Lorraine, Charles, Scott.

Preceded in death by his parents, Nick and Laura Nackos.

Services will be held on October 31st 2026 at 11 AM. Draper 6th Ward 1272 Walden Lane, Draper, UT 84020.

Send flowers for Kelvin  ·  The Rose Shop delivers them to the service, free of charge.

Tributes

He understood the value of a human soul. Although he joked a lot, you always knew he was someone you could count on to be kind and fair. It was always fun to watch him play sports, full focus and no hesitation. He was a real winner in every way. All who knew him will experience a true void in their life.

Darin W. Workman “Dutch”

Being Kelly’s business partner and friend for many years we experienced a lot of highs and a lot of lows together. And when I say lows, I mean the kind of lows where we asked ourselves if we were doomed and if we going to be able to fight through the adversity we were faced with. But the one thing I could always count on was Kelly’s positive attitude and determination to not give up. Many times he talked me off the ledge and helped me stay calm and keep fighting the fight.
I truly love Kelly and thank him for being such a strong positive influence on my life. He will be greatly missed.

Jeff Parker

Kelly was my all time favorite boss. He would let me vent and cuss if I had to calm down. We joked, laughed and sometimes cried. He helped me on a personal level with things, always acting as a big brother, and he helped me professionally. I will always remember him and have nothing but the best memories. We had several Presidents Club trips together too! I love him and his beautiful family! Kelly you will be deeply missed. Never forgotten!! One day I’ll see you again!!

Sandee McNaughton

We were very fortunate to be able to raise our kids on Cindy Lane in Draper. What great experiences and memories we have with the other families there including the Nackos’s. I was fortunate to spend time with Kelly coaching our boys in little league football, and on occasion getting out on ATV rides with our families. What a great father and role model! We’ll miss you Kelly.

Mike and Holly Soter

Kelly and Patti have always been such great neighbors and friends. But we are especially grateful that Kelly was an extra dad for our son, Ryan. We always trusted when Ryan was over at the Nackos that he was in the best hands with a loving family. Kelly’s done a lot of good things in his life but the best thing he ever did was raised a wonderful family and be a great husband and dad. Always there with a smile, a joke and maybe some good advice.
Love and prayers for you all,
The Shurtleff family

Shurtleff Deborah K
Guestbook

Share a memory of Kelvin Von Nackos

A few kind words can mean a great deal to the family in the days ahead.

Sign the Guestbook