Douglas Leon Nielsen

Douglas Leon Nielsen passed away June 22, 2025 at the age of 85

Doug was born August 7, 1939 to LaVere & Luella (Erickson) Nielsen in Logan, Utah. He was the fifth of seven children.

Doug grew up in Hyrum, Utah and loved hunting with his dad, brother, and brothers in-law. He was a good student graduating with high marks from South Cache High School and went on to attend USU.

Doug took a break from college and served his country in the US Army. He was stationed in Korea where he was trained as both a radio operator and a dog handler. In his spare time, he earned a black belt in Tae Kwon Do

Doug returned to USU after his service in Korea where he met and began dating Carolynn Nordick. They were married and sealed for time and all eternity on September 15, 1966 in the Logan LDS temple.

After graduating from USU with a B.S. in electrical engineering, Doug & Carolynn moved to Las Vegas, NV. The family moved to Idaho Falls, ID in 1973 where they spent the remainder of their married life.

In 1999, Doug & Carolynn were in an automobile accident which resulted in her death. Not long afterwards, Doug was reacquainted with Cheryl (Alvey) Elliott whom he had dated prior to his military service.

Doug & Cheryl were married February 10, 2001 in Providence UT. They were sealed, for time & all eternity, one year later on February 15, 2002 in the Logan LDS temple. After their marriage, Doug moved to Smithfield, UT where he resided until his death.

Doug was a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints where he served as a Scoutmaster for 20 years. During those years, he sacrificed his vacation time every summer to take the boys to scout camp. He also took the boys on an overnight camp once a month throughout the year. He would often brag that he’d been snowed on every month of the year while camping with the scouts. Over the years, he helped many young men (including his 3 sons) to earn their Eagle Scout award. He was awarded the Silver Beaver for his many years of selfless service. Doug later served as a High Counselor, and Secretary in the High Priests Quorum.

Doug loved to tinker and could fix just about anything. If he didn’t know how to do something off hand, he would read about it and teach himself. His can-do attitude was passed on to all four of his children. Doug was generous with his knowledge and skills and would gladly give hands-on instruction to others in anything from tatting to archery to electrical wiring and car repair. He will be sorely missed.

Doug is survived by his wife, Cheryl (Alvey Elliott) Nielsen; children, Michael (Lara) Nielsen, Mark (Carla) Nielsen, Eric Nielsen and Jennifer (Cori) Bingham; step-children, Chuck (Dena) Elliott, Scott (Sherilyn) Elliott and SueAnne (Devon) Matthews; grandchildren, Amanda (Quentin Zilles) Bingham, Collin Nielsen, Andrew Bingham, Aidan (Tori) Nielsen, Mia Nielsen, Meghan Bingham, Tucker Bingham, Lillie Bingham, Leah Bingham, Mitchell Elliott, Megan (Nick) Mackay, Drake Elliott, Dylan Elliott, Jake (Marissa) Elliott, Brock Elliott, Jamie (Carter) Heslsop, Erica (Ricky) Alfonso, Blake Matthews, Kaden Matthews; great-grandchildren Jasper, Waylon, Sawyer, Elliott, Mila, and Scottie; and sisters LaRee (Doug) Hancock and Karen Ashliman.

He was preceded in death by his parents; his first wife, Carolynn; his brothers, Don and Verl Nielsen; and his sisters Valoy Housley and Elaine Riser.

Funeral Services will be 11 am on Monday, June 30 at the Smithfield 24th Ward Chapel, 451 South 250 East, Smithfield, UT.

Interment to follow at the Hyrum Cemetery