John Nelson

“Grandpa Johnny”
John Rollin Nelson passed away peacefully on a beautiful winter morning on January 22, 2015 in Grantsville, Utah. He was reunited with Bernadine, the love of his life. Johnny was born to Rollin and Amanda Nelson on September 5, 1926 in Tooele, Utah. He married his high school sweetheart, Bernadine, in the Salt Lake Temple on April 11, 1947. He spent his entire life in his beloved Grantsville where he and Bernadine reared their seven children. Johnny loved the Grantsville Cowboys. He was a fixture at GHS ballgames and tennis matches. He loved supporting his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren in all of their sporting events and other activities. Johnny had a long and fulfilling life. Dad was an amazing athlete. He excelled in football, basketball and tennis. He was a charter member of the Grantsville High School Hall of Fame. His nickname was “Lightening Johnny Nelson”. He was an All-State Football player and played for Ike Armstrong at the University of Utah. He was a true Ute! Johnny lived a life of service. He was always mindful of the elderly. He also loved working with the youth of the community. Dad was instrumental in the growth of the youth tennis program in Grantsville. He spent many hours on the tennis court teaching and instructing. He also started the Grantsville Bantam Basketball program. He was known throughout the community simply as “Grandpa Johnny." Johnny was proud of his service to his country as a soldier in the Army during World War II. He later worked for 40 years at the Tooele Army Depot. He was a life-long member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and especially enjoyed his 16 years of service, with his wife Bernadine, in the Jordan River Temple. Most of all, Johnny loved his family. He was proud of each one of them. He taught his children and grandchildren the value of hard work, being dependable, and being kind. He was a wonderful husband, father and grandfather. Johnny is survived by his seven children, Don Wayne (Laurie) Nelson, Elaine (Ted) Feinauer, Karma Dale, Jack (Holly) Nelson, Kenneth (LuAnn) Nelson, Bevany (Mark) Killpack and Janet Paulich; siblings Betty Ogden and Corinne (Earl) Wunderli. Also, 27 grandchildren and 46 great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his wife Bernadine, brothers Russell and Wayne Nelson, granddaughter April Nelson and Great granddaughter, Jaylyn Nelson. Funeral Services will be held Thursday, January 29, 2015 at 11:00 a.m. at the Grantsville Utah West Stake Center at 115 E. Cherry Street. Friends and family may call at the Grantsville West Stake Center on Wednesday, January 28th from 6-8 p.m., and on January 29th from 9:00-10:30 a.m.. The family would like to thank all those who live and work at Diamond Jane’s Assisted Living in Grantsville, for your love and kindness to our father. Also, thanks to all the friends, neighbors and family members who have been so kind. Johnny will be remembered for his fun-loving personality, un-stoppable humor and quick wit. He was a man of great integrity, who honored his priesthood. Dad, we will miss you and love you always.