Robert Leon Nielson

1934 ~ 2018
Robert Leon Nielson, 83, passed away peacefully in his home from natural causes in Taylorsville, Utah on Saturday, February 10, 2018 surrounded by his loving family. He was the husband of Colleen Ostberg Nielson. Leon and Colleen were married on October 26, 1962 in the Salt Lake City Temple. They shared 55 years of marriage together.

Leon was born in Price, Utah on April 27, 1934. His parents were Harold Burdean & Verena A. Nielson. He was a lifelong, valiant member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. He enjoyed various roles in his church membership, found happiness in serving others, and loved to read the scriptures. He earned the Eagle Scout award in the Boy Scouts of America program and spent many years in Scout leadership roles. In his youth, he was a 2-time Utah State Golden Glove Champion. Some other favorite hobbies included watching football, camping, cooking, and fishing with his children and grandchildren. Leon will be remembered by his family and friends for his jolly personality and his natural storytelling abilities which we all loved.

Although he worked in many different industries throughout his life including mining, transportation, and security, the work he took the most pride in was his 31 years of service to the United States military. He spent nine years in active duty in the United States Air Force. He then spent 22 years in the Army National Guard and reached the rank of Staff Sergeant. He served in the Korean War and received the Republic of Korea Presidential Unit Citation and the Korean Service Medal. He received several other medals of honor during his service to his country including the Unit Commander Citation, Good Conduct Medal with three lapels, United Nations Service Medal, and the National Defense Service Medal.

He is survived by his wife Colleen Nielson; his two sisters Patricia Dean Campbell (Terry) and Faun Ann Bandeka (Daryl); his five children Teresa Ann (Clayton), Richard Burdean (Shellie), Jeffery Todd, Tina Marie, and Jayson Leon (Jorjet); his 16 grandchildren Kendra Lynn (Bradford), Jake Thomas (Erin), Brittney Michelle (Jay), Ty Robert (Allie), Justin Todd (Brooke), Demi Marie (Danny), Brock Burdean, Joshua Ryan, Madison Marie, Jordan Scott, Porter Thomas, Kaden Williams, Liv, Presley Marie, Zack Williams, and Cam Jay; and his six great-grandchildren John Frederick, Dezirae Marie, Hudson Robert, Charlotte Rose, Ruby Lynn, and Emerie Jane.

He was predeceased by his father Harold Burdean, his mother Verena A., and his two brothers Harold Clark and Clayton A. Nielson.

Funeral services will be held on Friday, February 16, 2018 at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints Stake Center at 4845 South Woodhaven Drive in Taylorsville, Utah. The family will receive visitors for a viewing from 10-10:45AM followed by the funeral service at 11AM. The funeral procession will depart from the church at 2PM. The graveside service and interment will be at the Utah Veterans Cemetery & Memorial Park at 17111 South Camp Williams Road in Bluffdale, Utah. Flowers can be sent to Affordable Funerals and Cremations, in care of Robert L. Nielson, at 5239 Greenpine Drive Murray, Utah 84123.