Amy Colleen Nielsen

Colleen Nielsen
Gunnison, Utah

Amy Colleen Curtis Nielsen, 85 yrs old, passed away on July 1, 2021 at the Gunnison Valley Hospital. Colleen was born to Joseph and Amy Durfey Curtis on September 1, 1935 in the Salina Hospital, Salina Utah. Her mother passed away when Colleen was 8 years old. Bessie Powell Nelson then came into her life as her second mom.

Colleen graduated from North Sevier High School.  She then married the love of her life, Don Lee Nielsen, on March 9, 1953 in the Manti Temple.  Upon completion of Don’s education at BYU,  they made their home in Gunnison, Utah where Don taught industrial arts at GVHS for 35 years. They quickly became vital members of the community.  You could always see Don and Colleen supporting every function in the community and school. Their family grew as they added daughter Marie, and sons, Brent and Kenneth.  She considered being a mom the greatest calling in life and cherished every moment of it.  Colleen leaves behind a tremendous legacy of 13 grandchildren, 31 great-grandchildren and a host of others she loved to call her own.
Many people remember her beautiful smile from behind the counter at Lund’s Drive-In.  She loved serving the community members every day and established some lifelong friendships with the young ladies with whom she worked.

Colleen’s faith never wavered and she had a deep love for the Gospel – especially serving the little children.  As a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, she served for 35 years in the Primary.  She also served on the compassionate service committee for 14 years.  She joined Don in serving as Young Single Adult advisors for seven years.  She and Don served as temple workers at the Manti Temple for three years.

Service is what Colleen is all about.  She loved the simple things in life.  She never wanted to travel further away than she could get home to her own bed each night.  Family is her passion.  She often told us “Heaven is being surrounded by my family”.  For that reason we are so excited for her reunion with her son, Brent and other loved ones who have gone on before her.

She is survived by her husband, Don, Gunnison; daughter Amy “Marie” (Hal) Nielson, St. George; son, Kenneth J (Michelle) Nielsen, Delta; daughter-in-law, Jaleen Nielsen, St. George. She is proceeded in death by her parents; son, Brent L Nielsen; and her older brother, Joseph Ivo Curtis.

On behalf of the family, we would like to express our sincere appreciation to Gunnison Hospice staff, Gunnison Valley Hospital staff and all those who have assisted in any way.  In addition we express sincere appreciation to a great collection of neighbors and friends who have always been there in support of Colleen and our family.  We love you all.

Graveside services and interment will be held Tuesday, July 6, 2021 at 11:00 a.m. in the Redmond City Cemetery where friends may call from 10-10:45 a.m. Funeral Directors: Magleby Mortuary, Richfield, Salina and Manti. Online guestbook at www.maglebymortuary.com

In lieu of flowers: Please consider making a donation to Primary Children’s Hospital.  Thank you so much.