Brent L. Nielsen

Brent Nielsen

Richfield, Utah

Our selfless, loving, Christ-like hero, Brent L. Nielsen, 55, was unexpectedly called back to his heavenly home on Monday, May 12, 2014 in Richfield. He must have made a bargain with Heavenly Father to allow him to be on the earth long enough to see each of his four children sealed in the temple. That dream was fulfilled just recently on Friday, May 9 , 2014 as he and his family attended the St. George Temple to witness the sealing of his son. His actions and deeds showed that he loved and cherished his family more than anything in the world. Becoming a father gave him purpose, but becoming a grandpa was pure joy!

You’d never meet a more kind-hearted, genuine individual. Brent always had a smile on his face and a joke to tell. He freely gave selfless service and never expected anything in return. He acknowledged everyone he came in contact with and made you feel like the most important person in the world.

Brent loved the mountains and spent countless hours enjoying time in the great outdoors with one of his greatest heroes, his dad, and many other countless family members and friends. He has hunting and fishing stories about every mountain and canyon in this area. He lived for family camping trips and was always designated to be the camp cook.

Brent was a prominent figure in this community and a dedicated educator who was devoted to teaching and inspired every one of his students. He truly loved each and every one of them. He wasn’t afraid to roll up his sleeves and go to work. You’d find him always giving 110%. He recently was appointed the president over the SEA Credit Union and loved those he associated with.

Brent was born on August 31, 1958 in Gunnison to two of the most loving and adoring parents, Don and Amy Colleen Curtis Nielsen. He grew up in Gunnison, Utah. He looked up to his older sister, Marie, and protected his younger brother Kenneth. He was an active little boy and was always on the go. This energy and zest for life continued with him as he grew.

Brent was also such a natural athlete. He excelled in every sport he played, including wrestling, basketball, and baseball.

Brent served an honorable two year mission for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Calgary, Canada. He kept amazing journals of his mission life, which later inspired his son, Trenton, to serve a mission as well. Brent attended Southern Utah University and graduated with a Bachelor’s Degree in Industrial Arts. He later attended Utah State University to obtain his Master’s Degree.

While attending SUU in Cedar City, Brent met his eternal companion, Jaleen Shurtz. When he saw her, he said, "It was love at first sight." They were married on June 11, 1982 in the St. George Utah Temple for time and all eternity. Their marriage of 31 years has been filled with happiness beyond measure.

Brent was a devoted husband and father, a faithful member of the LDS Church, and a true friend to all. His kind and genuine love for others always drew people to him. We will always cherish the memories made with our son, brother, husband, father, uncle, and grandpa. We know without a doubt he will always be close by and forever be our guardian angel. This isn’t goodbye, just until we meet again!

Brent leaves behind his beautiful wife, Jaleen, of Richfield; and their children: Chelsea Kae (Cade) Penney, Richfield; Keisha (Chase) Rowley, Ephraim; Trenton Don (McKenzie) Nielsen, Cedar City; Kenzie Lee (Jerry) Thomas, Richfield; his sweet grandchildren: Brecken, Braylee, Bridger and Ryker, who all adore him and will miss him tremendously; his parents: Don and Colleen Nielsen, Gunnison; brother: Ken (Michelle) Nielsen, Delta; sister: Marie (Hal) Nielson, Washington; and many aunts, uncles, brothers and sisters-in-law, nieces, nephews, and cousins.

He is preceded in death by his parents-in-law, Hal R. and Geneal Peterson Shurtz ; grandparents: J. Leland and Callie Algie Frandsen Nielsen, Joseph Wilmer and Amy Durfee Curtis; step-grandmother, Bessie Powell Nelson Curtis; uncle, Ivo Curtis.

He will be dearly missed by his family, many neighbors, students, and friends.

Funeral services will be held Saturday, May 17, 2014 at 12:00 Noon in the Richfield Tabernacle, 200 West Center. Friends may call Friday from 6-8 p.m. at the Magleby Mortuary, Richfield and Saturday at the mortuary from 10:00 - 11:30 a.m. Burial will be in the Richfield City Cemetery. Funeral Directors: Magleby Mortuary, Richfield, Salina and Manti.