Colleen Nielson

Colleen Nielson
Richfield, Utah

Colleen Mickelsen Nielson, 91, passed away on November 8, 2021, in Richfield, Utah. Colleen was born in Redmond, Utah July 15, 1930, a daughter of Charles Arthur and Christy Mariah Breinholt Mickelsen. She was the 5th  of 6 children. Her sister is Merle Whitlock  of Midvale, Utah. Siblings: Marcella Hansen, Que Mickelsen, Derrald Mickelson and Veone Kelson are deceased.

Colleen grew up in Redmond where she attended elementary school. She graduated from North Sevier High School in Salina, Utah class of 1948. On April 10, 1950, she married Dorius J “Dode” Nielson in the Manti LDS Temple and moved to Richfield. The family grew to include four children:  Kurtley “Kurt” (Kathi) Nielson, Conroe, TX; Jan (Mike) Lindholm, Gilbert, AZ; Teresa Nielson (deceased in 1981) and Alan Nielson, Anchorage, AK. Dorius preceded her in death passing away July 18, 2002. Their posterity also includes eight grandchildren and eight great-grandchildren.

Colleen’s childhood coincided with the years of the Great Depression. As a result, Depression years were lean ones for her family; however, Colleen remembered a happy home with caring parents and close siblings. Colleen was born with ambition and a pair of working hands.  As a youth, she took on any job inside the home and later wherever employment was found. She cleaned houses, did field work, and worked as a store clerk. She picked the feathers from poultry at the turkey factory…a distasteful job that stood out in her mind for a lifetime. As an adult Colleen was employed as a telephone operator for Mountain Bell. At the time, the “O” was dialed for local emergencies. Colleen’s calm demeanor was an asset in routing many fire alarm and medical calls. With her operator experience the family no longer needed a telephone book as she had memorized many Richfield phone numbers. After 25 years automation retired Colleen from “Ma Bell”. She loved her job and many of her co-workers remained lifelong friends. Later, Colleen worked for Magleby Mortuary.

Colleen had a real talent for homemaking activities and loved to cook. Pleasant afternoons were spent around her kitchen table conversing with others, sharing some laughs and solving the world’s problems. On game day the Utah Jazz could count on her to cheer them on from her living room chair.

Colleen was a faithful member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and was active in the various Richfield wards in which she lived. Colleen will be remembered as a person of honest character. Her wisdom, listening ear, practical advice, and steady soul will be missed.

Funeral services will be held Monday, November 15, 2021 at 12:00 Noon in the Magleby Mortuary Chapel, where friends may call from 10:00 - 11:30 a.m.  Burial will be in the Richfield City Cemetery. Funeral Directors: Magleby Mortuary, Richfield, Salina and Manti. Online guestbook at www.maglebymortuary.com