William Mark Nielson

William “Mark” Nielson 

October 31, 2024

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of our beloved husband, father and grandfather William “Mark” Nielson, who peacefully left this earthly world surrounded by his family on October 31, 2024 at the age of 70. 

Mark was born on December 17, 1953 in Provo, Utah to Harlan and Beryl Nielson of Lyndell, Utah. He was the 5th child of 9 children. He moved around throughout his early childhood until the age of 10 when they settled in Orem, Utah. He attended Orem High School class of 1972, while there he achieved multiple awards including multiple track and field awards and held a record for many years after he graduated. He then joined the Marine Corps shortly thereafter and served proudly for 4 years. He was awarded the Good Conduct Medal, National Defense Medal and a Rifle Sharpshooter Medal. 

He married his sweetheart Sandra Evans on July 21, 1973 and later solemnized in the Salt Lake City Temple on August 3rd 1985. They had 3 children, 11 grandchildren, and 9 great grandchildren. 

Mark worked at Geneva Steel starting in 1978 and worked there until they closed in 2002. He then worked in the construction field until his retirement from Staker Parson in 2021. 

He was an avid outdoorsman and could often be found camping with his family throughout the summers, hunting, fishing and gold panning were his passions. He enjoyed riding in his side by side with many great friends and family. He and his wife would often take off and ride over Timpanogos into Midway to have lunch. He was affectionately known to most as “The Cowboy or Grizz”.

He loved his grandkids and great grandkids more than anything and you would often hear him singing “I’ve Been Working On The Railroad”, “Old McDonald Had A Farm”, or “She’ll Be Coming Around The Mountain When She Comes” to them. His famous saying to all of them was “Who loves ya baby? Say gampa, gampa, gampa” and he would always share the love with his kids and older grandkids. 

He was a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints and held numerous callings in ward and stake settings. He was involved in the scouting program, Young Men’s program as a secretary and elders quorum 2nd counselor and participated in the Stake Young Women’s 4th year hike for 13 years.

He is preceded in death by his Father and Mother (Harlan and Beryl Nielson) Orem, UT, his brothers (Mike Nielson SR.) of Salem, UT (Harlan Nielson) of Aurora, Utah and (Robert Nielson) of Orem, Utah. 

He is survived by his loving wife Sandra Nielson of American Fork, UT (Shane) and Jennifer Nielson of Wallsburg, UT, (Cody) and Kari Nielson of Jourdanton, TX, Brannigan and (Adri) Hunter of American Fork, UT. 11 grandkids and 9 great grandkids. 

Funeral Services will be as follows. Viewing will be held on Monday November, 4th from 6:00-8:00pm at the 4th ward church building located at 455 East 300 North American Fork, Utah 84003. Funeral services will be held November 5, 2024 at the same location with a viewing from 9:45-10:45am with funeral at 11:00am located at 455 East 300 North American Fork, Utah 84003. Interment with Military Honors will follow at the American Fork City Cemetery located at 600 North Center Street American Fork, UT 84003.