Russel A. Nelson

Elsinore, Utah – Russel A. Nelson died peacefully in Springville, Utah, on Monday, March 8, 2021. He was born in North Dakota in 1933, the second of four children born to Vernon Levi and Bernice Arvilla Hunkins Nelson. He spent what he called “the best part of his childhood” in Colorado. When he was eight, his parents moved to Oregon. Russel graduated from Hillsboro Union High School in 1951. After high school, he attended Spokane Telegraph School and then worked for the Denver and Rio Grande Western Railroad in Colorado, thus his life-long love for trains. In Colorado 1952, he met and married Donna Elizabeth Hale. In 1953 Russel was drafted into the United States Army, where he served during the Korean Conflict and received the National Defense Service Medal and the Good Conduct Medal. Russel and his wife Donna raised their 14 children in Oregon. When Russel wasn’t working his full-time job as a Traffic Manager for NorPac Foods, he was working his land. He loved his tractors. He grew gardens and orchards, and his wife canned the produce. He raised farm animals, which provided milk, eggs, and meat for his large family. Russel was very frugal. He took great care in providing for his family, not only physically but also spiritually. While Russel himself did not affiliate with any specific religion, he ensured that his children and wife were able to attend their LDS meetings, seminary, and other activities, often driving quite a distance both ways, as his wife did not drive. Russel had a very artistic and creative mind. He carved totems and painted large murals for the Boy Scouts of America. While serving in the Army, he won an award for his safety poster design. During his frequent family trips to the Oregon beaches, he would create the most amazing sand sculptures and human figures. He also carved sculptures out of wood for his home. He built playhouses and such for his children. He was always growing his talents. Russel liked to hunt, especially with family. He had a great appreciation for the outdoors and beauty of nature and often took the family on local trips. Russel collected and loved Royal Canadian Mounted Police artwork. In Elsinore, Utah, he found joy in retirement and working around his home and yard. Older age did not stop him from building creative floats for the Elsinore city parades. He liked to read and learn about both old and new things. In his quiet times, he always had a western book nearby, especially Louis L’Amour and Zane Grey. Dad, you are greatly loved and missed! We are grateful for all you have done for us through the years. Our love accompanies you as you continue your journey forward. Russel is survived by 2 siblings, Barbara Kruger and Sterling Nelson (both of Oregon); 14 children: Amber Riddle (Texas); Robin Nelson (Utah); Wade Nelson (Oregon); James Nelson (Oregon), Yvonne Winn (Utah); John Nelson (North Carolina); Holly Juengling (Utah); June Standley (Utah); Linda Barsch (Utah); Sheila Ortiz (Utah); Jacob Nelson (Utah); Zachary Nelson (Utah); Anita Murdock (Florida); and Kerry Nelson (Utah); 62 grandchildren; 54 great-grandchildren and 1 great-great-grandchild. Russel is preceded in death by his wife Donna, his parents, and his brother, Douglas Nelson. Graveside services will be held on Saturday, March 20, 2021 at 12 Noon in the Elsinore Cemetery. Friends may call for viewing at the Springer Turner Funeral Home, 260 North 400 West in Richfield, Saturday morning from 10:00 to 11:30 prior to the services. Due to current COVID-19 mandate, all attendees are required to wear a mask and obey social distancing. Burial with military honors accorded by the Sevier Valley American Legion Post #37 and the Utah Honor Guard will be in the Elsinore Cemetery under the care of the Springer Turner Funeral Home of Richfield and Salina, Utah.