LAYTON -- Dr. Joseph Lynn Nielson, 61, died December 3, 1998, of complications stemming from a two year battle with esophageal cancer.

He was born May 12, 1937 in Logan, Utah, son of Byron Lafayette and Melba Nish Nielson. He was raised for most of his life in Hinckley, Utah, outside Delta. He attended Brigham Young University, served an honorable mission for the LDS Church to the Norht Central States and Canada, and graduated from the University of Utah. He married Nannette Claire Moore in 1963. He served as an officer in the United States Army in Germany. He received a Masters Degree from the University of Nevada, Las Vegas, and a PhD in Education Administration from the University of Utah.He was the first statewide director of Community Education for Utah, and spent most of his career developing programs for continuing education. He worked as an administrator in the Weber School District and as an administrator and instructor at Weber State College. He retired as an assistant to the dean of continuing education and a development officer at Utah State University. He also worked as an investment officer for Zion's Bank Corp. He served in the U.S. Army Reserve until his retirement as a Lieutenant Colonel.

An avid horseman, he helped to found and lead the Mutton Hollow Riders club, and was known for his gentle training of Arabian horses. He was an active member of the LDS Church and served faithfully in many callings, including bishopric counselor and High Priest Group Leader. He considered his greatest calling to be a devoted husband and father.

His close family members who will miss him include his wife, Nannette; children, Daniel (Jennifer) Nielson, Provo; Cynthia Nielson, Layton; Carrie (Wayne) Jones, Stansbury Park; Benjamin Nielson, Bountiful; and Andrew Nielson, Provo; brother, Ronald (Doris) Nielson, serving an LDS mission in Manchester, Britain; sister, Carolyn Neilson, Salt Lake City; seven grandchildren; nieces and nephews; and numerous friends and extended family. He was preceded in death by his mother and father.

He confronted the pain and suffering of cancer with great dignity and grace, providing a model in facing death, as he did in facing life, for his loved ones who hope to be worthy to join him in the eternities.

Funeral services will be held Saturday, December 5, 1998, at 2 p.m. at the Kaysville Utah Crestwood LDS Stake Center, 855 E. Mutton Hollow Road. Family and friends may attend the viewing Friday, December 4, 1998, from 6-8 p.m. at Lindquist's Kaysville Mortuary, 400 No. Main, and one hour prior to services at the stake center on Saturday. Interment will be in the Kaysville City Cemetery.

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