Obituary: Gordon L. Nielson

Gordon L. Nielson 11/13/1925 ~ 2/5/2007 Gordon Leon Nielson, 81, passed away Mon. February 5, 2007 in Leamington, UT. Born Nov. 13, 1925 in Leamington, second son of Spencer Jay and Bessie May Greathouse Nielson. Married Elaine Bradfield in 1948 in Manti LDS Temple. She died in 1952. Married Barbara B Erickson in 1953. They divorced. Graduated Delta High in 1944, served in Merchant Marine as radio operator, then attended U of U. Active in LDS church, serving in many ward capacities, including Sunday School President. Involved in community affairs. Served as Leamington town mayor, several terms on IHC Hospital board, local water boards, and instrumental in passing legislation to protect local environment. Progressive cattle rancher who developed and improved a productive herd of beef cattle. Operated efficient farming and pasture improvement program. Partnered and assisted by loyal son-in-law, Ladd Holman, for nearly 30 years. Enjoyed following children and grandchildren in high school activities. In later life, especially enjoyed renewed friendship with high school sweetheart, Jeneal Moody Petersen. Gordon was a loving father, grandfather and great-grandfather. Will be dearly missed. Survived by children: Vicki Palmer, Newbury Park, CA; Ellen (Frank) Batty, Annabella; Margo (Ladd) Holman, Leamington; Peggy (Carl) Bezanson, Evanston, WY; Thomas (Christine) Nielson, Salt Lake; Clark Nielson, Delta; 21 grandchildren, 11 great-grandchildren; brother: Richard Nielson. Preceded in death by infant daughter and son: Lyle Leon Nielson; grandson: Jared Bezanson; sister: Iris Leetham. Services: Mon. Feb. 12, 2007, 11 a.m., Leamington LDS Ward. Friends call Sun. at Nickle Mortuary, Delta, 7-8 p.m., and Mon. morning at church, 9:30-10:45 a.m. Burial Leamington Cemetery.