Fred G Nelson

Fred G Nelson (76) was born May 19, 1948 in Champaign-Urbana, Illinois. He was raised in Provo, Utah. He graduated Brigham Young University (BYU) in political science, did an internship in Washington DC, served a mission to the French mission for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, went to law school at the University of Utah, served a 3-year commitment with the Army at the Pentagon, and earned an LLM degree at George Washington University before accepting a position in the Utah Attorney General’s office. He married his love Rella Stephenson on July 28, 1972 and together they raised 6 children in Centerville, Utah. He retired in 2010 to serve a service mission for the church before serving a mission with Rella in the Republic of Congo Brazzaville. He was recently serving as an assistant recorder at the Bountiful temple and an institute teacher at the Utah Department of Corrections. He passed away May 18th after a short battle with aggressive liver cancer.

Fred valued religion. He followed Christ’s example and served and loved everyone around him. His testimony was built by acting in faith. He knew and loved the scriptures.

Fred valued family. He taught, worried about, helped, and loved each one personally. He created many well-loved traditions: Valentine pranks on the porch, 4th of July water fights and fabulously frugal fireworks, 24th of July pioneer parties, Thanksgiving flag football games, and a beloved Christmas nativity and service project.

Fred valued education. He found joy in lifelong learning. Some of his interests were his own and some were interests of those he loved, including birds, fly fishing, RC planes, politics, and computers.

Fred valued hard work.

Fred always did what he said he would.

Fred lived every minute with purpose. He didn’t waste time. He carefully made good decisions.

Fred loved the outdoors. He loved to fish and hike with his family. He loved to garden – providing food to his family, neighbors and friends.

The highest compliment Fred gave was “You do good work.” In response, we now say to him “You did good work. Until we meet again, you will be dearly missed.”

Survived by his good wife Rella Nelson, six children Mardi (Scott) Weber, Vari (James) Durrant, Shauni (Brandon) Stewart, Keri (Eric) Jacobsmeyer, Curtis (Terra) Nelson, Todd (Kami) Nelson, twenty-eight grandchildren, siblings Ray (Pamela) Nelson, Ellen (Steve) Huff, and Ann (Tony) Jepson.

Preceded in death by his parents Glen Thurston and Marjorie Bateman Nelson, and son-in-law Brandon Stewart.

A viewing will be held Friday May 23, 2025 6:00-8:00 p.m. at Russon Mortuary 295 N. Main Street, Bountiful, Utah. Funeral services will take place at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday May 24, 2025, at the Centerville North Stake Center, 1461 N Main Street, Centerville, Utah, with a viewing from 9:30-10:30 a.m. prior to the services. Services will be broadcast at https://zoom.us/j/92900762101

Interment will follow at the Centerville City Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, consider donating to the BYU Simmons Center for Cancer Research: https://sccr.byu.edu/donate