Lanny Gordon Nelson

Lanny Gordon Nelson unexpectedly suffered a cardiac arrest while cutting tree limbs in front of his home on Friday, September 5, 2025. Life-saving efforts were given to him by several individuals including: his 10-year-old son, neighbor, and first responders which were able to stabilize him before he was rushed to the hospital. After several days of waiting for his condition to improve, Lanny unfortunately left this life on Tuesday, September 9, 2025, at the age of 63.

Lanny was born November 20, 1961, in Brigham City, Utah. He was the youngest of 3 children born to Louise and Russell Nelson. Lanny was a hardworking individual which was instilled in him at an early age working on a church-owned dairy farm with his father and other siblings located in Ogden, Utah. He got up early before attending school to help his father milk cows each morning, an experience he enjoyed immensely. He often spoke highly of his father, and embodied many of his characteristics including his large physical size, but also a distinct, relatable level of kindness that many who knew him were able to experience over the course of his life.

Lanny attended Bonneville High School from which he graduated in 1980. He was involved in several sports while in high school including track and field, as well as football. Lanny often described himself as being extremely shy during this time, but was well known and liked by his peers for being a 'gentle giant' and always sticking up for the little guy. He received the nickname "Chewie" because of a certain resemblance to a Star Wars character. After high school, Lanny attended Utah State University to play football at the collegiate level. His position was nose tackle and played during the 1981 to 1983 seasons. Lanny's claim to fame during his football career is that he gave Steve Young a concussion when they played against BYU in 1983.

Lanny spent the bulk of his working life with two organizations: Swire Coca-Cola as a salesman, and Sam's Club as a part of their overnight crew. He spent roughly twenty years working full-time between both organizations, often getting only 2-hours of sleep between shifts during the week. He formed many wonderful relationships while working these jobs and was often the first person to say hello to anyone he recognized outside of work. Lanny was able to reach retirement and enjoy the fruits of his labor by getting himself a truck, camping trailer, and ATV's which he was able to enjoy with his family and close friends. Lanny loved talking to people and continuously gave back to his community through his church callings as well as his many years of portraying Santa Claus each year around Christmas time.

Lanny went on to marry the love of his life, Julie Torkelson, on June 17, 2006. At the time, each had already had children from previous marriages. After they were married, they lived together in their home located in Woods Cross with Julie's children. Lanny and Julie enjoyed 8 years of marriage together, before they became parents once again to their youngest son, Gunner, at the ages of 53 and 46. While there was some initial fear and anxiety about Gunner's arrival, he has been nothing but a joy and a blessing to his parents and other siblings. Lanny often enjoyed spending time with his son, accompanying him to his soccer games, school field trips, and other activities.

Lanny is survived by his wife, Julie Nelson, and son, Gunner Nelson. He also leaves behind his children, Brooke Butler, Carley Arquette, and Brady Nelson. He is also survived by Julie's children: Lauren Howard, Greyson Howard, and Alicia Howard. Lanny also has 7 grandchildren: Brady Nelson Jr., Berlynn Nelson, Bentley Butler, McKinley Butler, Emery Arquette, Deacon Arquette, and Maci Arquette. His siblings are Kirt Nelson and Wendy Wilson.

A viewing will be held from 5:00-8:00 p.m. on Sunday, September 14, 2025, at Russon Mortuary, 295 N. Main Street, Bountiful, Utah. Flowers may be sent to this address prior to 3:00 p.m. on Sunday. Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m. Monday, September 15, 2025, at the Woods Cross North Stake Center, 1509 West 1500 South, Woods Cross, Utah, with a viewing held from 9:45-10:45 a.m. at the church prior to services. Lanny will be buried at the Bountiful City Cemetery.