Franklin Ole Nielsen

On Sunday, September 6, 2015, a valiant and honorable man passed from this life into the next.  Franklin Ole Nielsen was born at a home on April 16, 1933 in Lehi, Arizona to William Ole and Gwendolyn Tiffany Nielsen.  He spent his early years on the Nielsen Family Ranch in Richville and in St. Johns, Arizona where he attended both elementary and secondary school.  He served as editor of the yearbook and student body president before graduating in 1951.

Franklin attended the University of Arizona, Tucson before serving a three-year mission in Denmark for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.  Upon his honorable return in 1956, he enrolled at Brigham Young University, graduating in 1959 with a BS in accounting and a minor in chemistry.  An avid learner, he took classes at BYU throughout his life.

But the best thing that happened to him at BYU was meeting his eternal sweetheart, Marilyn Smith, at a young adult dance.  Their love blossomed and on June 20, 1957, they were married in the Mesa, Arizona Temple.  Five children were born into this eternal family:  Duane Ole (Rillene), Gary Emmett (Sandy), Linda, Susan Maughan (David), and John Franklin (Teresa).  Further blessings followed; Frank and Marilyn have 21 grandchildren and 16 great grandchildren.

Frank and Marilyn raised their family on a small farm in Mapleton, Utah.  Here he taught his children the value of hard work and a job well done.  He loved caring for his yard and gardens.  His family will tell you that his idea of a great vacation would be staying home, enjoying his yard, and being with family.

Franklin worked as a business manager and accountant at Brigham Young University from 1957 until his retirement in 1995.   Friends and family often saw him striding purposefully across campus, head down and intent on accomplishing whatever goal he had for the day.  Only the fastest of walkers could catch Frank on one of these treks.

Franklin served in many church positions during his lifetime.  His talents for accurate record keeping were put to good use as he served in various clerk positions in both his ward and stake.  Later, he utilized these same talents working in the Mapleton Family History Center, and as he and Marilyn served as Family History Missionaries.  Family History was the second love of his life—his family being the first.  He was a member of the Sons of the Utah Pioneers, and made sure his sons and grandsons were also members.

Franklin endured many health issues in his later life.  Through it all, he was a stellar example of patient resolution to bear all things the Lord saw fit to put upon him.  He passed away due to complications after a fall, surrounded by his family who sang him home to his Heavenly Father.  Frank loved to hear his family sing!

He is survived by his wife and children, brothers L. Gerald Nielsen of Orem, W. Oliver Nielsen of Springville, sister Zilpha Gardener of Gilbert, AZ and step-sister Earlene Lunt of Pleasant Grove.  He is preceded in death by his parents, his step-mother Olivia Mortensen Nielsen, his brothers Wilber F. and Ronald A.  Nielsen, and his sister Gwendolyn Elaine Turner.

While his absence is keenly felt, those who love and miss him know he fought a good fight; he finished his course and kept the faith.  He treasured his family, both those that came before and those who remain behind.  We treasure our memories and feel blessed to call him sweetheart, father, grandfather, brother, uncle and friend.

Funeral Services to be held on: Saturday, September 12, 2015, 11:00 a.m., South Main LDS Church-1316 S Main St. Mapleton, Utah  84664

Viewing: Friday September 11, 2015 6-8 p.m. at Wheeler Mortuary, 82 W 400 N Mapleton, Utah  84664

Viewing: Saturday (prior to funeral services) at the South Main LDS Church 9:30-10:45 a.m., Mapleton, Utah 84664

Interment: Following Services at Mapleton Cemetery, 620 West Maple Street, Mapleton, Utah  84664