Allen Neilson

Smithfield – Edward Allen Neilson, 79, died Tuesday, March 17, 2009 at his home in Smithfield. He was born April 2, 1929 in Millville, Utah, the son of Martin Edward and Anna Marie Monson Neilson. He was raised in Millville learning at a young age the value of hard work and had many fond memories of growing up in Millville with his older sister and two younger brothers, as well as other extended family members. He attended the local schools in Millville and Hyrum and was then drafted in the U.S. Army in 1950. He served in the Army for two years. He met Gloria Jean Sheen of Smithfield and they were married for time and all eternity in the Logan LDS temple on September 28, 1951. They made their home in Smithfield and have been married for over 57 years. Allen had a 35 year association with Stettler and Sons Construction Company of Logan. During this time period, he served as the construction foreman on many building projects in Northern Utah. Much of his fine workmanship can be found in many LDS Church buildings, as well as schools and buildings on the campus of Utah State University. He also worked for 12 years for the Ritewood Egg Company of Franklin and helped in the construction of many of their building projects and their new egg production facility in Lewiston. Allen was a master craftsman and we will always appreciate his fine workmanship and attention to detail in all of his projects. He would always raise a large garden from which he would share the produce with family, friends and neighbors. He had a great interest in rock hounding and belonged to the Cache Geological and Archeological Society and has made many fine pieces of jewelry and other objects from rocks and gemstones. He had a great love of automobiles and enjoyed restoring a 1981 El Camino during his retirement years. His greatest love was his six grandchildren and he enjoyed attending their various activities from football games, concerts, dance reviews and school programs. They were his greatest joy. Allen was an active member of the LDS Church and was currently a High Priest in the Smithfield 14th Ward. He generously supported those serving missions and was always there to help those in the ward with any type of service. He is survived by his wife, Jean, Smithfield; two sons, Michael Allen Neilson, Smithfield; Craig Jay Neilson Mary Ann, Smithfield; daughter-in-law, Vicki N. Anderson Ron, Snowville; six grandchildren: Andrew Craig, Jesse Dennis, Marisa Ann, Tyler H., Cody Allen and Ashley Rose. He is also survived by one sister, Ellen Marie Boles Wayne Weiser, Idaho; two brothers, Arnold Pamela, Smithfield; Melvin, Brigham City; two brothers-in-law, Jerry Sheen Marsha, Roy; and Larry Sheen Phyllis, Wellsville. He was preceded in death by his parents, an infant brother and sister, and by his youngest son, Dennis Kay Neilson; he was also preceded in death by his father and mother-in-law and by two sisters-in-law and a brother-in-law. We as a family would like to thank Dr. Vincent L. Hansen and his medical staff at McKay Dee Hospital in Ogden and Dr. Steven S. Salisbury and his medical staff at Logan Regional Hospital for their skill and caring for our husband, father and grandfather. Through their skill and service we were able to enjoy an additional 16 years with Allen after his diagnosis of chronic lymphocytic leukemia. We will always be grateful for their help and kindness. We would also like to thank those at Logan Valley Nursing and Rehabilitation for their kindness during his stay this winter. A special thanks also to those at Primrose Home Care and Community Nursing Services for their help in Allen's final days. Funeral services will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Saturday March 21, 2009 at the Smithfield 14th Ward Chapel, 451 South 250 East. Friends and family may call from 6 to 8 p.m. on Friday evening at Nelson Funeral Home, 85 South Main, Smithfield and Saturday at the church from 12:30 to 1:30 p.m. prior to services. Interment will be in the family plot of the Smithfield City Cemetery. Condolences may be extended to the family online at www.nelsonfuneralhome.com . Missing You
The moment you left us, our hearts split in two; one side was filled with memories; the other died with you. We often lay awake at night when the world is fast asleep; and take a walk down memory lane with tears upon our cheeks. Remembering you is easy, we do it everyday; but missing you is a heartache that never goes away. We hold you tightly within our hearts and there you will remain; you see, life has gone on without you and will never be the same.
Love forever,
Your Family