Obituary for Joseph (Jody) Dale Nielsen II
Jody (Joseph Dale II) Nielsen was born on January 21, 1955 in Logan, Utah to J Dale Nielsen and Pat Olsen; number 4 of 6 children. He died on August 8, 2020 from complications due to cancer. He married Brenda Dawn Cook on March 17, 1979 in the Salt Lake Temple. Together they have 3 sons and 1 daughter.
Jody lived a calm, peaceful life focused around his faith and family. Like his father before him he was an avid athlete, particularly enjoying both basketball and softball. He was an excellent piano player and composed multiple songs by ear. Even though Jody was an inspirational writer he preferred to keep much of what he wrote to himself. He was always most comfortable outdoors in the Utah mountains. While family was his first love, his garden was a close second—a place of beauty for family to enjoy.
Jody worked for 35 years at United Parcel service. He learned the importance of hard work and the rewards of the values and standards set by this company. As he retired from UPS he took with him many treasured friendships with those he associated with. His drive to keep his life busy lead him to work for the Draper DMV where once again he made many lasting and valuable friendships.
He was a devoted husband to his wife and eternal companion, Brenda for 41 years leading up to his passing. They stood shoulder to shoulder through the joys and struggles of their lives including each of their individual diagnoses of cancer over the last 3 years. They held hands as he passed in the early hours of a beautiful Saturday morning.
He was a hero in the eyes of each of his children. He taught them the value of hard work, the divine serenity of nature, and the importance of unity within the family bond.
His grandchildren quickly won a special place in his heart. He especially loved watching them grow and seeing each of their unique talents and personalities flourish.
From a young age Jody developed a special bond with his siblings. He preferred the company of his brothers and sister over any fame or fortune. Their example together as a family became an influence for generations to follow.
Above all as a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints Jody had a profound and firm testimony of Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ. He cherished his time as a full-time missionary in the Germany, Dusseldorf mission. He served faithfully in all his callings and was a master teacher when called upon. He particularly enjoyed serving as a missionary beside his wife and friends on Temple Square in the last few years of his life.
The family would like to thank the many doctors and nurses at IMC Hospital and Intermountain Homecare and Hospice that dedicated their time, energy, and tender care in overseeing the needs for Jody as he was treated for a rare form of cancer. A very special thank you to Dr. Jonathan Whisenant, and his associates that helped to treat Jody and his fight with cancer, and Dr. Robert Hunter’s continuous, sincere care. They are true heroes.
Preceded in death by his parents, J Dale Nielsen and Pat Nielsen; brother, Steven Dale Nielsen; sister-in-law, Michelle Nielsen; niece, Danielle Hanson. Survived by his wife, Brenda Dawn Nielsen; his 4 children, David Ryan (Melissa), Joseph Dale III (Yajahaira); Heather Dawn Simpson (Jake); Trevor Christian; his 8 beloved grandkids: Keelia, Arianna, Taylar, Jayden(Joseph Dale IV), Teagan, Jaxen, August, and Aaron; and his 4 siblings, Mike (Carol), Patty (Cody), David, Jeff (Marcie);
In light of the pandemic a short graveside service will be held in his honor on Thursday, August 13, 2020 beginning at 11:00 a.m. at the Mountain View Memorial Estates, 3115 E. 7800 S. Social distancing is requested. Seating provided by the memorial will be limited to the immediate family, but you are allowed to bring your own chairs.
