Doug Nielsen

Watch live-stream of the Graveside service HERE

Douglas Eugene Nielsen, age 84, of Duchesne Utah, passed away at his home on Saturday, October 18, 2025
    Doug was born July 5, 1941, in Duchesne, Utah to Mark and Amy Potter Nielsen. He was raised in Duchesne and spent much of his youth in Indian Canyon, a place that would remain close to his heart. He graduated from Duchesne High School in 1961.
    On August 25, 1963 Dad married the love of his life, Yordis Brunsvik. Together they raised 5 children in Duchesne, building a life grounded in hard work, love, and deep roots in the community.
    In 1965 at age 23 he was hired by C.R. England Trucking, the youngest driver they had hired at the time. He drove coast to coast, and traveled every state, except Alaska and Hawaii. In 1969 dad hired on hauling cattle for Zane Christensen, which he thoroughly enjoyed. His passion led him to purchase his own trucks, becoming a trusted hauler for many local ranchers. Known for delivering cattle safely and reliably, he quickly became the preferred driver in the region. Later dad sold his trucks to be closer to home, and went to work for Skewes and Hamilton Construction. Dad eventually went to work for Duchesne County Road Department, his work ethic and leadership earned him the position of Road Department Supervisor, a position he held with pride until his retirement in 2004. In retirement, dad was able to spend all of his time on his ranch in Indian Canyon. Ranching wasn’t just work for dad, it was a way of life. Though his health sometimes challenged him, dad never let that slow him down. His determination and grit defined him to the end.
    Dad enjoyed watching a Jazz game, his shiny red Ford pickups, his Peterbilts, a good horse, Hereford cattle, a nice Stetson hat and Tony Lama boots. Dad also enjoyed shed hunting-one morning dad found a big antler on the front lawn of his cabin. There was a fresh snow that morning, so he tracked the elk up the draw behind the cabin for hours looking for the antler with no luck. Later that day dad found the antler in the haystack about 100 yards from the front lawn. He said, “If I would have just done my chores first, I wouldn’t have wasted half my day!”
    Dad was known to be rough around the edges, but he could also be a softy. That truly showed in the way he cared for our mother the last few years as she struggled with dementia. After mom’s passing dad’s heart was broken, but not for long, he followed his sweetheart just five short weeks later.
    Dad was a cowboy-the real kind. His fences were always straight, his posts were sturdy, and his cows were always fat. We love you, Dad!
    

    He is survived by his five children, Lisa Majors, Debbie Nielsen, Todd Nielsen, Mark (Teresa) Nielsen, Jennifer (Justin) Parker. 17 grandchildren, 7 great grandchildren, his sisters, Joyce Cottam, Barbara Barnett, Laurie Lee
    He is preceded in death by his wife; Yordis, his parents, Mark and Amy Nielsen, sister, Leneta Walk, brothers, Clay Nielsen, Kent Nielsen, Mark Nielsen, Robert Nielsen, and his son-in-law, Brandon Robinson
    Graveside services will be held on Friday, October 24, 2025 at 12:00 PM at the Duchesne City Cemetery.