Leon Nielsen

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Leon LeGrande Nielsen, age 69, of Roosevelt, passed away February 17, 2026, at his home after a courageous battle with ALS.

He was born December 30, 1956, in Roosevelt, Utah, to O. LaMar and Olive Young Nielsen. As a young man, he faithfully served a mission for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in the New Zealand Auckland Mission. He served with willingness and diligence, giving his whole heart to the people and the work, and that same spirit of dedication remained with him throughout his life. He married Lisa Nelson on June 19, 1980, in the Salt Lake Temple of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

Leon was a tireless worker. Over the years, he worked at Nielsen’s Furniture, Roosevelt Distribution, and Murray Motors before owning and operating Prairie Dog Services, a chemical toilet rental company he built and ran with pride. He cared deeply about the quality of his work and whatever he put his hands to he left better than he found it. Whether on the job, at home, in the yard, or helping someone in need, he believed in doing things the right way and seeing them through.

Leon loved horses and felt most at home outdoors. He spent countless hours in the mountains, hunting, fishing, camping, and horseback riding, embracing both the hard work and the quiet moments that came with that way of life. He enjoyed rodeos, especially roping, and on occasion even riding a bull, never backing down from a challenge.

Leon was truly a jack-of-all-trades. He could wire a house, finish a basement, upholster a couch, sew, make saddle bags, and fix just about anything that needed fixing. He had a gift for turning any moment into a good time. His laughter was contagious, and he always had a game going, whether it was kickball in the yard, a competitive card game around the table, or something entirely made up, often with his own creative twists that kept everyone on their toes.

An avid Scouter, Leon served in Scouting and worked with the youth in his ward for more than 30 years. He led countless boys on memorable pack trips into the mountains and invested deeply in the lives of the young people he served. While things didn’t always go exactly as planned, every boy came home safely, even if it wasn’t always certain until the final day.

Leon’s greatest joy was his family. He loved his children and grandchildren deeply and cherished every opportunity to spend time with them. He will be greatly missed and fondly remembered for his selfless service, steady strength, and joyful spirit.

Leon is survived by his wife of 45 years, Lisa, of Roosevelt; his children: Mike (Kristen) Nielsen of Roosevelt; Katie (Tyson) Frandsen of Springville; Derek (Sally) Nielsen of Vernal; and Colton (Jordyn) Nielsen of Roosevelt; 13 grandchildren; his siblings, Larry (Shelly) Nielsen and RaNae (Byron) Grant, both of Roosevelt; and numerous nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents and his two brothers, Floyd and Keith.

Funeral services will be held Tuesday, February 25, 2026, at 11:00 a.m. at the Roosevelt West Stake Center. A viewing will be held Monday from 6:00–8:00 p.m. at Hullinger Mortuary and again Tuesday from 9:30–10:45 a.m. at the church.

Following the service, he will be cremated.