Donald Nielsen

Donald Hal Nielsen, of Springville, UT, died unexpectedly December 24, 2022.

He joined the Mac and Diana Nielsen Family on May 28, 1984 in San Diego, California, over Memorial Day weekend. Named after his grandfathers, Donald (Twila) Davies and Hal (Glade) Nielsen, this tiny bundle of joy was quite small for such a large name, so he quickly became “Baby DH”. Life was never quiet in such a large family, and he quickly adapted to being “one of the boys”.

In Kindergarten, the teacher required him to write his “full name” to teach printing, alphabet and spelling, and it was then he became “Donald”. His early years found him in California, Utah, and Texas. Joining the family tradition, he was involved in Cub Scouts, and would later serve as Scoutmaster in the Elk Ridge, UT troop, wanting to help the young men find direction and inspiration.

In other service roles, he was simply “Nielsen”, particularly during his service in the US Army Cavalry Division, where he served from 2002 – 2004, earning several medals of honor during his tenure. Although he did not see combat, his experiences were kept very private, shared only with others who had also served and could relate.

He married and later had a daughter, Kaydee, where he gained the cherished name of “Papa”. He was pulled into her orbit and found every activity they could participate in together. His passions included: Tai Kwon Do with Kaydee as his favorite sparring partner, both earning the degree of Purple Belt; self-taught costume designer, sewing many of Kaydee’s Halloween costumes and cosplays; participating in team-cycling marathons; riding motorcycles together most Sundays; building epic sets of Legos, including the challenging Ultimate Millennial Falcon from Star Wars; and gaming online with friends and family across the country, who knew him as “Donnie”.

Furthering his education at Utah Valley University, “Hal” earned his Associate degree in Chemistry, and then his Bachelor’s degree in Chemical Engineering with an emphasis in Physics, where he stretched his knowledge under the tutelage of his Physics professor, late Dr. Steve Wasserbaech. Hal’s career included professions such as Technical Writer, Chemical Engineer, Applications and Product Manager, and he was instrumental in several SBIR awards. Hal was most recently expanding his research skills in the field of lens optics, filling multiple roles during challenging times.

Hal is survived by his “Sweetheart” daughter Kaydee, who he affectionately called his “Little Bear”. He is also survived by his cherished Australian Shepherd, Eva Lyn; father, Mac, and mother, Diana; brothers, Eddie (Ruthanne), Barry (Leslie), Aaron (Janis), Justin (Tina), Andy (Kim), Bobby Nielsen; and sister, Christine (Seth) Carwyn. He is also missed and loved by his nieces and nephews, aunts and uncles, friends, and extended family.

Services will be held at the Spring Creek Utah County Mortuary, 737 North Main Street, Springville, Utah, 48663, from 10:00 - 10:45 am for visitation, with services starting at 11:11. We welcome those who would like to take a moment to share their favorite memory during the service. There will also be a livestream of the service, and an audio link will be available on the Spring Creek Mortuary website afterward. Interment will follow the services at Springville Evergreen Cemetery, 1997 East 400 South, Springville, Utah, 48663.


To leave condolences, visit www.springcreekmortuary.com

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