Teddy Lars Nielson, age 95, passed away on Saturday, June 14, 2014 in Delta, Utah. He was born August 13, 1918 in Oak City, Utah to Edgar and Twiss Roper Nielson. He married Jonel Henderson on January 3, 1950 in the Salt Lake LDS Temple.
Teddy attended elementary school in Oak City and high school in Delta, receiving an honorary diploma from Delta High School in November of 2013 at the age of 95. He was the first graduate to receive a diploma from the new Delta High School.
Teddy was drafted into the Army in 1941 and served in the last battalion of horse drawn artillery in Fort Ord, California. The Army horse drawn artillery battalions were mechanized which led him to Utah Beach. He fought through France, Belgium, and Germany into the Czech Republic. He battled through the Hurkin Forest, the Remagen Bridge, and Battle of the Bulge.
He returned home and met Jonel Henderson at the Oak City store. They married, moved to Delta, built a home and lived there for 61 years.
He has been active in the American Legion Post 135 in which he is a lifetime member. He never missed a parade, a Veteran's funeral , an assembly, or a Memorial Day program until at the age of 90, he was too weak to hold the flag up in the Delta wind. He also served as a Post Commander and as a District Commander in the American Legion. He is a lifetime member of the Veteran of Foreign Wars.
He is an active member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. His favorite church calling was working with the scouting program. His life was filled with service, dedication, and sacrifice. Thank you for the legacy you have left us. You are our hero. We love you.
He is survived by his loving wife: Jonel Henderson Nielson, Delta; daughter: JoAnn (Leo) Campbell, Delta; 5 grandchildren, 16 great-grandchildren; sister: Leila Lovell, Delta; and brother: Delynn Nielson, West Valley City. He was preceded in death by his parents; brothers: Ivan and Gordan; sisters: Lorna and Cleo; great-granddaughter: Addison JoAnn Woffinden.
Funeral services will be in held on Saturday, June 21, at 11:00 am at the Delta 3rd Ward LDS Chapel, 197 South 300 West, Delta. Viewings will be held on Friday evening, 7-8 pm, at the Nickle Mortuary, 190 South Center St, Delta; and Saturday prior to the service, 9:30-10:40 am. Burial will be in the Delta City Cemetery.