Mark Allen Nelson
October 16, 1949 – January 15, 2025
Mark Allen Nelson passed away peacefully on January 15, 2025 surrounded by his loving family. Born on October 16, 1949 in Vancouver, Washington to Clayton Emery Nelson and Jessie Louise Farmer. Mark's life was a testament to kindness, perseverance, and unwavering faith to his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.
At the age of four, Mark and his family moved to Salt Lake City, Utah where he spent his childhood. A proud graduate of Highland High School, he captained the wrestling team in the 106-pound weight class and earned his diploma in 1967. He served a mission for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints from 1968 to 1970 in the France East Mission, where he developed a life-long love for the French people, food, and language. He was proud of the moment when he volunteered as a French translator during the 2002 Winter Olympics in Salt Lake City.
Mark served his country honorably in the U.S. Army from 1970 to1976 and later enlisted in the Air National Guard, where he served from 1987 to 2005.
Mark graduated from the University of Utah with a degree in accounting and enjoyed a fulfilling career with H&R Block. During his retirement years he remained busy as a temple worker and an usher for Real Salt Lake soccer games. He was a devoted fan of the University of Utah and a season ticket holder for over 40 years. One of his favorite past times was watching these football games with his best friend, children, and grandchildren. Mark could recall sports stats with incredible accuracy and was always ready to cheer on his beloved Utes.
Mark married Jackie Ridge in 1975 with whom he had three children: Nathan, Stephanie, and Brandon. Mark later married Cynthia Wallace in 1986 with whom he had two more children: Kristen and Jonathan. He is survived by his wife (Cindy), brother (Norman), four of his children (Stephanie, Brandon, Kristen, and Jonathan), and 10 grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents (Clayton and Jessie) and his oldest son (Nathan).
Mark was a man of profound faith who loved the gospel of Jesus Christ. He lived a life of positivity, never criticized others, and rarely complained. He had an incredible memory for names and connections. His ability to recall people and their stories made him a friend to all. He was a man of strength and resilience as he battled pancreatitis, congestive heart failure, liver failure, and diabetes– all with a smile. He became affectionately referred to as "the man with 21 lives."
He found great joy working in the temple and being with family, especially spending time with his 10 grandkids. He was passionate about sports and food. Mark would do anything for a good meal, even if that meant driving an hour just to share one with family and then driving straight back home. His hobbies included fishing, golfing, and watching sports. He was always up for an adventure and wasn't one to sit around as he would rather be with people making memories.
Mark often joked about how his initials spelled "M.A.N." and he hoped that he would be remembered as a good man. Instead, we remember him for the GREAT M.A.N. that he was. We love you, our husband, father, brother, and friend. You are greatly missed and we long to see you again!
 

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