Dale W Nelson

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    Dale W Nelson, age 89, passed away November 2, 2023 at the Uintah Basin Medical Center.
    Dale was born July 21, 1934, in Roosevelt, Utah, to Henry LeRoy and Enid Francis Weeks Nelson.  He married Dona Rae Hall on May 1, 1953.  Dona Rae passed away on April 15, 2021.  They were married for 67 years and raised 6 children together. The way he loved Grandma Rae was one of the things his grandkids adored about him most. 
    Dale, commonly known as “Red” by friends, owned a cattle ranch and worked for Mountain Bell phone company repairing lines, installing switch boards, and changing party lines over to the new private lines of the time. He regularly traveled through Strawberry and over Indian Canyon by horse, sometimes in the snow, to repair phone lines. He won telephone pole climbing competitions and still claimed he could beat anybody, even in his old age. He loved nature, hunting, fishing, sports, and building things, and he could fix almost anything.  He was a good cook, always had a big garden, and would help with the canning. He loved animals, especially his cattle. His biggest concern when he was in the hospital was that his cat would be lonely.
    It seemed that he knew everyone, could talk to anyone, and could make friends easily. He was quick witted and had a good sense of humor. These skills made him a good missionary when he and Dona Rae served as missionaries for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints in Silverton, Oregon and then at the Bishop’s Storehouse. They also loved serving as ordinance workers in the Vernal Temple and in various callings in the church. Dale also served in the community supporting the Cattleman’s Association and as the director of the Dry Gulch Irrigation Company. 
    Dale was always concerned for those in need. He made sure people had food, donated to charities, and went out of his way to help without anyone knowing. He often took in family members and friends in need. He loved America and was concerned for its Veterans and was proud of those who served. 
    Dale’s descendants number 159 with at least 2 more currently on the way. Being Grandpa was what he did best. He was very proud of all his grandkids. He loved to tease and spoil them, always bringing them home animal cracker boxes, ice cream, or other treats when they came to visit and giving them funny nicknames. His great grandson recently expressed the feelings of all when he explained that he was the best grandpa ever. He presently has 5 great grandchildren serving as LDS missionaries and took great joy in following their adventures.  None of us would be surprised if he wasn’t out there now still cheering them on! 
    The most important thing to Dale was the Gospel of Jesus Christ. He had a solid testimony of our Savior and Lord, Jesus Christ, and he sacrificed much to follow Him. He often spoke of the importance of following the prophet. He knew, without a doubt, to the day he left this earth, that the Gospel was true.    Dale is survived by his children, Annette (Nile) Mathisen, of Ballard, Utah; Paula (Asa) Laws, Santa Fe, New Mexico; Jodie (Dan) Crozier; Peggy Lemon, both of Ioka; Terry (DeAnn) Nelson, Roosevelt; and Anthon (Becky) Nelson, of Evanston, Wyoming; 28 grandchildren; 73 great-grandchildren ; 3 great-great-grandchildren with more on the way; sisters, Sally Sweat, Salt Lake City; Maxine (Jack) Green, Roy; and numerous nieces and nephews.
    He was preceded in death by his wife, Dona Rae; son-in-law, David Lemon; brother, Wade Nelson; sister-in-law, Bernice; brother-in-law, Wayne Sweat; granddaughter-in-law, Brianna Nelson, grandson-in-law, Jared Anderson.
    Funeral services will be held on Wednesday, November 8, 2023, at 11:00 a.m. at the Ballard Chapel.  There will be a viewing on Tuesday from 6-8 p.m. at the Hullinger Mortuary and from 10-10:45 a.m. Wednesday at the church.
    The burial will be in the Roosevelt Memorial Park.