R.K. Nielson

Roger Kent (RK) Nielson, husband, father of four, grandfather of 18, and great-grandfather of 7, passed away suddenly on October 16, 2025. 

RK was born in Richfield, Utah, on July 6, 1946, to Niels Franklin and Virginia Bone Nielson. He had one brother, William Scott, who was five years older. It was a very happy day when he finally got taller than Scott. He was very close to his parents and brother and enjoyed being with them.

RK was very tender and freely gave service, particularly in his later years. He attended Elsinore Elementary and was in the first class to attend Jr. High in Monroe because the Elsinore Jr. High was closed. He graduated from South Sevier High School, where he was active in FFA and some sports. He attended SUSC, now known as SUU, in Cedar City, Utah, where he graduated with a BS in Industrial Technology (automotive emphasis).

He married Christine Mathis in the St. George LDS Temple on July 8, 1966. He was inducted into the US Army in October 1966. He put his schooling to good use as he served in the 602 Maintenance Company at Ft Hood, Texas, as the motor pool sergeant for the entirety of his service time.

Upon release from the army in 1969, he was hired by Sevier School District as a bus barn assistant mechanic. With increased enrollment in the automotive program at Sevier Valley Tech (SVT), it was necessary to hire another teacher, and the position was offered to him. He spent 30 years teaching Automotive Technology to high school juniors and seniors. He thoroughly enjoyed the years he spent teaching and loved the associations he had with the students and faculty of the SVT. He also ran a small automotive repair shop, Nielson’s Auto, at his home.

When he retired, he became the farmhand and mechanic for his father-in-law and later his son. RK also served his ward family in many capacities, including Bishopric Member, Elders Quorum President, Young Men's President, Scout Master, primary teacher, activities committee, and spent 20 years as an Ordinance Worker in the Manti Temple.

He served the Monroe community for 17 years on the city council. He also served his beloved community as a member of the power and water board, Little League coach, EMT, and the American Legion. Above all, he served his family by building his own home. He was an excellent provider and supported his children and wife physically and emotionally through all of their endeavors. He had a big teddy bear heart with a bark that was never accompanied by a bite. He loved with all his heart, and that love was reciprocated by his family's love for him. He will be missed, but we can all take comfort in the knowledge of life beyond the veil and knowing he is with his parents, brother, and other family members, including his best friend, his grandson, Cannon Richard Nielson, who passed away one week prior. 

He is survived by his wife of 59 years, Christine, his 4 children and their spouses, Paige (Richard) Blackburn, April (Ken) Bingham, Christopher (Jodi) Nielson, and Richard (Lisa) Nielson, plus 18 grandchildren and 7 great-grandchildren.

A viewing will be held on Friday, October 17, 2025, from 6:00 to 8:00 pm at Magleby Mortuary in Richfield, Utah.

Graveside services will be held on Saturday, October 18, 2025, at 4:00 pm in the Monroe City Cemetery.

Funeral Directors are Magleby Mortuary, Richfield, Salina, and Manti
An online guestbook can be found on www.maglebymortuary.com