Norman "Norm" Ivan Nelson

Norman “Norm” Nelson

Our loving husband, father, grandfather, great grandfather, and brother, Norman "Norm" Ivan Nelson, 84, passed away suddenly on Sunday, April 13, 2025 at his home of a heart attack.

He was born on October 1, 1940 in Redondo Beach, California, a son of Ivan and Laura Belle Bailey Nelson. He graduated from Box Elder High School 1958.

Following graduation he enlisted in the Utah National Guard and served for 2 years. He served in the United States Air Force and retired after serving for 20 years. He really enjoyed it because he got a bang out of his job!

After his service he went to work with Hill Air Force Base as a ground support technician, where he later retired.

He married the love of his life, Willetta Mae Reed on June 3, 1961. Their marriage was later solemnized in the Bern Switzerland Temple on March 19, 1966.

Norm was a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, he fulfilled many callings and missions.

He served with the Boy Scouts for over 50 years and received a Silver Beaver Award.

Norm served as the Golden Spike President for Box Elder County and served on the tourism board.

He was a State of Utah Commander for Veterans Foreign Wars, served as State Chaplain, Post Commander, and served thousands of hours providing military honors, Eagle Scouts, and numerous other programs. He also served in leadership for the American Legion and Disabled American Veterans.

Surviving is his wife, Willie Nelson; four children: Sherry Nelson; Jerry (Debbie) Nelson; Kathy Nelson; Len "Toad" (Kristy) Nelson; seven grandchildren and 11 great grandchildren. Also surviving are two sisters, Sheila Lassen and Colleen Sloan.

He was preceded in death by his parents, his grandson, Brendan Hall, one brother, Charles Nelson, sister-in-law, Kate Nelson, brother-in-law, Jerry Lassen, three nephews, Larry Sloan, Jason Nelson and Travis Nelson.

In lieu of flowers, the family requested donations to be made to the Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 1695, in care of Gillies Funeral Chapel, 634 E 200 S., Brigham City, Utah 84302.

Funeral services will be held on Saturday, April 19 2025 at 11:00 am at the Perry Stake Center, 685 W 2250 S., Perry, Utah and the viewings will be held on Friday, April 18, 2025 from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. and on Saturday from 9:30 to 10:30 am at the stake center. The services will be live streamed at www.gilliesmortuary.com.

Interment will be in the Brigham City Cemetery, where full military honors will be accorded by the Veterans of Box Elder County and throughout the state.

Entrusted to Gillies Funeral Chapel, Brigham City, Utah 435-723-5326.