Stephen M. Nielson was born on February 13, 1943, in Salt Lake City, Utah, to Jon Marlowe Nielson and Mary Schindler Nielson. He was brought home from the hospital to a small apartment on Second Avenue.

Stephen was welcomed by his older sister, Marlene, and brother, David. Shortly thereafter, the family moved to a new home at 1120 Third Avenue, where, several years later, a baby sister, Susan, joined the family. It was a modest but happy home.

All of the children were born under the covenant in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, sealing them to their parents for time and all eternity.

Stephen's early years were much like those of many children growing up in the Avenues during that era. His playground included the nearby foothills, the Salt Lake City Cemetery, and the front yard and streets surrounding Third Avenue. He attended Wasatch Elementary School, Bryant Junior High School, and later graduated from East High School.

As a young man, Stephen answered the call to military service during the draft era. He volunteered to join the United States Army and served as a paratrooper in the Airborne Division. After fulfilling his service obligation of a year and a half, he was honorably discharged, having attained the rank of Sergeant (E-5).

Following his military service, Stephen worked in a variety of entry-level jobs. During that time, he developed valuable skills in carpentry and home construction, including electrical and plumbing work. Later, he found opportunities in the furniture business, both wholesale and retail. Stephen also became a highly capable handyman, able to repair and build almost anything. His final professional endeavor was self-employment, restoring and selling automobiles.

Stephen experienced many ups and downs throughout his life. One of his happiest moments was his marriage to Gail Carrington Jones on April 23, 1988. One of his greatest disappointments was that the marriage did not last. During that marriage, however, Stephen built a beautiful five-bedroom home in Decatur, Georgia. Serving as the general contractor, he personally completed much of the skilled work himself. He was truly at the top of his game.

When Stephen was at his best, which was much of his younger life, he was loving, kind, and empathetic.

One of the greatest challenges he faced was severe dyslexia, which created significant obstacles and limited many employment opportunities throughout his life.

Through thick and thin, the Jon Marlowe and Mary Nielson family remained devoted to one another. We love Stephen and pray for him. We are confident that he has found his way home to his mother, father, and Heavenly Father.

Stephen is survived by his siblings, Marlene Nielson Stanley, David Schindler Nielson, and Susan Nielson Williams.