Rocky Kent Nielsen

Our beloved husband, father, grandfather, brother, and friend, Rocky Kent Nielsen, 71, of Brigham City, Utah, passed away unexpectedly on May 17, 2025, at Ogden Regional Hospital.

Rocky was born on February 22, 1954, in Nampa, Idaho, to Harold and Laraine Nielsen. He spent his childhood in Rexburg, Idaho, where he developed a strong work ethic and deep love for family and education. He graduated from Madison High School, Ricks College, BYU, and later Utah State University with his MBA all with honors.

After serving a mission in the South Korea Mission for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Rocky returned home and married his high school sweetheart, Adele Ricks, in the Idaho Falls Temple for time and all eternity. Later they would serve in multiple temples for many years. Together, they built a beautiful life filled with faith, devotion to family, adventure, and a lot of ice cream. Rocky often reminded his family, “You are not a Nielsen if you do not love ice cream.”

In 1978 Rocky was commissioned as an officer in the U.S. Army for 8 years during the Cold War, contributing to the nation’s defense during a tense period in world history. With a growing family he felt it was time to settle down, moving his family to Brigham City, Utah, securing a job with ATK Thiokol, contributing to the manufacturing of rocket components, which continued his work in defense of this nation. He loved coaching his children in sports and watching them grow. His family brought so much joy in everyday life.

With retirement came the opportunity to serve a mission with his wife Adele, a promise to Adele years earlier. Together they served three missions–two in South Korea and one to Houston Texas, sharing faith and love for the gospel of Jesus Christ–teaching the importance of family history with others around the world. He felt much joy to be together as a couple.

An avid scouter, Rocky earned the prestigious Silver Beaver Award for his years of dedicated service and mentorship in the Boy Scouts of America. Orienteering was one of his favorite activities, and he had a talent for setting up challenging courses. He loved helping young men gain confidence and leadership skills through outdoor adventures.

Rocky had a brilliant mind; he wrote the original software for the Richardson Memorial Wrestling Tournament at Box Elder High School, several family history books of ancestors, Book of Mormon Land and Cities. He was an all around athlete and loved playing checkers, chess, and table tennis. He loved telling stories, sharing faith but especially stories about hunting and fishing trips with his brothers and children. He was a great influencer for good travelling around the world for business, church or family history.

He believed in living each day to the fullest, often saying, “Make it the best day so far,” a reflection of his optimistic outlook on life. His favorite scripture, Joshua 24:15, “… as for me and my house, we will serve the Lord,” perfectly captures his deep faith and commitment to the Lord Jesus Christ and his family.

Rocky is survived by his beloved wife, Adele, and their 9 children: Andrew (Tammy), Kevin (Laura), Camilla Jeffs (Travis), Rebecca Sloan (Tyson), Eric (Melissa), Stephen (Janelle), Kera, Krista Hustead (Brandon), and Carl (Lexie), along with 26 grandchildren.

He is also survived by his siblings, Ron, Doug, Toni, Jim, Kriss, and Trudy. He was preceded in death by his son Scott, his grandson Caleb (son of Kevin and Laura), his brother Kelly, parents Harold and Laraine Nielsen, and his stepmother Grandma Bonnie Nielsen.

As the author of several family history books uploaded to Family Search, Rocky invites you to research your family history and find joy in bringing a name to the temple, continuing the work he so dearly loved.

Funeral services will be held on Saturday, May 31st, at 10:00 a.m. at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints building at 620 N 300 E, Brigham City, UT.

Viewings will be held on Friday, May 30th, from 6:00 - 8:00 p.m. at Gillies Funeral Home, 634 E 200 S, Brigham City, UT, and on Saturday, May 31st, from 8:30 - 9:30 a.m. at the church prior to the funeral service.

Interment will take place at 4:00 p.m. at the Sutton Cemetery in Archer, Idaho.

Dad, you taught us to work hard, serve others, and love deeply. We will miss your stories, your guidance, and your steady presence. Until we meet again, we love you dearly.