Robert “Ag” Nielson

8/6/1925 ~ 11/28/2019

The Kingdom of Heaven gained a great man today November 28, 2019. Robert “Ag” Nielson was born August 6, 1925 to Peter N. and Caroline Ely Anderson Nielson in Oak City, Utah and was welcomed by two brothers, Byron and Glen. Blessed with a wondrous childhood in Oak City he was surrounded by many adventurous friends, and mountains that were extensively explored. A faithful member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, he began his callings as a 16 year old Scout Master, received his Eagle, and remained an avid Scouter all his life. He served as a Bishop for twelve years, High Councilman, Church Service Missionary for over 12 years with his wife, in Welfare Services and Bishop’s Store House, a devoted Home Teacher, nursery leader were just some of the many callings he considered his favorite. He married his high school sweetheart, Afton East, October 23, 1944 in the Salt Lake Temple and have been married for 75 years. They were blessed with 4 daughters and 1 son. Laina Anderson , deceased Ralene(Robert) Stevens and Ranae(Neil)Stevens, both of Holden. Jilene Nielson, St. George, and Dan Nielson, Yucipa, CA. He is blessed with 13 Grandchildren and 22 great grandchildren, who are the joys of his life. He enlisted in the Army on Sept. 25, 1946, considering it a privilege to serve his country. Served on the Selective Service Board for Juab and Millard Counties for 20 years. A member of American Legion Post 61 for many years and considered it a privilege to participate in the Honor Guard at the funerals of many of his fellow veterans. In 1948, he furthered his education as he attended Utah State University. Upon graduation, he accepted a teaching position at Millard High School in Fillmore, Utah where he served for 35 years as a Vocational Agriculture Teacher. He was grateful for the experiences, garnering many lifelong friendships with students and staff. During those years he humbly received local, state and national recognition , such as: 1978-Teacher of the Year for the state of Utah, 1983-Utah Vocational Teacher of the year, who went on to be one of the five regional winners in competition for the National Vocational teacher of the year, President of Utah Vocation Agriculture Teacher’s Association, 1984 – Honored by KSL Radio as the Educator of the Week, 1985 – State Vocational Agriculture Teacher of the Year 1987 – One of six national winners of the Outstanding Teacher of Vocational Agriculture, also selected by the Utah Beef Council as the Utah Father of the Year, 2000 – by Southern Utah University for Rural Honors Award, 2006 – Received the (Mayor’s Award in Humanities) for his commitment to the education of both the children and the adults of the community/ of Fillmore. 2011 – was selected by Utah State University’s College of Agriculture Alumni Hall of Honor, was honored in, 2012 – Awarded the Honorary Sheriff’s Award for his service in the community. Served on the Fillmore City Council and as mayor for a short time. He enjoyed serving as timer for all home high school basketball games for 44 years, wrestling matches for 29 years and ran the “down box” and member of the chain gang for all home football games for over 50 years. He retired in 1987, and for the next three years he worked part time at Steve’s Tire, drove a school bus as a substitute driver, and helped his wife in the bakery at Duane’s Foodtown. From 1990 – 2015 he continued to teach GED at the High School, and at the Millard County Jail for 25 years helping the inmates receive their GED or Adult High School diploma. He did this into his 90th year, treasuring the friendships of many of the men. He was blessed with a teacher’s heart. Survived by his wife and 4 children. Preceded in death by a daughter, 2 grandchildren, 1 great grandchild Funeral services will be held Saturday, December 7 at 11:00 am at the 1st-4th Ward Church at 330 East 500 South in Fillmore, Utah. Viewings will be Friday evening 6-8 pm and Saturday 9-10:30 am. Interment in the Fillmore City Cemetery. Online condolences at rasmussenmortuary.com