Kendall L. Nelson

By Sun Advocate

OREM – Kendall L. Nelson, 76, passed away on Tuesday, July 1, 2008, from complications of polycythemia vera.
He was born June 4, 1932, in Ferron to Leland Nelson and Melva Wareham. He grew up in Carbon County and graduated from Carbon High School in 1950.
He enlisted in the U.S. Navy in 1951 and served his country for four years at Point Mugu Naval Base in California. After serving in the U.S. Navy, Kendall attended Utah State University where he met the love of his life, Marilyn. They were married in 1957.
He received his bachelor’s degree in wildlife management in 1959, at which point, he went to work for the division of wildlife resources. In 1960, he returned to Utah State to pursue a master’s degree in range management, which he received in 1963. During this time, Kendall studied one of the only free-roaming buffalo herds located on the Henry Mountains.
He enjoyed 31 years with the division, where he met many wonderful friends and received numerous awards.
Upon retirement in 1990 as well as throughout his life, Kendall enjoyed hunting, camping, traveling and supporting his children and grandchildren in their various activities.
He was a great spouse, dad, brother, grandpa and friend and was loved by all who knew him.
Kendall is survived by his wife, Marilyn; his children: Kirk (Lisa) Nelson of Orem; Karin (Jim) Tedesco of Frostburg, Md.; Kellie (Brian) Latham of Idaho Falls, Idaho; Kyle Nelson of Pleasant Grove; and Kevin (Kristen) Nelson of Highland; 14 grandchildren; one great- grandchild; one sister, Kathleen (Jimmy) Eaquinto of East Carbon; and one brother, Clark (Toni) Nelson of Paducah, Ky. He was preceded in death by his parents, Leland and Melva Nelson.
Funeral services will be Monday, July 7, at 11 a.m. in the Cascade Chapel at Sundberg-Olpin Mortuary, 495 S. State Street, Orem. Friends may call Sunday evening from 6 to 8 p.m. and also Monday from 9:30 to 10:45 a.m. prior to the service. Interment will be in the Timpanogos Memorial Gardens Cemetery with military rites provided by American Legion Post 72.