Glenn Nelson

Glenn C. Nelson, 88, respected husband, father, grandfather and LDS church leader peacefully passed away on Sunday, May 14, 2017, at his home in Idaho Falls surrounded by his loving family.

Glenn was born October 29, 1928, the youngest son of Antone Valentine Nelson and Elizabeth Crump Nelson in Sandy, Utah. He and his older brother, Almon, enjoyed living on a small acreage where they learned the value of hard work and the joy of a job well done. He attended schools in Sandy, Utah graduating from Jordan High School and attending accounting classes at LDS Business College. He joined the Utah National Guard and served in the United States Air Force as an Airman 2nd Class in the Korean War.

He married his eternal sweetheart, Emma Jane Thornton, on July 14, 1949 in the Salt Lake City LDS Temple. Their 68 years of marriage were an example of selfless devotion to all around them. "Thee lift me, and I'll lift thee, and, and we'll ascend together," (Quaker Proverb) guided their partnership. They were blessed with three children; Mark, Glenda and Laurel.

Together, they built their first home in Sandy, Utah shingling the roof and laying hardwood floors. It was difficult to leave their little home, but Glenn received a job promotion that transferred him to Idaho Falls in 1958. They learned to love the community and people. Glenn later had the opportunity to purchase Idaho Falls Tire and Battery which he owned for 25 years. He expanded his business to include Forde Johnson Tire Company, F and W Distributing and Hock Tire and Automotive in Idaho Falls.

Glenn and Emma Jane enjoyed traveling and visited China, Japan, Middle Eastern countries, and Europe. They often visited their home in St. George, Utah during fall and winter months and enjoyed the association of their friends and attending community cultural events. Glenn's valiant testimony of the Savior, Jesus Christ, was his constant compass in his daily decisions, choices and positive attitude. His influence and example impacted many, many people whom he sincerely served and loved. He was the bishop of the 22nd Ward for 9 years, Idaho Falls South Stake President, President of the California Anaheim Mission from 1987-1990, President of the Idaho Falls Temple and Patriarch of the Taylor Mountain Stake.

He is survived by his beloved wife, Emma Jane; his children, Mark C. Nelson (Christine), Glenda Belnap (Bryant) of Idaho Falls, and Laurel Hill (Jay) of Bluffdale, Utah; his 11 grandchildren, 22 great grandchildren and sister-in-law, Ruth Nelson. He was preceded in death by his parents, brother Almon, and two grandsons, Nathan and Jordan Nelson.

Funeral Services will be held at 12 noon on Thursday, May 18, 2017, at the Idaho Falls LDS Taylor Mountain Stake Center, 260 Castlerock Lane, with Bishop Graham Whipple of the Rose Park Ward, officiating Visitations will be held on Wednesday evening from 6:30 - 8:30 pm at Wood Funeral Home, 273 N Ridge Avenue, and on Thursday from 11-11:45 a.m. prior to the services at the church. Burial will be in Rose Hill Cemetery.

Funeral Services will be held