Larry Nelson

Larry D. Nelson, age 79, passed away March 12, 2016, at his home in Ammon, Idaho. His final days were spent surrounded by family and friends. Larry was born March 27,1936, in Brigham City, Utah, son of the late Harold Swen Nelson and Thelma West Nelson. Larry was the third of seven siblings. The brothers and sisters have gathered for sibling reunions over the years, and their days together are filled with games, storytelling and laughter. Often stories of pranks or trouble making were told of their brother Larry. These are the memories to be cherished. Larry graduated from Logan High School. His college education was interrupted while he served in the U. S. Army during the Korean War, however, when he returned home he completed his degree in Business at Utah State University. Larry married his sweetheart, MaryAnn ("M.A.") Fortuna, July 18, 1964 in Rock Springs, Wyoming. The couple celebrated their golden anniversary together in Lake Tahoe, one of the stops on their honeymoon fifty plus years ago. They were surrounded by their children, grandchildren, extended family and close friends – it was joyous time. Larry began his career in construction sales, spending several years in Northern California. The family moved to Idaho Falls in 1973. There Larry began selling real estate and went on to operate two real estate companies, Golden Valley and Hallmark Real Estate. During these years he was active in both Lions and Kiwanis. Larry's hobbies over the years included bowling, hunting, boating, and restoring old cars, but golf and fishing were his favorites – regardless of whether he was shooting par or catching a rainbow. What brought him the most joy, though, was talking about his grandchildren. He loved attending their numerous activities whenever he could, and whether there or not, he was always cheering them on. We are going to greatly miss our quiet – yet silly, politically charged, devoted, husband, dad, friend, brother, grandpa (boo), papa. Thank you for loving us, and for the spoken and unspoken lessons. We are grateful you are no longer in pain, and look forward to the day we meet again. Larry is survived by his wife MaryAnn, daughters, Theresa (Lance) Eckersell, Jean (Nic) McFarlane, DeeAnn (Justin) Burton, and son, Duane (Brandi) Nelson. He also is survived by all six of his siblings, Joseph (Nanette) Nelson, Pauline Wagner, Judie (Albert) Lindsay, Carol (Don) Alcorn, Sue Heaps, and Merri (Bob) Rock, ten grandchildren and two great-grandchildren. A visitation with the family is planned for March 24, 2016, from 1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. at Wood Funeral Home East Side, 963 South Ammon Road.

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