With heavy hearts, we announce the passing of Kelly Martin Nielsen, 45, of Salem, Utah. A beloved husband, devoted father, cherished son and brother, and loyal friend to all who knew him, Kelly tragically lost his life in a farm accident. We are heartbroken and devastated by his sudden passing, yet we find comfort in the countless lives he touched, the legacy of love he leaves behind, and in our faith and knowledge that we will be with him again.
Born on November 9, 1979, Kelly was raised in Spanish Fork, Utah. From a young age, he could often be found working alongside his dad and older brother, where he developed a strong work ethic and a deep appreciation for family. Though somewhat reluctant, Kelly spent over a decade singing in the Utah Valley Children’s Choir—a chapter of his life he’d jokingly resist but ultimately credit for helping him gain his testimony of the gospel and form lifelong friendships. During his teenage years, he frequently wrestled with the decision to attend class or sneak away to the canyon with his brother and friends. While the canyon won more than a few times, we’re proud to say he graduated from Spanish Fork High School—earning both an education and a long list of unforgettable adventures.
Kelly served faithfully as a missionary for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in the Michigan Lansing Mission. Shortly after returning home, he married his high school sweetheart and the love of his life, Jennifer Rees, on June 24, 1999 for time and all eternity in the Mount Timpanogos Temple. Together they built a beautiful life, raising four incredible children—Savannah, Brooklyn, Wyatt, and Rees—who were the center of his world.
Whether spending time at the family cabin, carving fresh trails on his snowmobile, hiking through the mountains on a hunt, working on the farm, or playing at Lake Powell, Kelly was always in his element. He lived for adventure, big or small. For Kelly, the destination never mattered as much as the company. His greatest happiness came from making memories with those he loved most, turning everyday outings into legendary (and usually hilarious) stories his family will cherish forever.
Kelly brought light, laughter, and love to everyone he met. He was the life of the party and the glue that held so many together. Kelly had a unique gift: he made everyone feel seen, heard, and valued. His warmth, quick wit, and genuine kindness left a lasting impression on all who crossed his path. Kelly was a constant in the lives of so many, and always the first one ready with a helping hand, listening ear, or a well-timed joke. He made friends everywhere he went, and truly, he never met a stranger.
Kelly was preceded in death by his father, Jeffrey, and we find comfort in knowing that their joyful reunion has surely made heaven a little louder and a lot more fun.
He leaves behind his loving wife, Jennifer; his four children, Savannah (Luke) Adams of Santaquin, Brooklyn (fiancé Raden Gonzalez), Wyatt, and Rees; his mother, Janice Nielsen Hendrix; and his in-laws, Steven and Linda Rees. He is also survived by his siblings, Cory (Elisha) Nielsen, Jamie (Chris) Knudsen, Jake (Megan) Nielsen, and Jess (Mike) Beach, and dozens of nieces and nephews who absolutely adored him, as well as a wide circle of extended family and friends who will forever carry his legacy of love and selfless service. Kelly was everyone’s favorite guy.
Kelly’s life was a testament to what it means to truly live with purpose as a devoted disciple of Jesus Christ. He will be profoundly missed and forever remembered. We love you, Kelly!
Funeral services will be held on Thursday, July 3, 2025 at 11:00 a.m in the Salem Stake Center, 470 E. Salem Canal Road, Salem, Utah. Viewings will be held on Wednesday July 2, 2025 from 6-8:00 p.m. at Walker Funeral Home, 187 South Main Street, Spanish Fork, Utah and onThursday from 9:45-10:45 a.m. at the church prior to the funeral service. Interment will follow the funeral service and will take place in the Salem Cemetery.
The funeral service will be broadcast from this webpage. Please return to this page prior to the funeral for a link to the broadcast
Visitation
Wednesday, July 2, 2025
6-8:00 p.m. Walker Funeral Home
187 South Main Street
Spanish Fork, Utah 84660
Map
Visitation
Thursday, July 3, 2025
9:45-10:45 a.m. Salem Stake Center
470 E. Salem Canal Rd.
Salem, Utah 84653
Map
Funeral Service
Thursday, July 3, 2025
11:00 a.m. Salem Stake Center
470 E. Salem Canal Rd.
Salem, Utah 84653
Map
Interment
Salem City Cemetery
965 South 130 East
Salem, Utah 84653
Map
19 Condolences for Kelly Martin Nielsen
Condolences(19)
David Hansen says
July 1, 2025 at 4:30 amThis so hard to process. Sure appreciated Kelly. He always made you feel like you were a great friend. I ache for his entire family.
Roberta Hartman says
July 1, 2025 at 6:49 amMy deepest sympathies to the family. May God provide you strength and comfort.
Nick says
July 2, 2025 at 5:17 amI’ll remember Kelly’s sense of humor and jovial nature. Always a joy to be around. Sending love and condolences from Nevada. I hope Kelly’s children get through this tough time and always have good memories of him to displace the sadness of the moment.
Scott & Susan Carson says
July 1, 2025 at 8:04 amThis event hit very hard, so many great memories from his younger days. Always brightening up any room he was in. His laughter and stories always brought light into any conversations. When he was younger my favorite memories were when I had dug my snowmobile half way to China and as a young boy he would come up the hill so easily and say with a grin “your stuck again, let’s get you out”. 🙂 Prayers for you Jenn and your family.
Todd Marshall says
July 1, 2025 at 2:52 pmThis is Hard to Take. I have known Kelly for years; he sold me all sorts of Parts. I have never met any of his Family, but I feel I know something about all of you. Kelly loved to Brag about his Family and tell stories. Oh, how he loved his Family. and how he loved to talk about them. What a great Man. I will miss him so much.
Neal and KayLynn White says
July 1, 2025 at 4:44 pmI never met Kelly face to face but visited with him several times on the phone as he helped us with our lawn and landscape here in Manti. When I talked with him it was like I had known him for years, we had alot in common. He was very fair and honest in our business dealings. I’m sure he will truly be missed. Our prayers and thoughts are with your family
Don James says
July 1, 2025 at 6:54 pmWorking with Kelly as an Aaronic Priesthood Advisor, gave me a wonderful opportunity to get to know Kelly. He was good at conducting meetings, planning learning and service activities and having fun doing it. He often planned service activities because he enjoyed them more than just feeling obligated. What a great man!
Rich Hancock says
July 1, 2025 at 7:25 pmMy heart aches for your family. I really enjoyed coaching Savannah and Brooklyn when they were younger, and appreciated his help and support. He always seemed happy and was a great example of what a true husband and father should be. My thoughts and prayers are with the family during this very hard time
Gabriel Ocampo says
July 1, 2025 at 8:14 pmKelly was a great person, he would always be happy and smiling, we met a few year ago and would get to see him about every other month, there was always something to talk about , he would always mention how proud he was about his family, we will miss him!.
Natalie Anderson says
July 1, 2025 at 8:54 pmKelly was simply one of the best. He had a quick smile with maybe a touch of mischief in it, like all good Spanish Fork kids. He was a good, positive influence and friend to so many of us. God be with you all during this difficult time.
Steve Pace and family says
July 2, 2025 at 12:49 amPrayers and Love sent from our family to yours. I had the pleasure to work side by side with Kelly in various church callings.
His attitude and actions were always “ALL IN LET’S GO !” He could make you laugh, smile and cry all with in a few moments of the other.
He had a great way to relate with the youth. He would offen say it was “because he hadn’t grown up yet..”
Thanks for having a positive impact on my family !
You will be missed by many !
Steve Pace and Family
Steve Pace says
July 2, 2025 at 12:50 amPrayers and Love sent from our family to yours. I had the pleasure to work side by side with Kelly in various church callings.
His attitude and actions were always “ALL IN LET’S GO !” He could make you laugh, smile and cry all with in a few moments of the other.
He had a great way to relate with the youth. He would offen say it was “because he hadn’t grown up yet..”
Thanks for having a positive impact on my family !
You will be missed by many !
Steve Pace and Family
Brinley says
July 2, 2025 at 4:37 amI’m sending my love your guys way ❤️🕊️
Teresa Gordon says
July 2, 2025 at 2:17 pmJen, my sincere condolences to you and your family. I will always remember Kelley’s big smile. Praying for comfort and peace for you and the kids.
Sincerely,
Teresa Gordon
I
Nichole Dudley says
July 2, 2025 at 7:18 pmI’m truly sorry for your families loss! Our love and prayers are with you in such a tragic time! Kelly was an incredible man, with the biggest heart and the greatest attitude. He would be the first to always lend a hand! One time I was at work at fast gas I had horses get out, he had stopped for his drink and heard me on the phone said come on I’ll drive! I will forever be great full for his willingness to help others and our friendship. At fast gas we are like family with our customers, we love each and everyone of you! He also has spoke with me when I was struggling mentally because of my heart and heath, talked me through some hard times and for that I will always be great full and he will carry a spot in my heart forever! All of us will truly miss seeing him everyday at fast gas! Joking and making all of our days truly a little brighter! Please let any of us know if we can do anything at all to help! We love you all!
Amanda Ravsten says
July 2, 2025 at 10:44 pmKelly took my daughter snowmobiling with his son, Rees and the rest of their Sweetheart’s dance group. I remember my daughter coming home that day and saying how much fun she had and how nice the dad (Kelly) was to all of them and to help them snowmobile. His kindness wasn’t unnoticed by my daughter and will be remembered.
Amanda Ravsten says
July 2, 2025 at 10:45 pmKelly took my daughter snowmobiling with his son, Rees and the rest of their Sweetheart’s dance group. I remember my daughter coming home that day and saying how much fun she had and how nice the dad (Kelly) was to all of them and to help them snowmobile. His kindness wasn’t unnoticed by my daughter and will be remembered
John and Donna wollenzien says
July 3, 2025 at 3:20 pmOur family is saddened by the sudden loss of Kelly .
We love your family and are keeping you in our thoughts and prayers .
Gordon Mills says
July 5, 2025 at 11:31 pmDear Jennifer, How our heart sorrows at your sweetheart’s passing. Our prayers are with you and your little ones. You have been such a dear friend to our Ila Anne. Friends are the truest test of relationships. Your friendship was forged in the heavens above and continues here in mortality. May that peace spoken of by the Spirit attend you in the days that follow. Love, Gordon Mills
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