Neil J. Poulsen October 21, 1939 - December 31, 2020

Neil Johnson Poulsen, beloved husband, father, Papa, son, brother, uncle, and friend passed away unexpectedly on December 31, 2020.  Neil was at a rehab/care center gaining strength, after a fight with a heart issue. He was supposed to come home, when he was given an additional blow with COVID from the center. He was looking forward to getting home and was two days from getting out of quarantine.

Neil was born on October 21, 1939, in Spanish Fork, Utah.  He was the youngest of four boys born to Martin and Vera Johnson Poulsen. He fought two battles of Rheumatic Fever as a young boy, and missed two years of school; he even had to strengthen his legs and learn how to walk strong again. He persevered through it all, graduated from Spanish Fork High School, and continued his education at Snow College and BYU.

Neil married Sharon Louise Jex on February 2, 1963. They lived in Spanish Fork during their early married years, while Neil attended college. He graduated with a Bachelors Degree in Elementary Education from BYU.  Neil and Sharon moved to Salt Lake City, where he began his teaching career. He and Sharon have three children and two grandchildren.

Neil taught third through sixth grade for 37 years in Granite School District. He found great pleasure in knowing that he taught three generations of some of his first students. He was a caring, concerned, thoughtful teacher that always was looking for ways to motivate and reward his students. He also always worked two jobs to support the family. Even with no sleep sometimes, he always found time to throw the frisbee, play kickball, roller-skate around Liberty Park or ride bicycles on the little dirt road known as “The Bumpy Road” to his children.

Neil loved Disneyland and went as often as possible. He was usually an annual passholder and thrived on being there with his family. His grandkids have so many great memories, there with him, and it will definitely sting going to Disneyland without him. He was so excited to get home, but then get back to Disneyland, as soon as they were able to open again

. We will miss this remarkable man, his infectious laugh, his strive to always be prepared with flashlights, batteries, lightbulbs, toilet paper, paper towels, and any other essential thing. He was a helpful, friendly neighbor who often looked out for many by taking out their garbage and even replacing their exterior lightbulbs. His friendly waves will be missed. We sure do love you!

Neil is survived by his wife of 57 years, Sharon; son, Scott; daughter, Stacey Kennington (Robert); son Brandon (Rebecca); granddaughter, Robbi Carlisle (Mitchell); and grandson, Ryan; brother, Blaine Poulsen (Kaye); brothers-in-law: Brad Jex (Terri), Clif Jex (Alyce); and many nieces and nephews.

Neil will be buried in the Spanish Fork Cemetery on January 7, 2021.