Ronald J. Nelson, 84, of Santaquin, Utah, passed away at home on June 13, 2024, surrounded by his family. Ron was born in Provo, Utah on January 21, 1940, to John and Loretta Nelson. He graduated in 1959 from Spanish Fork High School and then went on to serve 6 years in the U.S. Air Force.
Ron met Karen Bradford over Cokes at the Arctic Circle (now Glades) in Spanish Fork, Utah. They fell in love and married on June 24, 1965. They shared close to 30 years of marriage and 5 children until Karen’s death in 1994. Ron was lucky to find love again and married Kristene Ross on January 24, 2007. They were married 7 years until Kristene’s death in 2014.
Ron was a devoted father and husband who worked tirelessly for his family, first, as a dairy farmer in Spanish Fork and then as a custodial supervisor at Brigham Young University.
Ron was a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. He was also a proud member of several organizations throughout his life including Lone Peak 4-Wheelers, Red Rock 4 Wheelers, Bees Motorcycle Club, and the Wasatch Trails Association. He loved the outdoors and shared his love for the outdoors with his family and friends through adventures on his motorcycles, jeeps, and side-by-sides.
Ron is survived by his sister, Roberta (Bill) Tuckett of Bartlesville, Oklahoma; his children: Jeffery (Cindy) Nelson of Payson, Utah, Eric (JoDee) Nelson of Santaquin, Utah, Emily (Brian) Rowley of Santaquin, Utah, and Sara (Shawn) Ferriola of Roy, Utah, 17 grandchildren, and 12 great-grandchildren. Ron was preceded in death by his parents John and Loretta Nelson, his brother, James Nelson, his wives, Karen Bradford and Kristene Ross, and his daughter, Kristina Nelson.
The family would like to thank the many neighbors, friends, and medical professionals who have helped to take care of Ron over the past several months.
A viewing will be held at Walker Funeral Home in Payson, Utah, from 6:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m. on Thursday, June 20, 2024. Funeral services will be held on Friday, June 21, 2024 at 11:00 a.m. at 71 North 300 West, Santaquin, Utah. A viewing will also be at the church Friday morning from 9:45 a.m. – 10:45 a.m. preceding the funeral.
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