July 12, 1925 ~ May 15, 2015
Louis "Lenzi" Nelson quietly and courageously lost his battle with cancer and passed away at his home in Roy, Utah on Friday, May 15, 2015.
Lenzi was born July 12, 1925 in Salt Lake City, Utah to parents James Alfred Nelson (Nielson) and Clara Lenzi Folsom. His early years were spent in Ogden, Utah, and he later moved with his family to lower Roy, Utah when his father purchased a farm. It was there that Lenzi quickly learned the value of hard work and made future plans to become anything but a farmer.
Lenzi graduated from Weber High School in 1943 and shortly thereafter, entered the United States Navy V-12 College Training Program designed to supplement commissioned officers during WW II. The training took him from Idaho State University to Northwestern University in Chicago, Illinois, ultimately graduating with the rank of Ensign. His military service took him around the world. He served in both WW II and the Korean Conflict. He was discharged from active duty in 1953 with the rank of Lieutenant Commander. He served in the Naval Reserves until retirement in 1972.
On October 22, 1945, he married Shirley Ann Brown in the Salt Lake LDS Temple. He was a longtime resident of Roy, Utah, building and establishing his home in 1949. Anyone who knew Lenzi knew that his passion was teaching first and fishing second. He was an educator for over thirty years in Davis County, Utah, the majority of those years at Davis High School. He taught courses in history, political science, mathematics, and was instrumental in starting one of the first computer science programs at the high school level. His teaching skills were impeccable, and he could demand immediate attention and respect from his students with a simple piece of chalk. He retired in 1986 to pursue his hobbies of fishing, golfing, reading, and fixing anything he could get his hands on. He was a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.
He is survived by his wife, Shirley Ann Brown Nelson and sons: Scott Louis Nelson (Susan), Escalante, UT; Bruce Lenzi Nelson (Jill), Joelton TN; Blake Arthur Nelson (Suzanne), Spokane, WA; Mark Brown Nelson (Tambra) Taylorsville, UT; and brother Richard (Dick) Nelson, Exeter, CA. He has eleven grandchildren and ten great-grandchildren.
The date and time of viewing has been scheduled for Thursday, May 21, 2015 at Lindquist's Roy Mortuary, 3333 West 5600 South, from 1 - 2:45 p.m. Graveside services and burial will be held immediately after at 3 p.m. at Roy City Cemetery, 2300 West 5200 South , Roy, Utah.
In lieu of flowers, the family has requested donations to be made to the American Cancer Society or the Alzheimer's Foundation of America.
Memories and condolences may be sent to the family at: www.lindquistmortuary.com
Lynda Carver (Thompson)
It's with sadness that I read this in the paper. He made learning an exciting and fun experience. It was really wonderful to be able to talk with him at the 50th reunion. He had the same smile, sense of humor and warmth as I remembered. Our sympathy to his family.
Diane Murdoch (May)
I just read the news about Mr. Nelson. He was one of my favorite teachers, but not only was he such a good teacher, he was a good friend. He taught us and he cared about us and we knew it.. I think that's why we all loved him. I think he came to every class reunion that we have had and somehow, after all those years, he remembered us with a hug and that wonderful smile. He will be missed. Diane Murdoch May