This is a Message Board Post that is gatewayed to this mailing list. Surnames: Nielsen, Baer, Nelson Classification: Obituary Message Board URL: http://boards.ancestry.com/mbexec/msg/rw/Eg.2ADE/312 Message Board Post: The Idaho State Journal 08-24-2001 PRESTON — Verner Keith Nielsen, "Mugsy," passed away Aug. 23, 2001, at the Franklin County Nursing Home in Preston, Franklin, Idaho. He had just celebrated his 86th birthday. He was born August 18, 1915, in Hyrum, Utah, to Jonas Verner and Luella Baer Nielsen. He graduated from South Cache High School. As a young man he helped build the Hyrum Dam. He served as a navigator in the 328th Army Air Force in World War II at Atu in the Aleutian Islands. He played the drums and coronet in dance bands and loved to dance. He married his eternal sweetheart, Ardell Nelson, on July 25, 1947. They were later sealed in the Logan, Utah temple on Feb. 8, 1950. They were sweethearts for 54 years. Keith was manager and part owner of the American Food Stores. He worked as a butcher at Valley Discount until a stroke disabled him 30 years ago. He was active in the LDS Church, where he was a high priest. He had served in two bishoprics. He was active in Scouting for many years, and on the Mutual stake board. He belonged to the American Legion, where he served as commander for many years. He was a charter member of the Monarch Lions and a charter member of the Kiwanis Club and the Chamber of Commerce. He was also a member of the Preston Golf and Country Club, and helped with the initial construction of the golf course. He loved to golf, bowl, and camp with his family. He was a very proud, hard-working and independent man. His family was the most important thing in his life. He was always there for his family, whether it was to cheer them on in their successes, or to encourage them through tough times. He was a wonderful husband and father, and will be greatly missed. He is survived by his wife, Ardell, of Preston; two daughters and three sons, Sandy (Tyrone) Lewis, Millville, Utah, Pam (Phil) Zetterquist, Smithfield, Utah, Greg (LuAnn) Nielsen, Preston, Rick (Margie) Nielsen, Weston, Idaho, Michael (Becky) Nielsen, Hyde Park, Utah; 19 grandchildren, nine great-grandchildren; a sister, Fauna (Boyd) Archibald, Blackfoot, Idaho; and a brother, Claire (Shirley) Nielsen, Ogden, Utah. He was preceded in death by his parents, and by a sister, Faye Anderson, and a brother, Doyle Nielsen. Funeral services will be held at noon on Monday, Aug. 27, 2001, in the Preston North Stake Center, 310 N. State, with Bishop Steven Fuller conducting. Friends may call Sunday, Aug. 26 from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. at Webb Funeral Home and Monday, 27th from 10:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. at the stake center. Interment will be in the Preston Idaho Cemetery.