Lenard E Neilsen

On October 2, 2015 Lenard E. Neilsen peacefully left us to return to his heavenly home. He was born March 26, 1926 the 4 th of 6 children to Mervyn and Velda Neilsen in Pocatello. In his youth he attended a one room school house a quarter mile from his home. The family farmed over 320 acres in the Hawkins Basin area. They had about 20 head of horses, raised cattle and pigs. Lenard was drafted into the army July 19, 1944 at the age of 18. His specialty was truck master and expert carbine. He received many decorations and citations most notably two bronze battle stars. Lenard was honorably discharged and returned to the family ranch July 30, 1946. In 1948 he married Connie R. Bolingbroke from Arbon Valley. They lived in Pocatello and began a wonderful life together. They were sealed to their 6 children in 1964 in the Idaho Falls Temple. Lenard worked for Garrett Freightlines for 32 years. He was a good money manager and was able to purchase the family ranch in 1974, giving him two jobs. In 1964 the family began building a cabin in Palisades. In between fishing trips and combined with the slave labor of 6 little kids, the cabin provided a cherished refuge. He was a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints serving diligently in many callings. He served in a bishopric and a two year stake mission. Lenard felt it was important to be involved in his community. He participated by writing many letters to the editor and received favorable and, sometimes, unfavorable responses. His sharp wit and sense of humor entertained his readers. He loved learning and attended many university classes. Lenard worked and played hard. He loved fishing, hunting, riding horses, snowmobiling and sledding with his family. He loved bowling, golfing with his sweet heart, family and friends. He loved to travel and visited over 30 countries. He is survived by his wife, Connie Neilsen, Pocatello, ID; children, Barry Guy Neilsen, Hawkins Basin, Michael Brent (Victoria) Neilsen, Pocatello, ID, Jeffrey Scott (Becky) Neilsen, Pocatello, ID, Lenette Darlene (Alan) Poole, Eagle, ID, Rebecca Sue (John) Bradshaw, Gilbert, AZ, Robert Todd (Yayoi) Neilsen, Flower Mound, TX; sister, Bette Ann Lusk, Arbon, ID; 23 grandchildren, and 45 great-grandchildren. He is preceded in death by his parents, Mervyn and Velda Neilsen; siblings, Clair Neilsen, Venice Gibney, Ellis Neilsen, and Alvin Neilsen. Lenard suffered with Parkinsons for the last 7 years. The family would like to express their appreciation to all those who helped care for him. Funeral services will be held Friday, October 9, 2015 at 2 P.M. at the LDS Cedar 3 rd Ward located at 550 W. Cedar St. (Poole and Cedar) with a visitation for one hour prior to services. Family will receive friends Thursday, October 8, 2015 from 6-8 P.M. at Colonial Funeral Home 2005 S. 4 th Ave. Pocatello, ID. Military Honors will follow at Restlawn Memorial Gardens, 2864 S. 5 th Ave. Pocatello, Idaho 83204.

Visitation

10/08/2015 18:00

20:00:00

Hawthorne and Quinn LDS Building

4010 Hawthorne Rd

Pocatello

Idaho

83202



Funeral Service

10/09/2015 14:00



Colonial Chapel

2005 S 4th Ave

Pocatello

Idaho

83201