Keith E Nielson

Keith E Nielson, 91, of Idaho Falls, passed away December 6, 2024 at his home under hospice care.

Keith was born May 3, 1933 in Rexburg to Harper T. and Laura May Goodson Nielson.

He served in the Marine Corps and went into the Seabees during the Vietnam War and did two tours in Vietnam before being stationed in California, Puerto Rico, Mississippi, Okinawa, and Hawaii. . He retired 40 years ago and took care of his mother until her death.

He met Alice Jean Tucker at Camp Pendleton while both were in the Marine Corps. They knew each other for 19 days before they were married on July 21, 1954 in Vista, California. They traveled a lot and wintered down in Yuma, Arizonia. Jean passed away in 2017. They were married 64 years at the time of her death.

Keith was a member of the Vietnam Veterans of America, Veterans Mobility, and AA and was proud that he was sober for 51. He was a 1st Class Construction Electrician.

He loved to paddlefish and loved his grandkids and great grandkids and great great grandkids.

Keith is survived by his children: Harper K. Nielson of Idaho Falls; Dale A. (Frances) Nielson of Idaho Falls; Laurie J. Dodson of Sonora, California; and Teresa A. (Marcus) Loyola of Las Cruces, New Mexico; 15 grandchildren, 29 Great Grandchildren, and 3 Great Great Grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his parents Harper and Laura, wife, Jean, step father, Delbert Walker, sister, Marvella, and son in law, Ron Dodson.

At Keith’s request no funeral services will be held. Funeral arrangements are under the direction of Nalder Funeral Home.

In his Keith’s memory, the family suggests making a donation to a Veteran’s organization of your choice.