Frank E. Nelson

Frank E. Nelson, 76, beloved father, brother, uncle, and friend passed away unexpectedly on 02/07/19, in Reston, VA. Frank was born the eldest child and only son, of Catherine Theil and Robert T. Nelson in Chicago, IL on 09/16/1942. At age 8, he moved to Utah. As the only son, Frank was fond of jokingly saying, “My brother was an only child.” Frank is preceded in death by his mother, his father, and his first wife.
Frank earned his B.A. in Psychology and Masters in Ed. Psych. from the U of U. He pursued his Ph.D. and was only 30 credits shy; a story he shared readily. Frank married Sunny Miller on 06/11/91. They were married 21 years until 2012. It was through this marriage that Frank was able to accomplish one of his many dreams, that of being a father, and gained his three children, two grandsons, and one great granddaughter. Frank was a proud and often boastful father, whose relationship with his children was forged through many years together in laughter, love, and fun activities.
Frank loved puns, T-shirts with funny sayings, over-enunciating to make his point, fishing, boating, RV’ing, Rockhounding, clam dip with canned clams, chicken, hot dogs, thrift stores, a good bargain, talking politics, coffee, eggnog, his freedom and independence, taking pictures, Diet Coke, shorts (which he called “short pants”), taking baths, sharing his knowledge about gems & minerals, and spending time with his loved ones, whether they were family or friends. He loved to be surrounded by people, telling jokes, a few again & again, and laughing.
He volunteered at Odyssey House, the Medical Reserve Corp., and assisted the Curtis Foundation daily. He met monthly for 7 years with the Utah Graves Disease Support Group, where his knowledge and skills in the area of psychology proved invaluable to its members. He was a member of the Knights of Columbus, the Wasatch and Tooele Gem Societies, the Gold Prospectors and the Golden Spike Gem Society and the ROCK Club, where he contributed to the newsletter with his poetry. In September 2017, he moved to NC with Utah friends Kaye Lee and Kelly Brady, and volunteered at Kaye Lee’s Corner Foundation, Belhaven Arts Council, Senior Club of Belhaven and the ROCK Museum. He was a member of the Lions Club in UT and NC, the Rotary Club and Ruritans in NC.
Many will remember him from his love of gemstones, which he wore in great numbers around his neck. Frank taught himself how to wire wrap, often selling his designs right off his neck or giving them away. His love for making beautiful jewelry was one of his greatest joys.
No matter where Frank went, he made friends easily due to his gregarious personality and humorous spirit. All who knew him saw him as a generous person who gave freely of himself, be it time, money, or even his personal belongings. He shared and gave whenever he could; always lending a helping hand, or a listening ear. His heart knew no bounds. He loved and gave openly and freely, whether or not he received anything in return. He was an amazing poet with a pure heart. Through his poetry he expressed the depths of his soul. His laughter was infectious and drew in everyone around him. He always had a kind word and greeting for everyone he saw throughout his day.
Frank is survived by his sisters, Rita (Tom) Ahrens of Reston, VA, Annemarie (Dennis) Chlebeck of St. Paul, MN, 8 nieces and nephews, 12 great nieces and nephews, his children, Michelle M. Miller of Oakland, CA, Jeffery Azanon St. Rose (Billy) of Lynnwood, WA, Ginger A. Miller (Jack) of Nashville, TN, grandsons, Spencer J. Bloomquist and Colton S. Bloomquist of UT, great granddaughter, Paisley Anne Bloomquist, and Betty A. Hubbard of Kearns, UT whom he loved like a daughter.
Per his wishes, he will be honoured at a graveside service at Mount Olivet, 1342 E. 500 S., SLC, UT 84102 on February 23, 2019, at 11:00 a.m. Gather with us afterwards at Golden Corral, 2:00 pm, 665 E.7200 S. Midvale, UT for stories and remembering. To honour his career as a dedicated School Psychologist, serving students, parents, and colleagues for more than 40 years, consider donating to Granite Education Foundation,(385)646-5437 contact@granitekids.org. To everyone who took time to be a part of his life, we are grateful. For a life well loved is a life well lived.
Service Information

Graveside Service
February 23, 2019 at 11:00 AM
Mount Olivet Cemetery, 1342 East 500 South, Salt Lake City, Utah