Marty James Nielsen

Utah Air National Guard, Senior Master Sergeant, Marty James Nielsen left the airspace of this world on his last refueling mission with God‘s angels on May 21, 2023, surrounded by his loving family. Marty was born on July 7, 1960, the first of three sons to James Nielsen and Nancy (Fullmer) Nielsen.

Marty grew up in the Glendale neighborhood of Salt Lake City. While growing up, Marty's first love, other than his family, was sports where he excelled, especially at football. Marty accomplished a lot during his youth and into high school. He was a ferocious competitor, not only on the gridiron, but at everything he set his sights on to accomplish. Marty attended and graduated from South High School, where he played football as a sophomore and later started on the varsity team as a two-way player on both the offensive and defensive line. Marty‘s football and high school accomplishments are almost too many to list. However, a few include: captain of the football, wrestling and track teams; all state in all three of those sports; state champion in the shot put; and powerlifting champion. Marty was also senior class president, homecoming king and a member of his highschool's competition choirs.

Post high school, Marty was awarded a full ride scholarship to attend and play football for Westminster College, where he started as a freshman on the offense line. After a year at Westminster, he soon followed in his father’s footsteps, and joined the Utah Air National Guard, where he served honorably for 30 years as a boom operator, refueling military aircraft in mid flight, and as a crew chief. Marty‘s younger brothers, Bobby and Jerry, along with his good friend Jimmy Zaelit, later joined him in the Utah Air National Guard. Marty was proud of his athletic achievements and his military service, but he was mostly proud of and extremely passionate about his family, his wife Robin, their children, and grandchildren. Marty treasured all the time they spent together and all the memories that they shared over the years. During his lifetime, Marty also gained many great friends and left an indelible mark on all of their lives. Marty lived life to the fullest, always willing to lend a hand or help support someone in need. Marty was also loyal and faithful to his God and his country, both of which he honorably served and he was very dedicated to his beliefs. Marty was truly proud to be an American and was a true patriot.

Marty is preceded in death by his beloved parents, Jim and Nancy; and his brothers, Jerry and Bobby.

He is survived by his wife, Robin Nielsen; daughters, Megan Chapman, and Amanda (Nic) Caine; sons, Tyler (Jenny) Chapman , Jordan (Brooklin) Nielsen, and Cole (Ashley) Chapman; and their seven beautiful grandchildren.

A celebration of life will be held on Thursday, May 25, 2023 at 5:00 p.m. at the family's residence located at 2742 W. 1300 N., Clinton, UT 84015. 

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