Theodore Franklin Nielsen Sr. was born on February 11th, 1935 to Carl Marion Nielsen Sr. and Mary Estella Steggell in North Platte, Nebraska.

Ted was the 9th of 13 children born to his parents. He was 1st born of the triplets. Otis Delano and Claude Roosevelt followed in suit. His mother also had a set of twins. Our dad always referred to his mother as an angel on earth. She passed when he was only 12 and longed to see her again.

When the triplets were only a few months old, Ted’s parents loaded all the kids up in one car and headed to Salt Lake. They did this so the family could stay together.

It wasn’t uncommon for the triples to be celebrated in the newspaper. They were the 1st set of triplets born in North Platte, Nebraska. They all weighed 5 pounds each at birth. All 3 boys’ first names were in honor of the doctors who delivered them, and their middle names after President Franklin Delano Roosevelt, who was the current president at that time.

Ted graduated from West High with his triplet brothers in 1953. While attending West High they were members of the ROTC.

It is a funny story how Ted met Shirley. Ted lived up the Street from Shirley. He would watch her walk up and down the street. He loved her muscular dance thighs. They had a mutual friend-Joy. Once Ted moved to 8th south, Joy took Shirley to see “Pop and The Boys” play their steel guitars. This is the first time they met.

After a short courtship, Ted and Shirley became engaged. Their engagement lasted a year, while Ted prepared himself for the Temple. They were married on the 7th day of September, 1956 for Time and All Eternity in the Salt Lake City Temple.

Ted and Shirley moved into their current home where they lived their whole married life. They raised 5 awesome children. First came Theodore Jr, then Brent Benjamin, Brenda Lee, Dean David and Robin Lucybeth. Ted loved his children and cherished every moment spent with them.

Ted’s first job was as a caddy, dishwasher and grounds keeper at the Fort Douglas golf course. He worked there with his triplet brothers. He liked working there because he could do all the golfing he wanted. He had other jobs as well as American Paper. When the kids were young, after 2 interviews and 6 month he started working for Hercules Inc. He retired as a Transportation / cycle man after 32 ½ years.

Ted loved the Lord and had a strong testimony of the Restored Gospel. He served in many capacities including being a member of the Bishopric. Both Ted and Shirley served as stake missionaries.

Ted played the steel guitar with his triplet brothers. He loved to sing and whistle. He was always humming or singing. Everyone loved to hear him. It was music to all our ears.

Ted enjoyed spending time on his land in the Uinta Mountains, Family reunions, road trips, hunting, fishing and Golfing. He also loved Friday nights. Why Friday nights? Almost without fail, Shirley, Ted and Robin would go to dinner and a movie. Ted loved Pringles, Cheetos and Diet Coke.

Ted returned home to his Heavenly Father on Monday, February 7th, 2022. He was welcomed by his loving wife, Shirley, of 65 years, his mother and father and all those who proceeded him in death.

Ted is survived by his, Children; Ted Jr. (Lynnette), Brent (Terrie), Brenda (Tom), Dean and Robin (Steve), 1 Brother, 13 Grandchildren and 15 Great Grandchildren.

A viewing will be Friday, February 11th, 2022 from 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm at Memorial Murray Mortuary, 5850 South 900 East, Murray and again one hour prior at the church. Funeral services will be held Saturday, February 12th, 2022 at 10:00 am at the Second Ward, 704 South 500 East, Salt Lake City, Utah. Interment to follow services at Lake Hills Memorial Park.