J. Brent Nielsen

J. Brent Nielsen passed away Saturday, October 12, 2024.

He was born September 10, 1949, in Salt Lake City, Utah. He grew up on a dairy farm in Meridian (Kuna), Idaho, learning the meaning of hard work. He attended Utah State University and earned a Bachelor of Science degree in mechanical engineering in 1971.

On March 20, 1970 he married Ginny Lou Burlingame and they had four children: Jason, Jeff, Jerry and Jamie. For a short while they lived in Moses Lake, Wash., where Brent worked for John Deere. Brent later found great success as a real estate agent in San Antonio, Texas.

After his first marriage ended, he met Kathleen Elder during a trip to Puyallup, Wash., to visit his brother. The two were married on February 22, 1992.

Brent left real estate and became an insurance agent, eventually purchasing his own agency, Nielsen Insurance, in Colfax, Wash., in 1996. Brent has faithfully served this community and The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints both locally and regionally for 28 years. He was known for his generosity, keen mind and quick wit, often responding to conversation in jest with what his family calls Brent-isms.

He is preceded in death by his parents, Kenneth M. Nielsen, Sr. and Irene R. Nielsen, and his brother, Kenneth M. Nielsen, Jr. He is survived by his wife, Kathleen Nielsen, a sister, Pam Cresap of Eagle Mountain, Utah, eight children/stepchildren and their spouses: Jason (Stephanie) Nielsen of Greenleaf, Idaho, Jeff (Jenny) Nielsen of Queen Creek, Ariz., Jerry (Kelly) Nielsen of South Jordan, Utah, Jamie (Brad) Berls of Boise, Idaho, Kirsten (Jeremiah) Salmond, Tani Duncan, Erica (Jerry) Pugh all in Colfax, Wash., Shelley (Greg) Crayton of Pensacola, Flo. He is also survived by 27 grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren.

A memorial service will be held in his honor on November 16, 10 a.m., at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 2652 Almota Rd., Colfax, WA. All are welcome.

Corbeill Funeral Homes of Colfax is caring for the family. On-line condolences may be made at http://www.corbeillfuneralhomes.com