Neldon Emmett Hansen

Our beloved father, grandfather, and great-grandfather passed away, from natural causes, at his home on Thursday, November 30, 2023.  

Neldon Emmett Hansen was born on February 26, 1934 to Emmett and Zella Hansen in Lehi, Utah. Growing up, he was surrounded by many extended family members. He attended Lehi High School.  He loved to ride his bicycle from his home in Lehi to his grandma’s house in American Fork.  He was taught to work hard, be honest, and honor his elders.  He loved the outdoors and life in general.  Neldon married Colleen Hatch on May 5, 1951 in Provo, Utah. Together they raised 3 daughters. They were later sealed in the Jordan River Temple on April 21, 1993.  Neldon and Colleen lived in Lehi, American Fork, Draper and Francis, Utah. For more than 4 decades, their winters were spent in Yuma, Arizona where they frequently hosted friends and family eager to escape the cold.  

Neldon worked in the clay mine for his father-in-law, then went on to work for Interstate Brick Company for 28 years. He then started his own business, CN Construction, burying telephone cable until he retired. After retiring, Neldon and Colleen managed the Deer Creek Campground for several years, where they made lifelong friends.  Together they served an LDS Mission on the Navajo Reservation in Albuquerque, New Mexico.  They loved to travel and had many adventures during their retired years.  Their adventures always included family or friends making memories along the way.  

Neldon’s entire world revolved around his family.  He always wanted to stay up-to-date with his children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren, and loved having them for visits. His grandchildren and great-grandchildren were constantly entertained by his unique witty (and sometimes inappropriate) one-liners, that only grandpa could produce.  Neldon had a passion for gardening and growing a plethora of fruits and vegetables.  He spent countless hours keeping up his beautiful yard and garden.  Everyone enjoyed his Arizona lemons, grapefruits, and tangelos. When he wasn’t working in the yard, he loved riding his bike or his scooter, building and flying RC planes. He had a knack for woodworking, building anything from birdhouses, toy boxes and houses to intarsia animals. He liked to keep up with current national and world events and frequently had a news channel on the TV.  Neldon had a way with words, even when directed at inanimate objects, and was not shy about speaking his mind.

Neldon was a hands-on dad, teaching his girls to work hard, be honest, have integrity, honor God and enjoy God’s creations.  He loved taking his family camping, fishing, hunting and off-roading in the mountains anytime he could. His love for the outdoors has been passed down through the generations.

Neldon was preceded in death by his parents and his brother Dale. He is survived by his wife Colleen, sister Connie Durrant, daughters Terrie (Mel), Trudie (Sid), & Tracie (Chad), along with 10 grandchildren and 29 great-grandchildren.

A viewing for Neldon will be held on Sunday, December 3 at the Francis LDS Church (387 W. Frontier Lane, Francis, Utah) from 6pm to 8 pm. Funeral services will be Monday, December 4 at 11 am with a viewing from 9:30-10:45. Interment will be at the Lehi Cemetery (1100 North 400 East, Lehi, Utah).

The family would like to offer a special thanks to Audrey Stembridge for her service and care for Neldon in his last few months of life.