Karren S Nielsen

Born in Murray, Utah, on February 19, 1941, to Arthur and Belva Simonson. Karren S. Nielsen, beloved mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, sister and friend passed away peacefully on February 21, 2026, in Sandy, Utah; just two days after celebrating her 85th birthday. Karren was the second born of six children and remained close with each of her siblings, deeply treasuring those relationships throughout her life. She fell in love with Leo Nielsen, and they were married on October 18, 1956.

Together they built a beautiful life and raised three boys: Lonnie, Bret (Brenda), and Steve (Lee Ann). Her greatest joy was her family. She was blessed with five grandchildren, thirteen great-grandchildren, and two great-great-grandchildren. Her husband Leo, and her son, Lonnie preceded her in death. After raising her three sons, Karren took on legal custody and devoted herself to raising her great-grandchildren, Mariah (Jasper) Bennett and Anthany Dudley.

She began this next chapter of her life with love and determination at the age of 57 as a newly widowed grandmother, taking the responsibility of a three-month-old infant and a four-year-old child and raising them to adulthood as her own. This is just who Karren was, a devoted caretaker to all. Karren had the biggest heart of anyone; her heart knew no bounds. She truly exemplified selfless service in all that she did throughout her life.

Karren loved being with family and had the gift of bringing everyone together by putting on a celebration for any occasion. It was always a special event to gather the whole family at “Aunt KK’s” house for birthdays, holidays, and of course, her classic and legendary Christmas parties that filled the walls of her home from one end to the other with everyone she loved.

Karren and Leo loved to travel and, on many occasions, took their children and grandchildren with them on extended vacations. They managed to visit all 50 states by the time Leo passed away. Karren was an easy person to please; you could usually find her with a Diet Coke or coffee in one hand and her phone in the other. She lived for the simple pleasures in life and never turned down an opportunity to live life to the fullest.

Karren worked at Strevell Patterson and later at Fleming Foods in the food distribution industry for 37 years before retiring to embark on her journey of raising another generation. To know her was to love her. She left a lasting impression on everyone she met, from co-workers to casual acquaintances. She will be profoundly missed by all whose lives were touched by her kindness, generosity, and unwavering love.

Visitation will be held at Cannon Mortuary on Thursday, February 26, from 6:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m., and on the day of the service one hour prior, Friday, February 27, from 9:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m., at 2460 E. Bengal Blvd., Cottonwood Heights, UT 84121 (7600 South).

Graveside services will follow on Friday, February 27, at 11:00 a.m. at Memorial Mountain View Cemetery, 3115 Bengal Blvd., Cottonwood Heights, UT 84121.