Jerry Vern Nielsen

Our father and commander Chief Jerry V. Nielsen (Mouse) earned his final badge of honor through his passing on February 26th, 2024. Surrounded with family by his side, he died peacefully in his sleep.

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“What you leave as a legacy is not what is etched in stone monuments, but what is woven into the lives of others.”

Jerry Vern Nielsen was born in Hyrum, Utah, July 31, 1943 to Doyle Baer Nielsen and Iris Maud Liljenquist. He married Sharon Wheeler in 1963. Later divorced. Survived by his three children, Corey (Carol) Nielsen, Rob Nielsen, Shanna Hurskainen, his grandchildren, Chase, Casee (Christian), Jaida, Anthony, and Justice. His loving and close friend, Mickee (Elaine) Spears. Survived by siblings Larry, Paul, Rob and Julie.

Chief Jerry V. Nielsen founded the Granite School District Security department in 1970. During this time, he was also serving as a reserve deputy for the local Sheriff’s Office. For nearly three years he served alone, working full-time days, in the district’s maintenance department, and part-time nights, weekends and holidays as the district’s sole security officer. His many hours of dedicated service were uncompensated and performed on a volunteer basis. This was done in an effort to prove that there was a viable need for such a program within the district. His efforts in loss prevention and crime suppression had such positive results, that in 1973, he was granted permission, by the school board, to hire three additional officers, and begin a full-time program. The Chief and those officers were all sworn reserve deputy sheriff’s, with full police powers. They derived their law enforcement authority from the Sheriff. Since then, the police department has grown tremendously and made a remarkable and lasting impact on the safety measures taken within the Granite School District schools, ensuring the safety of all students and faculty each and every day.

The profound impact that Chief Jerry V. Nielsen has had in the lives of others will live on forever.

Not only was Chief Nielsen a leader and protector within the community, he was a leader and a protector over his family. A man full of integrity, compassion, class and chivalry. Jerry loved his children and grandchildren fiercely. His inner peace and happiness was derived from knowing his loved ones were thriving and doing what brought them joy; often telling them: “Please don’t worry about me, just take good care of yourself and I’ll be fine”. Committed to the very end in shielding others from the health struggles he battled for many years.

We will miss you dad “Chief” - Godspeed!

Celebration of life will be held on Tuesday March 19, between 4:00-7:00 pm at the Le Jardin at The Rose Shop, 1910 E. Dimple Dell Rd., Sandy, Utah 84092