Jeffery Tayne Nielsen's Obituary
Jeffery “Tayne” Nielsen, 70, of Provo, passed away on January 28th, 2026 after a life defined by hard work, family, and time spent in the outdoors.
He was born July 25th, 1955 in Provo, Utah to David and Donna Nielsen. He was the fifth child of ten siblings. Tayne was raised in Lindon, Utah and a graduate of Pleasant Grove High School, Class of 1973. He earned his Eagle Scout rank as a young man, a sign of the discipline and reliability that carried through his life.
He worked for many years as a member of Iron Workers Union Local 27, putting in long days on construction sites across the region. The work was demanding—physical, precise, often in tough conditions—but he took pride in it and did it well.
Tayne loved the Utah mountains and the simple pursuits that kept him close to the land. He enjoyed gardening, hunting, camping and fishing. One of his notable accomplishments was harvesting an elk with a muzzleloader, done the traditional way with skill and patience.
Family was everything to him. He is survived by his daughters—Aubrey Anderson, Monique Murry, Shalice (Brett) Zabaldo, and Laynie (Derek) Bunnell— his grandchildren: Alexa, Rylan, Dylan, Celeste, Analesia, Kamden, Brayden, Bentley, and great-grandson Kymani. He is also survived by his mother, Donna Nielsen; siblings, Ric (Michelle) Nielsen, Jannifer (Bruce) McCabe, Nathan (Kim) Nielsen, Kylene (Lynn) Alder, Cherokee (Tom) Wharton, Kriket (Red) Robinson, Natalie (Chad) Robbins, Cheyenne Zufelt, as well as many other family members and friends who knew his steady, loving presence. He was preceded in death by his father, David Nielsen, and sister, Mydona (survived by her husband Cody) Baxter.
Tayne lived simply and honestly—no need for complications or modern distractions. He valued what he could build with his hands, the quiet of the wilderness, and the people around him. He will be remembered for that straightforward strength and the quiet way he cared for those he loved.
Services will be held at a later date.
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