Galen Douglas Nelson

Galen Douglas Nelson, age 57, of Rigby, died Tuesday, December 11, 2007, from injuries received in an airplane accident along with two close friends, Robert Wolz and Tom Sainsbury. He was born May 24, 1950 at Rexburg, a son of Kenneth Levi Nelson and Gail Kinghorn Nelson. He attended Rigby schools, graduating from Rigby High School, and continued his education at Ricks College. He served in the National Guard 116th Engineering Battalion for six years and was marksman of his platoon. On April 12, 1975 he married Quenalee Watson in Rigby; their marriage was later solemnized in the Idaho Falls LDS Temple. He was an accomplished business man, having founded Press-A- Print, and most recently developing Real Estate and Property. He started flying two years ago and achieved his life long dream of being a pilot. He was an active member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and served as an officiator in the Idaho Falls Temple. Galen enjoyed life, friends, family, farming and ranching, but claimed his greatest achievement was his boys and their many accomplishments. The highlight of his life was his wife. He is survived by his wife, Quenalee of Rigby, six sons; Jeffery Craig (Becca) Nelson of Idaho Falls, Travis Clint (Lacey) Nelson of Idaho Falls, Gregory Douglas (Becky) Nelson of Menan, Ryan James (Becca) Nelson of Columbus Air Force Base, Mississippi, William Alexander Nelson, serving in the Brazil Maceio Mission, Andrew Michael Nelson of Rigby, his mother; Gail Kinghorn Nelson of Rigby, six brothers; Dennis K. (Dixie) Nelson of Rigby, Ray L. (Connie) Nelson of SLC, UT, Leon J. Nelson of Rigby, Calvin D. (Pegi) Nelson of Kennewick, WA, Keith B. (Penny) of Rigby, Richard A. (Karren) of Rigby, and eight grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his father. Funeral services will be held at 1:00 p.m. Tuesday, December 18, 2007 at the Rigby East Stake Center with Bishop Jeremy Hall officiating. The family will visit with friends from 7:00 to 8:30 p.m. Monday evening at Eckersell Memorial Chapel in Rigby and from 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Tuesday at the Church. Burial will be in the Annis Little Butte Cemetery.