Karla Marie Jensen Nielsen

Karla Marie Jensen Nielsen, born on December 29, 1941, in Idaho Falls, Idaho, to Arnold Olen Jensen and Ruby Elizabeth McBride Jensen, passed away peacefully on March 6, 2026, at her home in Lehi, Utah, surrounded by the love of her family.

A graduate of Snake River High School in 1960 and Utah State University in 1964, Karla dedicated her professional life to teaching young children. She taught kindergarten at Bonnyview and McMillan Elementary schools in the Murray School District, later returning to education as a part-time staff member at Lehi Elementary and as a preschool teacher at a Montessori school and daycare. Deeply devoted to her faith, she served a full-time mission for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, from 2003 to 2005, and contributed extensively to the Boy Scouts of America, earning the Silver Beaver and Distinguished Women of Scouting Awards.

On August 22, 1969, Karla married Lynn M. Nielsen in the Idaho Falls LDS Temple. Together they built a life centered on faith, family, and service. She is survived by her devoted husband Lynn, their six children—Kent Nielsen, Karl (Holly) Nielsen, Kay (Jenni) Nielsen, Karalee (Akeimo) Birima, Lori (Kraig) Gamble, and Aaron (Candice) Nielsen—as well as their bonus children Terry Foster, Tyrone Foster, Velinda Garcia, and Rudy Levy, whom she loved as her own. Karla is also survived by her sister Melba (Bruce) Birchell, 19 grandchildren, and 4 great-grandchildren.

A farm girl at heart, Karla found joy in the outdoors—camping, harvesting potatoes, fishing, and caring for animals. She was a constant source of support and pride for her family, faithfully attending their sporting events, plays, and concerts. Her life was marked by kindness, generosity, and a quiet dedication to serving others that touched everyone who knew her.