Nilsson_Fay_8 Dec. 1905
Fay Rodney Nilsson, 79, Riverside, died Wednesday at the Bingham Memorial Hospital after an extended illness.
He was born Dec. 8, 1905, in Sterling, to Oscar Edwin and Jane “Jennie” Elizabeth McNaughton Nilsson. He lived in Otis, Sterling, Pocatello and Idaho Falls.
He was married to Vilate Moses on Aug. 21, 1933, in the Salt Lake City LDS Temple. They moved to Riverside in 1943. His wife died Nov. 25, 1947.
On June 28, 1956, he married Ruby Ilene Grenz in the Idaho Falls LDS Temple.
He was director of recreation at State Hospital South for 19 years until his retirement in 1969. He also had a small dairy farm.
He was a member of the LDS Church and had served as a counselor in the Sunday School, as well as Sunday School teacher. He also had been music director and ward organist, and organist for the Sunday School and priesthood. He had served as secretary in the high priest’s quorum.
Musically talented, he played piano for many years as a member of the Nilsson family band, known throughout the area as “The Dreamland Serenaders”. He sang with this group on KSEI Radio, and played in many towns in Idaho.
He always raised a garden and planted a fruit orchard at his home.
He is survived by his wife of Riverside; six sons, Donald Fay Nilsson and Rodney G. Nilsson, both of Blackfoot; Tom Nilsson, F. Roger Nilsson, and Fred E. Nilsson, all of Riverside; Doug Nilsson, Rupert; two daughters, June E. Nilsson, Riverside; Mrs. Kent (Dawna) Ireton, Boise; four brothers, Tom J. Nilsson, Sandy, Utah; Roy F. Nilsson, San Bruno, Calif.; Rex V. Nilsson, Salt Lake City; William Donald Nilsson, Alaska; two sisters, Mrs. Herbert (Dot) Heinhold, Salt Lake City; Mrs. Don (Donna) Walker, Lindon, Utah; 16 grandchildren; and seven great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents; three brothers, Otto Nilsson, Edwin Nilsson and Ray Nilsson; and one sister, LaPreal Hiatt.
Funeral services will be 2 p.m. Saturday at the Riverside Second Ward LDS Church with Bishop Bruce Evans conducting. The family will meet with friends at the Hill-Sandberg Funeral Home from 7 to 9 p.m. Friday and at the Riverside church for one hour prior to services Saturday. Burial will be in the Riverside-Thomas Cemetery.