Karl Theodore Nicholson
October 15, 1936 – July 23, 2025

Karl Theodore Nicholson, age 88, passed away peacefully at home on July 23, 2025, in Cottonwood Heights, Utah from complications of Pulmonary Fibrosis.

Karl was born October 15, 1936, to Virginia Temple and Harry Parker Nicholson in Melrose, Massachusetts. Karl grew up moving between family homes in Wakefield, Massachusetts, and Freedom, New Hampshire. He joined the Air Force in February 1955 and aside from a four-month tour in Morocco, spent his time in Columbus, Ohio as a radar specialist supporting B-47’s in the Strategic Air Command. After his discharge in 1958, he met with The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints missionaries and joined the church. He subsequently attended Brigham Young University. In August 1960, Karl served a church mission in England, Ireland, and Scotland.

In March of 1963, Karl met the love of his life, Maxilyn Tripp at BYU. They were married on August 28, 1963, in the Idaho Falls Temple in Idaho. Karl graduated with a bachelor’s degree in psychology in 1965. He began his career with the Veterans Administration in 1966. Karl, in the fall of that year, accepted a promotion and transferred with his family to the VA Hospital in Perry Point, Maryland. Promotions and transfers followed to Tucson Arizona, Dayton Ohio, West Los Angeles California, and then back to Salt Lake City Utah. Karl continued working with the VA in regional hospital administration and simultaneously earned a Master of Public Administration degree from BYU. He then worked nationally at the VA Hospital headquarters with system computers until December 1999, when he retired from the VA with 36 years of government service.

In the 1970’s Karl was a ski instructor at Brighton Ski Resort and spent much of his time with his kids on the ski slopes. He became an avid golfer who enjoyed time on the course. His main hobby was photography. He cannot recall ever being without a camera from the time he was eight years old. He loved spending time documenting family activities. He, along with Maxilyn, loved photographing their travels. He enjoyed sailing as well as hiking and camping throughout his life. He was also an avid reader and enjoyed literature. Karl had creative outlets including painting and woodworking. Most important to Karl was spending time with his family, they always came first.

Karl and Maxilyn and their family have remained in the same home in Cottonwood Heights, Utah for over 50 years. Since retiring, Maxilyn and Karl acquired a travel trailer and have visited many parts of the western states. They loved attending Karl’s annual Air Force reunion. Church activity has included a variety of ward and stake positions.

Karl is survived by his wife, Maxilyn, and his children; Wendi (Jan) DeHoop, Michelle (Brett) Littlefield, Eric
Nicholson, Robyn Crane (Eric), Kristin Wolcott; 15 grandchildren and 16 great-grandchildren and his brothers, Bruce (Victoria) Nicholson and Keith (Connie) Nicholson. Karl was preceded in death by his parents and his sister, Meredith Blake and his son, Kevin Nicholson.

Funeral services will be Saturday, August 2, 2025, in Malad Idaho at the Horsley Funeral Home with family and close friends with a viewing from 12:00-1:00 pm. The burial will be at the Malad City Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, please donate to The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints Missionary or Humanitarian Fund.