Dennis W. Nelson, 80, of Archer, passed away February 20th, 2010 at home of causes incident to age, surrounded by his loving family.

He was born January 19, 1930 in Archer, Idaho to George F. And Isabel Weekes Nelson. He graduated from Madison High School. Dennis married his high school sweetheart, Rita Johnson in the Idaho Falls LDS Temple on November 18, 1948. They are the parents of 9 children, 28 grandchildren, and 37 great grandchildren.

Dennis worked for the U & I Sugar Company and Kraft Cheese briefly. He then worked for the State of Idaho Department of Transportation for 27 years. In addition to his full-time employment he spent his life farming and raising beef cattle.

Dennis achieved the rank of Eagle Scout and served in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints throughout his life including serving in Scouting, the Young Men's Athletic Program, the Sunday School Presidency and High Priest Group leadership.

Dennis is survived by his wife Rita, children Lyle (Gale) Nelson of Blanchard, Oklahoma, Steven Nelson of Rexburg, Idaho, Carol (Alan) Neilson of Salt Lake City, Utah, Garth (Kathleen) Nelson of Rexburg, Idaho, Denise (David) Stoddard of West Jordan, Utah, Weston (Peggy) Nelson of Rexburg, Idaho, Peggy (Russ) Pyle of Draper, Utah, Lisa (Jerry) Corbett of West Jordan, Utah, and Gina Nelson of Murray, Utah, as well as two sisters Zula Kidd of Rigby and Glenna McCulloch of Rexburg, and a brother Reid (Diane) Nelson of Desert Hot Springs California.

He was preceded in death by his parents George and Isabel Nelson and three brothers; Chester, Lynn and John Nelson.

Dennis was a hard-working, generous and loving husband, father and grandfather and he will be missed!

Funeral services will be held 11:00 a.m. Thursday, February 25, 2010 at the Archer LDS Church, Bishop Reese Nelson officiating. The family will receive friends Wednesday, at church, from 6:00 to 8:30 p.m. and again from 9:30 to 10:45 a.m. on Thursday, prior to services. Interment will be in the Sutton Cemetery.