Dennis Bardwell Nielsen

Dennis Bardwell Nielsen, 67, passed away peacefully after a long battle with heart disease on November 4, 2025 at his home in Yuma, Arizona. 

He was Born July 25, 1958 in Great Falls, Montana to George and Dorothy Nielsen. He was raised in Vaughn, Montana and graduated from Simms High School. 

He went on to build a successful 30-year career with the phone company. He also served as the president of the local Union CWA 7032, earning the respect and admiration of his peers through his leadership and fairness.  After retiring from the phone company, he worked at YPG in telecommunications for a few years and then tried his hand in off grid living in Arkansas.

Dennis married the love of his life, Mary Anna McCluskey on January 22nd, 1982, they have been married for 43 years and  have six children.  He is preceded in death by his parents, and sister Georgia Rushton.  He is survived by his wife Mary, and children; Katie Solberg (Nate), Dennis Scott (Katie), Chase (Charlotte), Sarah Thompson (Cale), Chelsea Magdaleno (Jordan), Miles (Dominique).  19 grandchildren; 4 great-grandchildren and 1 on the way, and his brother Darryl (Chris). 

Dennis loved sports, especially basketball and football. He played both in High School and received many awards and accolades for his performance in basketball.

He went on to play basketball in city and church leagues and often coached his kids in their sporting teams. He loved to watch his kids and grandkids play their sports and was so proud of them.

He loved camping, playing games with his family, fantasy football and in his earlier years he loved hunting trips with his boys. He just loved being with his family, telling stories and jokes. He had a fun sense of humor! He loved life and was always ready to give a helping hand to anyone in need. 

His motto in his home was Faith, Family and Basketball!  He had a strong belief and love for Jesus Christ and exercised his faith in him every day. He was a devout member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and served gladly wherever he was needed. However, his biggest love was missionary work and spreading the gospel of Jesus Christ. He loved having the missionaries in his home.

A Celebration of Dennis's life will be held on Saturday November 22, 11am at

 the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 4300 W 16th Street. The service will also be telecast over Zoom. Zoom number 915-4233-6580.

He asked that in lieu of flowers to please give donations to Hospice of Yuma, or Special Olympics Arizona Yuma, or The American Heart Association.

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