Matt Nielsen, 56, Nyssa, OR passed away Thursday, November 16, 2023 at his home in Nyssa. A graveside service will be held at a later date.

Matt was born February 16, 1967, in Nyssa OR to Bill and Judi Nielsen. He was raised in Sunset Valley, near Adrian, OR. His youth was spent working on the family farm and playing, hunting and fishing with his sister, LeeAnne and his many cousins. His passion was hunting. He was actively involved in “Hunting with Hero’s”.

Matt, enlisted in the Air Force in Dec. 1987. He became Staff Sergeant, E5 assigend to the Red Horse EDivision. He served his country in support of Operation Desert Shield/Storm. The so called “P-Tabs” an anti-nerve agent pill Gulf War Veterans were commanded to ingest during military service caused Matt to suffer decades of chronic, multisystem illness leading to his early death from multiple system organ failure. Upon leaving the Airforce, Matt received his Bachelors degree in education.

He most recently, was working in logistics at the VA hospital in Cheyenne, WY. He became medically retired in 2021. He moved to Nyssa to receive medical care from the Boise VA medical center.

He had 2 amazing children that he was extremely proud of. Ryen Nielsen, Wild Life Biolgist and Colton Nielsen, Master Dodge mechanic.

Matt was a man of faith in Jesus, his Savior. If you asked him about his faith he could answer in a poignant, profoud way.

He so appreciated all the love, support and prayers received during his very only illness. He especially loved his “Auntie Laura Jayo” ,his sister LeeAnne and husband Ken. His nephew Chase Cleaver and wife Katie and their children Grace and Calan and Colton’s partner Tiffany.

Annie Johnson, Joey and Julie Jayo and friend Kelly Shaw, made his final days a little easier.

He is survived by his Mother Judi Nielsen, children, Ryen Nielsen, Colton (Tiffany) Nielsen, sister, LeeAnne (Ken) Mathis, his Aunties Laura Jayo, Linda (Gary) Sant, Uncle Curtis (Sandra) Moncur, Uncle Gary (Peggy) Nielsen.

Matt’s life verse: 2 Timothy 1:7 “For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind.”