William "Bill" Irwin Nissen, 90, passed away surrounded by family on February 16, 2026, in Salt Lake City, Utah. Bill was born on August 29, 1935, in Page, NE, to Milton G. P. Nissen and Beryl M. Good. The eldest of five siblings, he spent his childhood in Sidney, NE. It was there, in the third grade, that Bill first picked up the trumpet—beginning a lifelong love of music that would carry him through high school and beyond.

From a young age, Bill had a passion for constructing things and solving problems creatively, early construction projects included building model airplanes with balsa wood and tissue paper and launching them into the wild blue yonder. This innate curiosity led him to the South Dakota School of Mines & Technology, where he earned a BS in Metallurgical Engineering. Following graduation, Bill served his country in the U.S. Army with two years of active duty in Germany during the Cold War. He continued his service for 20 years in the U.S. Army Reserves, ultimately achieving the rank of Lieutenant Colonel.

On October 7, 1961, Bill married Suzanne Marie Gano. He often remarked that his proudest achievement was their 64 years of marriage. Together, they raised two children, Richard Anton Nissen and Rebecca "Reba" Jo Nissen, and built a life centered on family and adventure in their home of 54 years. In 2020, Bill and Suzanne moved to Summit Vista, where they embraced a vibrant new chapter. Bill remained as active as ever—learning ASL, ballet, pickleball, and Tai Chi, while also participating in the Glee Club and playing Bunco every Thursday.

Bill enjoyed a distinguished 33-year career as a research metallurgist with the U.S. Bureau of Mines. He was particularly proud of his work regarding the safe removal of sulfur dioxide from smelter stack emissions; this research contributed vital knowledge to the field of air quality improvement. His professional dedication to the environment became a personal mission in his later years. Bill often noted that his choices—from adding solar panels to his home to purchasing an electric car—were made not for himself, but to ensure a better world for his great-grandchildren.

Music remained Bill's constant companion. An avid trumpet player, he performed with the El Kalah Shrine Band and the Phoenix Jazz and Swing Band. Bill and Suzanne sang in their church choir for over 50 years, rang handbells in the adult choir, and served as chaperones for the Wesley Bell Ringers for six summer tours. While he loved all forms of music, jazz held a special place in his heart.

A true "Mr. Fixit," Bill was a talented handyman who personally finished the lower level of the family home. He never kept his skills to himself; Bill was always ready to help family, friends, and neighbors whenever a problem needed solving. An explorer at heart, he sailed a Hobie Cat, hiked, and skied the Wasatch well into his 80s. His curiosity led him and Suzanne to travel to 14 countries across Europe and the Americas.

Bill was preceded in death by his parents and his sister, Betty. He is survived by his beloved wife, Suzanne; his son Richard (Denise); granddaughters Jessica (Steve), Brianna (Marc), and Amanda (Denby); 12 cherished great-grandchildren; his daughter Reba (Jagoda); and his siblings Jim (Droni), Joann (Dan), and Carol (Larry).

A Celebration of Life will be held on April 4, 2026, at 11 AM at Christ United Methodist Church, 2375 E 3300 S, Salt Lake City, UT 84109.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to the Christ United Methodist Church Organ Fund or your local PBS station in Bill’s memory.

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