Sierra Jane Nilsen Winkel

Sierra Jane Nilsen Winkel, 64, passed away peacefully November 12, 2024, at her home in Mesquite, Nevada with her loving husband Von at her side. She was born August 16, 1960, in Salt Lake City, Utah to Frank Louis Nilsen and Olive Tingey Nilsen.

Sierra Jane was a devoted wife, loving mother, grandmother, daughter, sister, and loyal friend. She kept the two great commandments; she loved her Father in Heaven and Jesus Christ and loved ALL people. She was a dear friend to many and due to the extreme hardships she endured throughout her life, had empathy for all who suffered.

Sierra Jane spent her childhood with her four siblings at 2200 Scenic Drive in Salt Lake City, Utah. She attended Beacon Heights Elementary School, Hillside Jr. High School where she served as Student Body Secretary, and Highland High School where she excelled as a cheerleader.

Sierra Jane married Matthew Thomas in 1981 and they resided in Bountiful, Utah. They divorced in 1998.

Sierra Jane pursued higher education at the University of Utah where she earned a bachelor’s degree in Family and Child Development in 1984.

She gave birth to her dear son Bridger in 1984. He is still the “Love of my life.” 

She designed and built her dream home high in the foothills above Bountiful Utah with a breathtaking view of the Great Salt Lake.

Sierra Jane married Von Kenneth Winkel in 2007. Von and Sierra Jane love each other deeply. That love was forged in the furnace of the affliction of Sierra Jane’s many health issues. For fifteen years they spent countless days in hospitals, and travelling to and from medical clinics. Von never left her side and Sierra Jane was always grateful and gracious for any care she received. Common sayings included, “Thank-you, I really, really appreciate it” or “How will I ever repay you?” She was always a favorite patient at hospitals and doctor’s offices because she endured her pain and illnesses with such grace. Full of complements, she was often heard to say as she was receiving care or being transported to yet another painful treatment by a nurse or aide, “Your hair looks so beautiful today,” or “I love you. Thanks for helping me today.” She truly found joy in life even during her suffering and shared that joy with everyone.

Sierra Jane was passionate about making and wearing jewelry, decorating her home, wearing beautiful clothes, painting with watercolors, Christmas, grandchildren and pampering her dogs. She filled her home with style and color that was reflected in beautiful furniture, pictures and other wall hangings, floral arrangements, and reminders of her great faith in her Heavenly Father and Savior Jesus Christ.

She cherished her membership in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and honored her covenants. She loved the temple, sacred music, and serving in the church in various callings. She was sensitive to the Spirit and had many sacred experiences that strengthened her faith and those to whom she shared them. 

She loved to have fun and was often the center of attention. She had a natural, charming personality, but what attracted most people to her was her genuine love and interest in everyone!

She is survived by her husband Von; son, Bridger Thomas; stepsons, Ryan, Matthew, Sean, Jordan and Logan Winkel; and two stepdaughters, Jamee Flores and Rebekah Winkel; 14 grandchildren; one brother, Robert (Bob) Nilsen; and three sisters, Dianne (Mrs. Kenton B. Knorr), Frankie Lyn Nilsen, and Carolyn (Mrs. Thomas Crawford). She was preceded in death by her parents.

A viewing will be held on Saturday, November 23, 2024, at 10:00 AM at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints chapel, 355 Virgin St, Bunkerville, Nevada. A funeral service will be held at 11:00 AM that same day in the same location. Interment will be at the Washington City, Utah Cemetery. We invite family and friends to leave condolences or memories at www.starmortuary.com. The family wishes to extend their gratitude to the many, many dedicated doctors, nurses, aides and other health care professionals who cared for Sierra Jane during her long battle with multiple illnesses.