Klea Mae Nielsen Christoffersen Brown, 92, was born on the 4th of February 1930, to Charles Janus and Bertha Ina Petersen Nielsen in Holbrook, Idaho. She passed away peacefully surrounded by loved ones on January 16th, 2023, in Layton, Utah.

Her willful, determined and resolute personality was quickly and imperatively revealed as she was born during a harsh winter storm, weighing a meager four pounds. She spent her childhood living in Holbrook. When she was in the 7th grade her parents bought a home in Malad, Idaho. They would live in Holbrook during the summer months and in Malad during the school year.  She often shared fond childhood memories of her time in Holbrook with her grandparents who lived nearby. She would reminisce about sleepovers at their home and listening intently for the rattle of rattlesnakes as they walked between homes.  She loved swimming in the water trough and reading books while eating dill pickles in her tree house. The innate ability to serve those she loved manifested at an early age as she helped her parents care for their home and her younger siblings.   

Klea Mae met Melvin LaVar Christoffersen at a youth dance and the two were eventually married. They were later sealed in the Logan Utah LDS Temple. She worked diligently alongside LaVar on their farm to provide for and raise their three children. She always kept the workers well fed and wasn’t afraid to participate in laborious tasks when needed.  She worked hard at whatever task was before her.  She was extremely resourceful and never wasteful.

LaVar and Klea Mae in their later years would enjoy winters together in Arizona where they spent time golfing, relaxing and spending time with good friends.  This was always a welcome break from the rigorous life of farming. 

Klea Mae worked for a short time at Brigham Apparel, Rex’s AG and Carl’s Department Store. She was an accomplished homemaker. She took pride in the cleanliness of her home, and it was always in pristine condition.  She was an expert seamstress. She could create beautiful articles of clothing, including coats and doll clothes with the most intricate details.  She loved to quilt, embroidery, needlepoint and crochet.  She would often host “club” where she would prepare beautiful desserts and gather with friends to play cards. 

Her home was a magical place at Christmas time.  She always had it decorated beautifully and would often play classic Christmas songs from her record player. It always smelled of something baking and everyone loved to stop by to enjoy her delicious homemade chocolates. 

Following LaVar’s sudden passing, Klea Mae spent winters in St. George. Here she met and married Warren “Kork” Brown.  She sold her home in Malad and together they bought a home in Murray, Utah, where they would spend the summers.  They continued to winter in St. George until they eventually moved there permanently.

She loved to travel and was fortunate to be able to see many places around the world, including: Hawaii, Jerusalem, New Zealand, the Philippines, China, Japan, Hong Kong, Australia and New Zealand. 

Klea Mae would rarely go in public without someone acknowledging her beauty. She was very attentive to taking care of herself.  She walked and exercised daily.  She was punctual in having her hair and makeup done immediately upon awakening.  She would wear stunning pieces of jewelry and had an unending array of shoes to choose from each day.

She spent her life in the service of those that she loved. She would often manifest this love in the form of something delicious.  She was known for her desserts, cookies, breads and shelves lined with jars of homemade bottled foods. She would also demonstrate her love by supporting her grandkids in their various activities. 

Klea Mae was a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. She served faithfully in many callings, including Young Women President, Relief Society President, Primary President, and Family History Consultant. She served two missions: Martin's Cove and St. George Historical Mission. She also ushered at the Salt Lake Tabernacle. She was an ordinance worker in the St. George temple until it closed for renovation.  She will always be remembered for her faith, devotion, diligent temple service and her very long and thoughtful prayers. 

Klea Mae is survived by her husband Kork; children: Mel (Debbie) Christoffersen of Kaysville, Utah; Gregg (Nancy) Christoffersen of Murray, Utah; and Tami (Mike) Williams of Malad, Idaho. She is also survived by 9 grandchildren, 28 great grandchildren; 12 great-great grandchildren; brothers Loudell, Leo and Eldon Nielsen; and her sister Helen Smith. Stepchildren: Drew (Pat) Brown, Cory (Liliana) Brown; and Nancy Kidder. She was preceded in death by her husband LaVar, parents, grandson Matt Williams, and brothers, Khalil, David and Charles Nielsen.

Funeral services will be held on January 28th, 2023, at 11 a.m. at the Horsley Funeral Home, 132 W 300 N in Malad, Idaho. There will be a viewing from 10:00 -11:00 a.m. prior to the funeral.

The family wishes to give special thanks to the staff at Fairfield Village and Inspiration Hospice.  A special thanks to Angie Favero for the love and care that you showed Klea Mae and her family during these past few months.