OBITS: Deseret News 12 Sep 2005; Salt Lake City, Salt Lake co., Utah text formatted by W. David Samuelsen for The USGenWeb Archives Project *********************************************************************** Copyright. All rights reserved. http://www.usgwarchives.net/copyright.htm http://www.usgwarchives.net/ut/utfiles.htm *********************************************************************** Source: Deseret News http://www.desnews.com Boelter, Harold E. "Happy Hal" Harold E. Boelter "Happy Hal" Harold E. Boelter, our loving husband, father, and grandfather passed away peacefully at his home September 10, 2005. Born in Salt Lake City, Utah August 16, 1930 to William Earnest Boelter and Alma Johanna Frisch who preceded him in death. An Eagle Scout; a graduate of West High School; served an LDS mission to the Great Lakes Mission; employed at Hill Air Force Base for 25 years. After his retirement he enjoyed working for ZCMI, First Security Bank, and Walmart, as a greeter, his favorite. He also loved serving at the Jordan River Temple. Married Alice Colleen Nielsen in the Salt Lake Temple April 16, 1962. They were blessed with five children, Richard (Karen), Mark, Blair (Brenda), Blain (Amy), Mary Ann (Wayne) Twitchell; 15 grandchildren, Brady, Mackenzie, Trevor, Adrienne, Adam, Julie, Lindsey, Mary Ann, Benjamin, Hailey, Collin, Hayden, Blake, Lauren, Alec; and one sister, Ethel (William) Roberg. Hal loved to refer to himself as "Happy Hal" and was often seen with a smile on his face. He loved trains, Ford automobiles, and the Boy Scouts. Each summer he could be found at scout camp serving as the designated dish washer. Funeral services will be held Wednesday, September 14, 2005, 12 noon at the Jordan 7th Ward chapel, 3700 West 4400 South, West Valley City, Utah. Gatherings for family and friends will be held Tuesday evening from 6-8 p.m. at McDougal Funeral Home, 4330 South Redwood Road and immediately before the services beginning 11 a.m. at the church. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the American Diabetes Foundation. Published in the Deseret News on 9/12/2005. Bryant, William Ray William Ray Bryant 5/15/1918 ~ 9/8/2005 William R. Bryant passed away Thursday, September 8, 2005, in Salt Lake City, Utah. He was born to Drura and Lizzie (Elizabeth) Bryant in Kokomo, Indiana. His family moved to Ella, Kentucky, where he lived through most of his growing years. Bill was proud of his Kentucky heritage and spoke of his family often. In the late 1930's, he joined the Civilian Conservation Corps and was stationed in Southern Utah where he met his sweetheart, Elma Mangum. On November 22, 1940, they were married. Bill's career began in Hawthorne, NV, where he found work with the U.S. Naval Ammunition Depot first as a machinist, and eventually as a Mechanical Engineer. He was responsible for designing robotic equipment used in the production and dismantling of ammunition. He retired after 30 years of service. Bill became a member of the LDS Church in 1956. He served the church in many callings, but his favorites were the two full time missions he served with his wife in England, and Minnesota, and their temple work in the Manti and Jordan River Temples. Bill was an avid sportsman who loved hunting, fishing, and camping with friends and family. He is survived by his children, Karin (John) Jelavich, Richard (Cheri) Bryant, Clifton (JoNell) Bryant, Patty (Ron) Bates, Jeannie (Wes) Jepson, and Rita Manning. In addition, he is survived by 36 grandchildren; 44 great-grandchildren; two brothers, Edward (Shirley) Bryant, Leonard (Nellie) Bryant; and a sister, Mildred Redmond. Bill was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Elma; daughter, Gail Campbell; a sister, Mabel Strang; two brothers, Clifton and Chester Bryant; and two sons-in-law, Ronald Campbell and Richard Jenkins. The family appreciates, and wishes to thank, the staff at Hazen Care Center for their compassionate and loving care given in our Dad's last few months of life. Funeral services will be held Tuesday, Sept. 13, 2005, 11 a.m. at the Riverton Eighth Ward building, 12340 S. 2700 W, Riverton. Friends may call from 6-7:30 p.m. Monday, at Jenkins-Soffe South Valley, 1007 W. South Jordan Prkwy (10600 So.). Graveside Service will follow at the Vine Bluff Cemetery in Nephi, Utah at 2 p.m. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations to the American Diabetes Association, your local LDS Missionary Fund, or the NRA. Published in the Deseret News from 9/11/2005 - 9/12/2005. Haslam, Marilyln R. Marilyn R. Haslam 1934 ~ 2005 Our beloved sweetheart, mother, grandmother, and friend peacefully passed away September 10, 2005, from cancer. Her entire life exemplified grace and good humor. She was born September 7, 1934, in Lyman, Idaho. Married, Alden G. Haslam, February 13, 1953, in the Idaho Falls Temple. Marilyn served family, friends, and church with love and devotion. Her beloved children are Jill (Brett) Harman, Brent (Mari-anne) Haslam, Brian (Michelle) Has-lam, Kaye (Kary) Ryser, Lori (Sheldon) Bagley; Sue Haslam (deceased). Cherished to Marilyn are her 19 grandchildren, and three great-grandchil-dren. She enjoyed her close relationship with her sister, Charole R. Muir; and brother, William (Billie) Robison. Funeral services will be Tuesday, September 13, 2005, 11 a.m. at the Riverview 6th Ward, 552 E. 11400 So., Draper, Utah. Friends may visit 6-8 p.m. September 12, 2005 at Mountain View Memorial Mortuary, 3115 E. 7800 So., and at the 6th Ward meetinghouse from 9:30-10:45 a.m. prior to the service. In lieu of flowers, please donate to the LDS Church Humanitarian Fund. Published in the Deseret News from 9/11/2005 - 9/12/2005. Hill, Paul Edward Paul Edward Hill 5/30/27 ~ 9/10/05 Our loving father, grandfather, brother and uncle reunited with his bride September 10, 2005, one year to the date of her passing, surrounded by his family in Provo, Utah. Paul was born May 30, 1927 in Laurens, South Carolina, the son of Luther and Odessa Hill. He spent his youth in South Carolina until he enlisted in the Merchant Marines at a very young age. All of his life he had a deep love for his country, as a result he served in World War II then reenlisted during the Korean War. After his military service, he joined the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and moved to Provo to attend BYU and finish his education, where he graduated with a business degree. During this time, he met Mercedes Dickey, whom he married March 21, 1958 in the Los Angeles Temple. Paul and Mercy settled in Southern California where Paul was purchasing manager for the Huntington Beach School District. While working for the school district Paul was instrumental in helping to build four new schools, and received various awards for his work. During their time in Garden Grove, California and after moving to Orem in 1977, the couple raised five daughters. Paul took a position as purchasing manager at Valtek in Springville, where he retired after 17 years of employment. Paul served in various leadership positions including several bishoprics and the stake high council for the church. After retiring, Paul spent his time working in the temple, and with his wife and family. Paul is preceded in death by his wife, Mercy; his parents; his brother, Chris; and granddaughter, Amy Bradford. He is survived by his daughters, Virginia Hill, Provo, Sharon (Less) Goss, Houston, Texas, Elizabeth (Greg) Abbott, Monroe, Susan (Kline) Bradford, Orem, Barbara Tate, Orem; 21 grandchildren; his brother, Jim (Norma); and his sister, McNary Burgess. Funeral services will be held Wed-nesday, September 14, 12 noon, at the Walker Sanderson Funeral Home, 646 East 800 North, Orem. Friends may call at the funeral home from 10-11:30 a.m., prior to the services. Burial will be in the Orem City Cemetery with full military rites. The family would like to thank Trinity Mission for there kindness and care for Paul and Mercy in their final days. Condolences may be sent to www.walkerfamilymortuaries.com Published in the Deseret News on 9/12/2005. Kurumada, Helen Helen Kurumada 1917 ~ 2005 Passed away in her sleep September 6, 2005. Born May 17, 1917, Helen Gim spent her first 13 years in Mackey, Idaho, the daughter of Y. Henry and Louise Gim. She moved to Utah after the death of her father and lived and worked in Salt Lake City. She was active in the League of Women Voters, the Utah Democratic Party, and various progressive causes. She was the first Chairperson of the Asian Association of Utah. She was an active member of the First Unitarian Church and participated in activities in the Utah's Japanese and Chinese communities. Helen was a creative and skillful cook and taught her sons her craft. Many great memories are centered around an exceptional dinner table at her "Restaurant 4174." She is survived by her husband, Jun Kurumada; her sons, Kim, Kevin, Dennis, and Craig Kurumada; daughters-in-law, Sherrie, Jean, Becky, and Linnea; brothers, Wever and Ben Gim; sister, Betty Gim; numerous nephews and nieces; grandchildren, Kasey, Chris, Sam, Colten; and great-grand-child, Tanner. Services are set for Tuesday, September 13, 2005, 2 p.m. at the First Unitarian Church, 569 South 1300 East. Published in the Deseret News from 9/11/2005 - 9/13/2005. Neil, Travis Travis Neil 1976 ~ 2005 Travis Randall Neil, 29 of Pleasant Grove, Utah formerly of Lehi, died September 9, 2005 in Tooele County. He was born August 6, 1976 in American Fork, Utah, son of Dennis K. and Layna Despain Neil. He married Christina Lynn Beck, Sept. 26, 2004 in Reno, Nevada. Travis worked full time for the Utah Army National Guard. He had formerly been in the Marine Corp. and had recently served in Iraq. He loved football, baseball, especially the Chicago Cubs, sports, hunting, fishing, camping, and all outdoor activities. Survived by his wife, Christina of Pleasant Grove; step-sons, Evan, Dakota and Wayd Young; father, Dennis Neil, American Fork; mother, Layna Neil, Lehi; grandparents, Evelyn Neil, American Fork; Marlene Kent, Colorado; brother, Skyler Neil, Lehi; sisters, Vicki Neil and Latisha Neil Griffes, both of American Fork; Denna Neil Williams, Highland; Nicale and Valentine, both of Colorado; numerous aunts, uncles, and cousins. Funeral services will be held Thursday, Sept. 15, 2005 at 11:00 a.m. in the Lehi Bull River Ward Chapel at 2600 No. 700 W., Lehi. Friends and family may call Wednesday evening from 6-8 p.m. at the Wing Mortuary, 118 E. Main, Lehi, and at the Church Thursday one hour prior to services. Interment will be in the Utah Veterans Memorial Park Cemetery, Camp Williams with full military honors. Published in the Deseret News from 9/12/2005 - 9/13/2005. Omer, Melva Thunell Melva Thunell Omer 1923 ~ 2005 Melva Bernice Thunell Omer, 81, of Holladay, Utah, died September 9, 2005, of natural causes. She was born in Salt Lake City, Utah, October 17, 1923, to Isaac Peter Thunell and Hildegard Valentina Olson, the fifth of seven children. When she was a young girl, her family moved from Salt Lake City to Holladay. Melva graduated from Granite High School, after which she attended Pasadena City College while working in Pasadena, California. Her studies included secretarial business skills. Melva was talented in music and art, and particularly had a love of music. She was an accomplished pianist and organist. For over 50 years she accompanied church congregations, choirs, soloists, and a wide variety of musical shows. Melva was an active member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints throughout her life. Her personal beliefs and faith were the guideposts of her life. She served others in many capacities in church and community, especially as a musician and music teacher to children and youth. She worked diligently with family members to complete family histories and genealogical records started by her parents. Melva cherished her family, and her children and grandchildren adored her for her enduring love, support, and devotion. She was a friend to all, both young and old, and was known for her kindness, thoughtfulness, gratitude, friendship, hospitality, encouragement, and keen sense of humor. Melva married Wayne Albert Omer October 29, 1943, in Santa Barbara, California, prior to Wayne's departure for Marine Corps service in the South Pacific. After his return, their marriage was sealed in the Salt Lake Temple. At the close of World War II, they relocated from Santa Barbara to Holladay, Utah, where they have since resided. Melva is survived by her husband, Wayne Albert Omer of Holladay, Utah; daughter and son-in-law, Marilyn and Brent Gandre of Sandy, Utah, son and daughter-in-law, Kenneth and Audrey Omer of Jonesboro, Georgia, son and daughter-in-law, Robert and Deborah Omer of Meeker, Colorado, son and daughter-in-law, Gerald and Denise Omer of Lithia Springs, Georgia, son and daughter-in-law, Bradley and Sharol Omer of West Valley City, Utah, son, Theodore (Ted) Omer of Sandy, Utah, son and daughter-in-law, Mark and Julie Omer of Lehi, Utah; 35 grandchildren; and 36 great-grandchildren. Also survived by sister-in-law, Florence Thunell of Salt Lake City, Utah; brother, Richard Thunell of Logan, Utah; sister and brother-in-law, Mary and Kenneth Hardy of South Jordan, Utah; sister, Mildred Weed of West Valley City, Utah; and numerous nieces and nephews. A viewing will be held Monday, September 12th, at the Cottonwood Mortuary, 4670 Highland Drive, Salt Lake City, from 6-8 p.m. Memorial services will be held at the LDS Holladay 24th Ward, 4395 Albright Drive (2145 East), Tuesday, September 13, at 12 noon, with a viewing prior to the services from 10:30-11:30 a.m. Interment will be at the Holladay Cemetery. The family expresses sincere appreciation to the staff of the Residence of CareSource for their professional skills and compassionate care. Published in the Deseret News from 9/11/2005 - 9/12/2005. Richards, Beverly Strangfeld Beverly Strangfeld Richards 1962 ~ 2005 Born Aug. 22, 1962, in Milwaukee, WI to Walter and Margot Strangfeld. Bev passed away Sept. 8, 2005, in Aspen, CO. She attended BYU and Weber State College, earning her RN. She served an LDS mission in Ascuncion, Paraguay. Bev was a loving nurse and managed a cardiac care unit in SLC. She later loved working with friends at the Aspen Valley Hospital. She was a talented musician, loved the outdoors, and was an avid hiker, skier, and snowboarder. She is survived by her mother, Mar-got Strangfeld; and siblings, Ursula (Noel) Blonquist, Karl (Cherie) Strangfeld, Eva (Martin) Andersen, Tom Strangfeld, Steve (Lisa) Strangfeld, and Chris (James) Gines. A viewing will be held 11 a.m. Tues. Sept. 13, 2005 at Larkin Mortuary, 260 East S. Temple, SLC. Graveside services will follow at the Salt Lake City Cemetery, 4th Ave. and N Street, 12 noon Tuesday. Published in the Deseret News from 9/11/2005 - 9/12/2005.