Til we meet again, Br. Michael John Sorenson

Michael John Sorenson, husband, father, grandfather, soft-spoken gentleman, faithful priesthood holder in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, and a longtime member of the Bloomington 7th Ward, passed away in the early morning hours of Thursday, December 17, 2020 from complications relating to COVID.  He returned to his loving Heavenly Father only 66 short years after he came into the world on April 10, 1954.  

He was one of three children born in Ogden to Glen and Ethel Sorenson, but grew up in Layton, UT.  After high school he served the Lord and His children as a fulltime missionary for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in the Washington Seattle Mission then joined the U. S. Army where he served his Uncle Sam for 22 years.  After his military retirement, he went on to work as a teamster for another 32 years before retiring to St. George.  

 

He and Bonnie Malan, his sweetheart and wife of 42 years at the time of his passing, were married for time and eternity in the Manti Temple on January 20, 1978.  Together they lived and reared their three children in Layton and West Bountiful.  

 

Along with his family – now including 11 “grands” – he loved camping, making memories, playing practical jokes and backyard water fights.

 

Br. Mike is survived by his wife Bonnie; his children Ryan (Tiffany) Sorenson, Amber (Mike) Lusk, and Nicole (Ben) Cannon; his precious grandchildren; a brother Robert (Joy) Sorenson and his sister Joylynn (Steve) Durrant.

 

He was laid-to-rest at the Tonaquint Cemetery on Tuesday, December 22, 2020.  

 

Br. Mike will be missed by his earthly family as well as his ward family.   Rest in peace until we meet again.

Elder Jake Stokes home from Idaho

Elder Jake Stokes, oldest of John and Kris Stokes three offspring, is now Brother Stokes.  He returned home in mid-December from two years of fulltime service to the Lord and His children, first in the Idaho Nampa Mission which was restructured partway through his mission to become the Idaho Boise Mission.

"I didn't know what to expect when I started my mission in the MTC, but serving was the best decision I've ever made in my life," he notes of his choice to submit his papers after graduation from Desert Hills High School. 

What's next for this promising young man?  He starts classes in January at Dixie State University where he also hopes to play football. For the immediate future, he will work to get back in shape to play for DSU while focusing on completing general studies.  He is not yet clear on a major or a career path, but he is very clear on his need to find a job.

Regarding his two years in Idaho, he notes, "I loved every minute and I'd do it again if I had the chance!" 

Welcome home, Brother Stokes.  

CATCHING UP: Marek is baptized

Marek Adam Taylor is the oldest son of Adam and Maureen Taylor and one of the newest members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.  Baptized and confirmed on August 11, 2020, Marek had some special  hands laid upon his head including those of his father, both of his grandfathers and those of close family friends Brother Brett Peterson and Collin Bradbury.  The program included a short talk by Grandpa Taylor on the Holy Ghost; a talk by Marek’s mom Maureen on repentance; and, a song – “When I Am Baptized” - by his sisters Alanis and Maeven. 

“Marek”- the Polish version of Mark - is a 3^rd grade student in the Chinese immersion program at Bloomington Elementary School.  His favorite after-school activities include playing with his friends and his Dad.  Second favorite activities are soccer, video games, anything relating to science and swimming.  

His mom says Marek adores his family and pets and has a gentle, sweet personality with bold leadership skills.  What does he want to “be” when he grows up, his Mom says, “lately he’s been saying he wants to be a top gaming YouTuber!”

 

Congratulations, Marek on your decision to be baptized - the first step on the way back to your Heavenly Father! 

CATCHING UP: Griffin is a member

Griffin Landon Munk, oldest of Landon and Brittney Munk's three children, was baptized and confirmed by his Dad on August 2, 2020 in northern Utah.  The decision to travel north was made to be closer to grandparents and other family members, including Griffin's cousin Harper (daughter of Brittney's brother) with whom he shared the day ... and their relatives from all over the state. 

According to his mother, Griffin (his mother's maiden name) is a very responsible (he's a firstborn after all), artistic, energetic, fun big brother with a great laugh and a beautiful smile.  He loves to go on adventures, loves school, is very smart, intuitive and aware and "we are proud of his decision to be baptized."

This handsome 2nd grader at Bloomington Elementary School  is now also the newest member of the Bloomington 7^th Ward and a “fellowcitizen with the saints” in the “household of God” following the example of Jesus Christ. 

Til we meet again Br. James Creed

Dr. Jim Creed, DVM, of St. George, UT passed peacefully into eternity at his Bloomington home, with his “Lover” Jayne by his side, on Sunday, November 8, 2020.  He was 87.

James Edward Creed was born on the family farm in rural Atchison County, Missouri on December 10, 1932.  He graduated from Fairfax High School in 1950 and met the love of his life, Jayne Headley, at a high school basketball tournament that same year.  They were married on August 16, 1953 at the Methodist Church in Oregon, Missouri.

Jim was in the Air Force ROTC for 4 years and graduated from the University of Missouri with a Bachelor of Science in Agriculture in 1954, all the while planning to be a farmer but shortly after graduating, Jim was commissioned as a Lieutenant in the Air Force, and was stationed at Lockbourne AFB, Ohio.  After two years at Lockbourne AFB in Ohio, Jim and Jayne welcomed two little girls, Joan and Joy before returning to Missouri.

It didn’t take long for Jim to realize full-time farm life wasn’t for him and he applied to veterinary school.  He attended the University of Missouri and graduated as a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine in 1961.  While in vet school, they welcomed Julie, their 3^rd little girl. He then began a long, successful career in veterinary academia as a faculty member and administrator.  While at Colorado State University, the Creed’s welcomed Janet, their 4^th little girl.  He completed his Master’s Degree in Veterinary Surgery from CSU in 1967 and his American College of Veterinary Surgeons board certification in 1974.  Jim served as Professor and Chairman of the Department of Veterinary Medicine and Surgery at the University of Missouri. He also served as Assistant Dean for Service and Director of the Veterinary Teaching Hospital at Oklahoma State University.  Jim had a special love for teaching and mentoring his students.  Following his retirement in 1999, Jim and Jayne returned to the home they loved in Columbia, MO. where they cared for 3 beautiful acres overlooking their pond. In 2013 they moved to St. George, UT to be closer to family.

Of his many tremendous assets and talents, Jim had a special heart for service.  As a member of the Optimist International organization for many years, he served as a club president, Lt. Governor and Governor of the Colorado-Wyoming District, and in 1979-80 he was selected to serve as Optimist International President. He also served for many years on multiple veterinary association boards and as President of the Western Veterinary Conference. 

Jim was a devoted member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and had a strong faith in our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.  He and Jayne were sealed for time and all eternity in the Provo, Utah Temple in the spring of1974.  Jim held many church callings over the years, including Bishop of a student ward in Columbia, MO at the age of 70. 

His example of simple living, humility, hard work, optimism and service will live on for generations.  He taught all of us valuable lessons – be grateful, be kind, be loving, serve others and obey God’s commandments.  Of all his many accomplishments in life, Jim cherished most his wife and family.

Jim was preceded in death by his parents, as well as his brother William Charles Creed and two granddaughters, Megan Elizabeth Harry and Laura Beth Beckstrand. He is survived by his wife, Jayne; daughters Joan (Ron) Harry, Joy (Dave) Beckstrand, Julie (Paul) Arslanian, and Janet (Van) Crawford, as well as 24 grandchildren, 53 great grandchildren and 2 great-great grandchildren.

In lieu of flowers or gifts, please consider donating in Jim’s memory to the University of Missouri College of Veterinary Medicine online https://securelb.imodules.com/s/1002/giving/index.aspx?sid=1002&gid=165&pgid=5006&cid=9137 or by submitting checks to the University of Missouri in memory of Dr. James Creed, at 407 Reynolds Alumni Center, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO  65211.

Jim and Jayne are beloved members of the Bloomington 7^th Ward.

Rest in Peace, Brother Frank Knowles

Franklin Duke Knowles, father, grandfather, “great” and longtime member of the B7 Ward, passed peacefully into his heavenly home on Sunday, November 1 after a long and courageous battle with cancer.

One of eight children born to Eugene Arthur Knowles, Sr. and Pearl Delores Duke in Salt Lake City, Frank attended West High School and the University of Utah before joining the Utah National Guard in 1960 as a member of the newly organized Special Forces.  

In 1961-63 he had “the wonderful opportunity” to serve a mission in South Africa, which in those days included South Africa and Northern and Southern Rhodesia and where he grew to love the countries and the amazing people.  

Upon his return, Frank married Sue Richins and became Dad to two – a daughter Jilynne and a son Shawn who both lived and raised their families in St. George, including Frank’s 6 “fantastic” grands and four “greats.”  Frank always said, “When I am gone, more than anything, I will miss my children and grandchildren more than anything else.”

 

At the age of 69, while writing his personal history, Frank was shocked to learn he had another brother.  Frank was heartbroken to have never had the chance to meet Deyon who was “missing in action or buried at sea” and presumed dead in November 1943 after serving on the USS Preston.  

 

Frank always had a strong and abiding testimony of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.  After his mission in South Africa in 1963 he served five and one-half years as Assistant Chaplain at Utah State Prison.  In various wards, he served as High Priest group leader, ward clerk, a counselor in a bishopric, three times as a member of stake high councils.  He also served as an ordinance worker in the Portland Oregon Temple.  In 2013, he was called to serve a second time in the South Africa Johannesburg Mission where he served as branch president.  

 

He was interred, with military honors, in the Tonaquint Cemetery.  In lieu of flowers, please donate in his name to the Church Missionary Department.

Your gentle wit will be missed,  Br. Knowles.  Rest in peace til  we meet again.

Farewell, Dear Brother Fritz

Fritz Morawetz, beloved father, grandfather, great-grandfather and longtime member of the BL7 Ward, passed into eternity on Saturday, October 24, 2020.  "Francis" on his birth certificate was the oldest child of Elsworth Morawetz and Helen Edwina Myers born in January 1933 in Lawrence, Kansas. 

Fritz, because of his father’s service in the U. S. Army during and after WWII, lived in 26 different locations around the world before his high school graduation from the Tokyo American High School, where one of his closest friends was a Buddhist Priest.  He later graduated from Ogden High School after his family returned to Utah.  Like his father, donated a few years of his life in the military, serving in the U. S. Navy.

 

Fritz earned a bachelor’s degree in Political Science from Utah State University, then began what would become his lifelong career with Western Airlines (later incorporated into Delta Airlines).

Fritz married Doris Gayle Christofferson in August 1955. Their earthly marriage lasted 63 years during which time they enjoyed traveling the world, exposing Kristin, Kirk and Kim to a world of culture, art, and music. They particularly enjoyed Hawaii and Europe, exploring their Danish and Austro-Hungarian family homelands.

 

Another pleasure which Fritz enjoyed up until his last days was the family cabin located at Soapstone in the Uintah Mountains. He was always happiest sitting on the front porch waiting for guests and family to come for visits. Not surprisingly, Fritz had a great love of nature, birds and plants, and creatures of every size and shape. He was also shortly preceded in death by his beloved companion, Fox, a sheltie collie who was a prized family member.

 

Fritz was an active member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints serving in various callings - a favorite was his mission on temple square in Salt Lake City where he and Gayle served together for many years. They also enjoyed sharing their love of family history, and temple service in St. George, Utah where they have owned a home for 20 years.

 

Fritz will be missed greatly by his family and his many lifelong friends and associates from West Valley City and Saint George. He loved his peaceful and comfortable home in Saint George, his attentive and kind neighbors, and the many years he and Gayle spent there together.

 

Fritz was preceded in death by Gayle; grandson Cole Morawetz; sister Marilyn Morawetz Bucher; daughter-in-law Teree Wilson Morawetz; and his parents, Morey and Helen.

 

Fritz is survived by his daughters Kristin (Norm) Klein and Kim (Brent) Petersen; and son Kirk (Teree) Morawetz. Fritz leaves behind a legacy of 11 grandchildren and 24 great-grandchildren, who all loved their grandpa-great immensely.

 

The family regrets they are unable to honor him more traditionally but are planning a celebration of his life next summer at his favorite cabin home.

CATCHING UP: Emma Tharp is baptized

Emma Tharp, third child / second daughter of Adam and Dominique Tharp, stepped into the waters of baptism on August 1, 2020 holding the hand of her daddy whose priesthood authority made her one of the newest members of the Church of Jesus Christ and confirmed upon her the Gift of the Holy Ghost. 

 This very special service was shared with one of her cousins from Salt Lake who was baptized immediately after Emma while parents, siblings, grandparents, aunts, uncles, friends and others witnessed the sacred ordinance performed in-person or on Zoom.  

 

The Bloomington Elementary School 3^rd grader said of her experience, “the water was colder than I thought it would be, but it felt so good to be baptized by my dad.”  

 

Emma’s mom calls her “a big helper who loves to read and go hiking with her family.”

CATCHING UP: Emelia Christensen is new church member

Emelia Christensen, oldest of Dan and Katie Christensen’s four daughters, was baptized and confirmed by her Dad on August 8, 2020 in Ogden so all her grandparents and an uncle could be present in-person for her special day.  

Millie’s mom remembers, “she looked so beautiful.  She and I picked out the fabric and a pattern at Joann’s then made her dress together.  Before her baptism, she thought about it long and hard … and asked lots of questions. She wanted to be ready.”  

 

Another special moment for the Bloomington Elementary School 3^rd grader was sharing her day with her baby sister, 6 ½ month old Elissa Ruth who was blessed by her daddy, immediately following the baptism. 

 

Sister Christensen describes her oldest daughter as “a special and very sweet girl, super smart, creative and especially enjoys arts and crafts, loves reading and has good values. She is honest, courteous, is quiet but strong and loves pizza, curry and eggs.”

B7 Celebrates Nine Graduates

Shane Simkins was ready for his graduation from high school but certainly didn’t expect his last few months at Dixie High School would be spent online rather than in the classroom with his friends and fellow students. But online study hasn’t been too bad, states the tall look-alike son of Randy and Sharlan Simkins, because at home, “I can study whenever I feel the urge!”  

While he waits for the possibility he’ll get to don his cap and gown for some kind of ceremony – probably virtual – he works as a floater between the two Riggatti’s Pizza locations – one on Main Street in St. George and the other, where he spends most of his time, is on Telegraph Road in Washington City.

His future will most certainly include time on the campus of Dixie State University, where he will attend for free because his dad is on the faculty.  He is also anxiously awaiting a time when coronavirus is no longer frontpage news in every country in the world so he can submit mission papers.

Melissa Larson, third of Aaron and Rebecca Larson’s five amazing kids, put on her cap and gown and took her walk to collect her high school diploma on Wednesday, April 29.  Although the auditorium was empty except for her parents, a few teachers, and Bishop Mike Bair who announced her name, she put on her usual happy face to relish in this important moment in her life.  “My time in high school didn’t end the way I expected,” she notes.  “I’m a little sad at not being able to spend the last few weeks with my friends because of the coronavirus pandemic, but I have happy memories and lots of good friends.”

Calling her time as a Dixie Flyer “some of my best years … with some of my worst moments thrown in,” Melissa, known as “Mo” by her family, lists “playing cello in the school orchestra and making wonderful, supportive friends along the way” as some of her happiest memories.  Being selected as one of 24 valedictorians in the Class of 2020, is also a perk for her hard work and focus.  This recognition is based on her 4.0 gpa, concurrent enrollment and/or advanced placement (AP) classes and high marks on her ACT.  “I'm one out of 24 … but, we’re all #1,” a comment she accentuates with her typical Melissa laugh.

What does her future hold?  She will continue working at The Meadows Assisted Living Center until school starts in the fall.  With a fullride scholarship at Dixie State University, she plans to attend at least one semester before submitting mission papers.  Upon her return from the mission field, she will likely transfer to Utah State University or Utah Valley University for the balance of her education. 

Sidenote:  Aaron and Rebecca's oldest daughter Elizabeth Larson also graduated this week.  A student in deaf education, Liz received her Bachelor of Arts degree from USU.   

Jordan Matthews, oldest of Marty and Traci Fae Matthews three children, has the next couple of years of his life all planned out.  After graduation from Dixie High School he will work for as long as it takes with his dad – aka Marty Matthews Construction – until he receives a mission call and enters the MTC for what he expects will be an amazing experience teaching the gospel of Jesus Christ to the Lord’s children somewhere in the world. 

In the meantime, Jordan’s happiest memory of his three years in high school happened only a few weeks ago.  On Leap Day, 2020 (otherwise known as February 29) Dixie High School’s basketball team – on which Jordan plays small forward – won the UHSAA Boys Basketball State Championship, beating out Sky View High School (Smithfield, UT) with a winning score of 62-59!  

Two weeks later – on March 13, 2020 - Jordan and the other 35,000+ students in the Washington County School District, began homeschooling online when Utah Governor Gary Herbert ordered residents from Brigham City to Blanding and Salt Lake City to St. George to shelter-in-place as protection against COVID-19!  

Tyler Walden, youngest of Matt and Robin Walden’s two sons and 7th of James and Linda Walden's 13 grandkids currently serving an at-home mission in the Southgate Stake, stepped through the “D” to become one of 330 graduates of Dixie High School's Class of 2020.  Aside from his parents, the auditorium of the school where he has spent the last three years was empty, but when his name was announced over the microphone by DHS Vice Principal / Athletic Director and former B7 Ward Bishop Mike Bair, it was as official as if the room was filled with cheering fans.

Tyler is used to cheering fans. As a safety and receiver on the Dixie Flyers football team, he has twice been chosen for the All State football team.  He also earned a place on the High Honors roll in his senior year with a 3.8 gpa. During all of this success, his only sad memory was losing out on his last season of track.

Tyler received two football scholarships but plans to focus his attention on academics as a student at Dixie State University on a partial scholarship.  He will begin his General Education studies in the fall of 2020.

Tecia Clem, second-to-the-youngest of Dennis and Peggy Clem's four kids, was extremely excited to have her name announced on the microphone by Dixie High School Vice Principal / Athletic Director and her former Bishop Mike Bair.  This adorable DHS Flyer was also giddy over the opportunity to walk through the “D” while this momentous milestone was videotaped for Mom and Dad waiting anxiously at home. Tecia’s future is undecided at the moment, but she is assured she will always be cared for by her loving family.  

Iris Zeidner, daughter of Bloomington residents Chris and Jennifer Zeidner, has had a memorable and exciting three years as a Dixie Flyer including being part of the 42-woman Dixie High School Jetettes drill team, which brought home the state 4A championship Friday, January 31, 2020.  For the 3^rd state championship win in 5 years, the Jetettes swept first place in all three categories (dance, military and character) at the statewide competition held on the campus of Utah Valley University in Orem.   

Based on her overall academic achievement, Iris also earned one of the coveted 24-spots as a class valedictorian among 330 graduates in the ill-fated – but destined to make a difference in the world - Class of 2020.

She is now off to Ithaca, NY where she will attend the prestigious, ivy-league Cornell University, which has only a 13% acceptance rate.  This talented young woman has already been selected to perform with Cornell’s dance team while she studies for a career in whatever she wants to do with her life!

This year's graduates also include Alexia Lancaster, oldest of Jack and Angelica Lancaster's three daughters; Stephanie Bartruff, daughter of Laynce and Brooke Bartruff; and, Nathalie Bradbury, oldest daughter of Collin and Stephanie Bradbury.

Congratulations to all these amazing and smart young men and women.  

Până când ne vom întâlni din nou, Elder Caleb Bradbury

Elder Caleb Bradbury, oldest son of Collin and Stephanie Bradbury, entered the Provo MTC on Wednesday, February 12, 2020 where he will begin learning to share the gospel message in Romanian.  

According to Elder Bradbury, when he opened his mission call, he was unsure of the actual location of his mission field, believing it was probably in South America.  He later realized not only is it in Eastern Europe, but his 2 years of missionary service in the Hungary Romania Mission will include serving the Lord and His children in two countries.

In 1885, Elder Thomas Biesinger and Paul E.B. Hammer entered Budapest, Hungary, after preaching in Prague, Bohemia (Czechoslovakia). After a month with little success in the area, Elder Biesinger and his companion left Hungary. Later, Hungarian Mischa Markow was converted near Constantinople (now Istanbul) in 1887 and returned to preach in his native land the following year, but he was banished from Hungary after being imprisoned in solitary confinement. In 1900, Elder Markow and his companion preached in Temesvar, Hungary, until the government forced them to leave. The day before they left, they baptized 12 people and appointed leaders for a congregation of 31 people. Due to the efforts of these missionaries and others who arrived later, a total of 106 people were baptized prior to World War I. The war forced missionaries to evacuate Europe and join the other half of Hungary's Church membership who had already emigrated to the United States. Several of those who remained in Hungary continued to live gospel teachings while the Church organization was away from their area.

In June 1988, Hungary gave the Church legal recognition. Ground was broken for the first meetinghouse in eastern Hungary about 20 miles from the Romanian border. Hungary's first meetinghouse was dedicated in October 1989, by President Thomas S. Monson, a Counselor to the Church President. The Hungary Budapest Mission was created in June 1990. In 1991, the Mormon Tabernacle Choir performed in Budapest to an enthusiastic audience which gave the choir eight curtain calls. Elder Dallin H. Oaks of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles visited Hungary in 1992 for an international consultation on religious liberty and ethnic rights for Eastern European nations, partially sponsored by the Hungary-based Democracy after Communism Foundation.

Mischa Markow, a missionary of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, arrived in Constanta, Romania, in July 1899. While there, he baptized his Bulgarian missionary companion. Others joined the Church in Bucharest, where the country's first small congregation was organized.

In 1990 Church leaders met with Romania's ministers of justice, health and religion; the mayor of Bucharest; and members of the Romanian district council. Subsequently, the Church embarked on a project to aid orphanages and provide medical supplies to Romania. Also in 1990, Church leaders reorganized the boundaries of the Church's Austria Vienna East Mission to include Romania. This mission was discontinued in 1992 but missionaries in the Hungary Budapest Mission provided humanitarian services to Romania until the Church formed the Romania Bucharest Mission in July 1993. In July 2000, about 70 young people from 17 Church congregations gathered on a mountaintop overlooking Romanian farmlands as they attended the first youth conference since the organization of the mission.

Până când ne vom întâlni din nou, Elder Caleb Bradbury.