David V. Steffensen

On July 20, 2017, our dear father, David Vernal Steffensen, joined Mom, JoAnn, his beloved wife of 64 years in eternal happiness.

Born on February 12, 1930, as an only child to Vernal Rueben Steffensen and Ena Josephine Thurman Steffensen in Salt Lake City, Utah, Dad was surrounded by loving parents and an extended family of aunts, uncles and cousins. He attended East High School from 1944 to 1949, went on to the University of Utah and graduated with a Bachelors in Zoology in 1954. While in college he was active in ROTC, was a member of the Pershing Rifles, Sigma Alpha Epsilon and the volunteer club, Intercollegiate Knights (I.K.’s). He met the love of his life, JoAnn Mary Harvey, at an I.K./Spurs exchange. They were married November 21, 1951, and shared a life of adventure and travel. As members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, David and JoAnn were sealed for time and eternity in the Salt Lake Temple on April 17, 1970.

Dad was very proud to have served his country, discharged honorably as a First Lieutenant in the Army during the Korean War. He told us exciting stories of working with the first atomic canon in Oklahoma. After his honorable discharge, he returned to Salt Lake City, Utah, to work at First Security Bank. During his career, he also worked as a stock broker and real estate agent, eventually building his own business as an appraiser.

Upon retiring, Mom and Dad traveled extensively throughout the country and in Europe. Most of all they loved spending time with friends and family. He was a member of the Kiwanis Club. He loved Hawaiian shirts and animals. He had a passion for movies and shared many memories of working as an extra in Utah’s film industry. He also had an amazing talent for spelling and will be sorely missed for his editing skills.

Our father leaves behind five children, Jodee Lynn Bentley (Richard), Scott David Steffensen (Bridget), Mark Harvey Steffensen (Suzanne), Carol Lee Wright (Phillip) and Paul Curtis Steffensen (Rebecca), 18 grandchildren and 19 great-grandchildren. He will also be missed by his sister-in-law, Julia H. Tuckfield (Ralph).

He is remembered for his gentleness, kindness and generosity. We were the happy recipients of his constant love and concern. He was always there for us, willing to help us in any way possible, and never failing to tell us how proud he was of our accomplishments. We will truly miss his frequent and caring phone calls. Dad passed quickly from this life, but we are comforted with the knowledge that he is now surrounded by loving friends and family, whom he greatly missed.

A Memorial Service will be held on August 9th, 2017, at 10:00 a.m., in the Mausoleum at Wasatch Lawn, 3401 South Highland Drive, Salt Lake City, UT 84106. Friends and family are invited to attend.