Ivan Rasmussen Briggs

Ivan Rasmussen Briggs, beloved husband, father, grandfather, and faithful servant, passed away peacefully after a long and courageous battle with a degenerative illness. Born in Burlington, Wyoming, on October 26, 1943, to Ivan Richards Briggs and Reta Rasmussen Briggs, Ivan was the ninth of eleven children in a lively household filled with hard work, adventure, music, love, laughter and faith.

Raised on a farm in Burlington, Ivan’s early years were filled with wild Wyoming escapades—like catching wild horses, some of which were sold to the Cody Rodeo. In High School he Lettered in academics, music, football, basketball and was named Regional Best Defensive Player in basketball during his senior year. A gifted student, Ivan graduated as valedictorian and played the saxophone in the school’s dance band.

Ivan’s devotion to his faith led him to serve in the Southwest British Mission for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. After his return he studied accounting at Brigham Young University (BYU). While there, he sang with the Program Bureau, BYU Acapella, and in a small performing group called the Kandells, sharing his love of music far and wide. He was also a member of the Intercollegiate Knights service group.

Upon graduation, Ivan qualified for both the Air Force and Army, ultimately joining the U.S. Army due to graduation and draft timing. After attending officer training school, he served as a 2nd Lieutenant in the Korean Demilitarized Zone (DMZ). Before leaving for South Korea, he briefly met Suzanna Reed of Midvale, Utah at BYU and left his address with her to write while he served his country.

Their relationship developed through letters as they wrote to each other over the course of 16 months. They eventually decided to get married after his return in August of 1970. When he returned from his service in South Korea, Ivan and Suzanna married and sealed for eternity in the Salt Lake Temple January 29, 1971. They then moved to Fort Leavenworth, Kansas where Ivan contributed to war game strategies.

After completing his military service, Ivan and Suzanna moved to Tempe, Arizona, where he began his professional career at what is now known as Deloitte and Touche and earned his CPA. He later became the internal auditor for Southwest Savings and Loan. His deep commitment to the Church led him to seek employment with the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, and the family relocated to Sandy, Utah. Ivan’s work in the Church Audit Department took him across the globe—from Australia to Spain, South America to Germany. In a remarkable moment of divine irony, his name “Ivan” allowed him access to East Germany before the fall of the Berlin Wall. While there he was integral in the process of allowing the construction of the Freiberg Temple to take place.

Ivan retired in 2012 as Director of Auditing of Deseret Management Corporation, having built lasting friendships with Apostles, church leaders, co-workers, and members worldwide. His service to the Church extended far beyond his career—he served as a ward clerk, high councilor, in bishoprics and as a bishop in three wards in Sandy and Riverton, as well as a temple worker in the Salt Lake, Jordan River, and Oquirrh Mountain Temples.

After retirement, Ivan and Suzanna served a mission in Aukland New Zealand, where he was First Counselor in the Missionary Training Center. Upon returning home, Ivan’s health began to decline, but his spirit remained strong. He endured with grace, humor, and unwavering faith.

Ivan was known for his warm smile, playful teasing, beautiful singing voice, unconditional love and service to others. As his daughter-in-law lovingly said, “He made everyone feel special.” His legacy of kindness, service, and devotion will live on in the hearts of all who knew him. Ivan’s life was a testament to faith, family, and friendship. He will be deeply missed and forever remembered.

He is preceded in death by his son Stanton Floyd Briggs; his parents Ivan and Reta Briggs; and siblings Fenton Thorley Briggs, Garth Thorley Briggs, David Thorley Briggs, Marilyn Briggs Wardell, LouCiel Briggs Taggart, and James Thorley Briggs. He is survived by his siblings Keith Thorley Briggs, Virginia Briggs Semadeni, Richard Rasmussen Briggs, and Mary Ann Briggs Saunders; his cherished wife Suzanna Reed Briggs; children Ivan Reed Briggs (Nicole), Delese Bettinson (Jeff), Jaron David Briggs (Stephani), and Jaree Whipple (Brenton); 14 grandchildren Makayli Briggs Tipa (Spencer), Mason (Ava), Maklain, and Maloree Briggs; Britton, Parker, Cadence, and Kimball Bettinson; Peisli and David Briggs; Edmund, Lydia, Talmage, and Ezra Whipple; and 2 great-grandchildren Knox and Marley Tipa.

A public viewing will be held on Sunday night, October 26, 2025 at 6:00 PM-8:00 PM at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints located at 3113 West 13400 South in Riverton, Utah (84065). A morning viewing will be held prior to service on October 27, 2025 at 10:00 AM – 10:45 AM at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints located at 3113 West 13400 South in Riverton, Utah (84065) and the funeral service will be held on October 27, 2025 at 11:00 AM – 12:00 PM at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints located at 3113 West 13400 South in Riverton, Utah (84065). Burial to follow at Bountiful City Cemetery located at 2224 South 200 West in Bountiful, Utah (84010) at 2:00 PM.

Livestream link: https://zoom.us/j/99715168942?pwd=KxNFt3CoNi0C1ZJsPKaRYr7U63DjYh.1

Flower orders may be delivered to Wasatch Lawn Mortuary.