Willard Per Gummersall

He was born on March 25, 1967, in Preston, Idaho, a short distance from Grace, Idaho where he resided during his childhood. Will grew up on an idyllic farm with his loving parents and siblings where he learned to work hard, wrestle and play, and love God. He graduated from Grace High School, then attended Utah State University and served an LDS mission in Albuquerque New Mexico before joining the US Army National Guard. He married Dawn Misenhimer in 1994 and became an enthusiastic father to three kids. They later divorced. In 2018, he married Emily Porter and gained five step children whom he loved wholeheartedly.

In the National Guard, he discovered a lifelong talent and love for flying as a pilot; first in Apache helicopters and then C12 airplanes. He served on four tours of duty stationed in Kuwait, twice in Afghanistan, and then in Djibouti where he served as commander. After 32 years he left military service as a Chief Warrant Officer 5 and longtime instructor pilot and began working for Delta airlines. He quickly became a captain at Delta and worked in that role until his passing.

Will sincerely felt he had achieved his dreams having found a true partner and remarkable love in his wife, Emily. His happiest days were spent creating their dream home, building classic cars especially with help from his kids, and spending time together with her and their children and grandchildren. As a dad and stepdad, he was loyal and loud, full of fun and a deep well of encouragement. He could fix anything and was often found in the garage or around the house teaching his kids how to change the oil or fix a leak while demonstrating love and care through his willingness to serve.

Will’s charisma, character, boisterous joy, and devoted love for his family and friends are a few of the many reasons he will be deeply missed and often remembered.

Will is survived by wife Emily Porter Gummersall, children and step children: Cassidy Hansen (Matthew), Brendan Gummersall, Trevor Gummersall, Braden Christensen, McKenzie Christensen, Ellie Christensen, Trey Christensen, Ian Christensen. Grandchildren: Hazel and Anders Hansen.

Will is also survived by his siblings: Elliot Gummersall (Angie), Clay Gummersall (Debbie), Tamara Nielsen (Steve), Jeff Gummersall (Whitney), Amy Richards (Dave), and Holly Casebolt (Aaron) along with many nieces, nephews, and beloved friends.

He is preceded in death by parents Aaron Leon and Hilda Mae Gummersall, brother Ruland Leon (RL) Gummersall, sister April Trottier, and nephew Nicholas Gummersall.

Funeral services will be held January 25, 2025, 12:00pm at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 12737 S 6000 W in Herriman, Utah. A viewing will be held at 10:00am to 11:45 am, two hours prior to services. Interment will occur at Wasatch Lawn Memorial Park South Valley, 13001 S 3600 W Riverton, Utah at 2pm.