Len Gotfredson

Len E. Gotfredson, age 95 of Vernal, died February 19, 2012 of natural causes. He was born December 30, 1916 in Duncan, Montana to Louise and Lenora Castleberry Gotfredson. Len spent his youth on farms and ranches in Montana and South Dakota. He attended college at the Black Hills Teachers College where he met Katherine Gladys Ufford. They were married June 6, 1941 in Goodland, Kansas. Their marriage was later solemnized in the Salt Lake Temple in August 1960. After serving in the U.S. Army in the European theatre during WWII, he returned and received his Bachelors Degree from the Black Hills Teachers College. He later received his Masters Degree in Elementary Administration from the University of Wyoming. He began teaching in one room school houses and ended his career as principle of Ashley Elementary in Vernal, 40 years later. Len was a member of the LDS Church where he served in many positions. He enjoyed working with the youth as a 4-H and Boy Scout Leader. He was a member of the American Legion Color Guard. He served on the board for the Uintah Care Center during its expansion. With his wife Kay, he co-owned Kays Korner Krafts were he enjoyed making friends with those who came to work on ceramics. Many homes in the Basin have items made in their shop. Len and his wife enjoyed traveling. After her death in 1997, he continued to travel on bus tours and took a trip to his grandfathers birthplace in Denmark. In the later years of his life, two of his passions were family history and temple work. He and Katherine served in the Provo for 6 years. He served for 14 years in the Vernal Temple. The other great passion in his life was his family, especially little children. Len is survived by his children; Larry (Lois) Gotfredson, Prescott, Arizona, Lenette (Ron) Merrill, Syracuse, Utah, John (Mary) Gotfredson, Liberty, Mo, Leland (Beth) Gotfredson, Price, Utah, Loyce (Dan) Gibbs, Rangely, Colorado, 28 grandchildren, 72 great-grandchildren, and 2 great-great-grandchildren, sister; Deloris Dillion, Phoenix, Arizona, and sister-in-law; Phyllis Gotfredson, Belle Fourche, SD. He is preceded in death by his parents, wife, brother; Elvie, and infant brother; Nolan. Funeral services will be held Saturday, February 25, 2012 at 11:00 a.m. at the Vernal 9th Ward LDS Chapel in Vernal, Utah. A viewing will be Friday evening from 6-8 at the Blackburn Vernal Mortuary and 1 hour prior to services at the chapel. Burial will be in the Vernal Memorial Park with military honors by the American Legion Post 124 and 11 and the Utah Army National Guard. Services are entrusted to the care of the Blackburn Vernal Mortuary.