March 25, 1938 – Nov. 24, 2021
Mr. Duane Lavar Kjelstrom, age 83, of Ivins, Utah, passed away on Wednesday, Nov. 24, 2021, in St. George, Utah. He was born on March 25, 1938, in Salt Lake City, Utah, to his parents Axel Gabriel and Juanita Lasater Kjelstrom.
Duane was a faithful member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, loving husband, grandfather, great-grandfather, uncle and friend to many. He previously worked for Reynolds Aluminum in California, and Brown & Root in Texas before retiring from Walmart in October 2020 after 15 years of service.
Duane enjoyed creating memories with his family and one of his favorite things was to dress up as Santa Claus at Christmas and see all the smiling faces of the youth. He did his best to make everyone happy and smile. He also enjoyed going on trips and seeing new things, working on his family history and eating ice cream while spending time with his family and friends. Duane was a proud veteran of the United States Marines having served for 16 years. He loved to wear his veteran hat and hear “thank you for your service.”
He is survived by his beloved wife Becky Newman-Kjelstrom of Ivins, Utah, to whom he married on March 19, 2011, after being introduced by her daughter. Other family members include his children: Dawn (Stan) Shearer of Needville, Texas; Heidi (Darrell) Leonard of Huntsville, Texas; step-children: Lyle (Kim) Newman II of Hooper, Utah; Gina (Michael) Long of Layton, Utah; Scott Newman of Las Vegas, Nevada; and Martin (Mikayla) Newman of North Richland Hills, Texas; 15 grandchildren; 10 great-grandchildren; and numerous nieces and nephews; sisters: Carol (Cliff) Bray and Gayle (Ray) Wright of Idaho; brother: Lynn (Beth) Kjelstrom of Kansas.
He was preceded in death by his parents, brothers: Clarence (Dorothy) Kjelstrom; Marvin (Mary) Kjelstrom; Allan (Janice) Kjelstrom, and sisters: Verdell (Gene) Memmott; Juanita Fay (Clyde) Thim; Shirrill (Ben) Watnes and son: Patrick (Joanne) Kjelstrom.
A viewing will be held Friday, Dec. 3, 2021, at Spilsbury Mortuary, 110 S. Bluff St., St. George, Utah, from 9-10:30 a.m., before funeral services for Mr. Kjelstrom at 11 a.m. Interment will follow at Tonaquint Cemetery, 1777 Dixie Dr., St. George, Utah, with military honors rendered.
Family and friends that are unable to attend are invited to view the funeral service online by clicking on the link below.
http://webcast.funeralvue.com/events/viewer/64480
Arrangements are made under the direction of Spilsbury Mortuary, 110 S. Bluff Street, St. George, Utah. 435-673-2454. Family and friends are invited to sign Duane’s online guest book at www.spilsburymortuary.com.