Warenski Funeral Home, 1776 North 900 East, American Fork, UT (2025)

11/12/2025

Ronald Fred Van Woerkom
November 5, 1941 – November 8, 2025

Ronald Fred Van Woerkom passed away peacefully on the afternoon of November 8 th , 2025. He was 84 years old. He spent the last years of his life caring for his beloved wife, Ann Fowler Van Woerkom, who passed away a few months earlier on April 19th, 2025 at the age of 81, after a five-year long battle with cancer. Ron is survived by his five children Scott (Amy) Van Woerkom, Richard (Katherine) Van Woerkom, Daniel (Amber) Van Woerkom, Douglas (Amy) Van Woerkom, and Sarah Van Woerkom; and 19 grandchildren whom he loved dearly.

Ron was born on November 5, 1941, the oldest of three children born to John Fred Van Woerkom and Virgina June Combe Van Woerkom (both deceased). Ron loved and watched over his two younger siblings Rick (Linda-deceased) Van Woerkom and Julie (Don) Leonard. His father’s work took their family to Denver, Colorado, where he graduated from East High School in 1959. Ron excelled athletically and academically; he was a team captain and all-state football player and attended Stanford University on a football scholarship.

After two years at Standford, Ron chose to serve a full-time mission for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, and served in the Netherlands and Belgium mission from 1961-1963. After his mission, Ron attended Brigham Young University where he earned a bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering. While attending BYU, he renewed his childhood friendship with Ann Fowler and the two were married on August 16, 1965 in the Salt Lake Temple. They began married life in Provo, Utah, then followed employment with Mountain Bell and AT&T to Denver, Colorado; Chester, New Jersey; Sandy, Utah; Boise, Idaho; and Antwerp, Belgium, before retiring to Alpine, Utah.

In addition to football, as a young man Ron loved hiking and fishing in the high mountain rivers and lakes in Colorado and Wyoming. As an adult he enjoyed hunting in Colorado and Utah and fishing in Oregon and Alaska. Throughout his life he also enjoyed the OG hobbies of rock, stamp, and coin collecting.

Ron served in many callings as a faithful member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, including Branch President of the Brussels, Belgium Branch during his mission and Bishop of the Meridian 18 th Ward in Boise, Idaho. He had a great love for his neighbors and friends in the Canyon Crest Ward in Alpine, Utah, and cared for them deeply. In retirement his time was spent in church service, gardening, watching BYU sports, and spending time with his family.

Funeral services for Ronald will be held on Friday November 14, 2025, at 11:00 am in the Alpine West Stake Center Chapel, located at 227 South Long Drive, Alpine Utah. Family and friends are invited to attend a visitation on Thursday evening from 6:00-7:30 pm at the Warenski Funeral Home, located at 1776 North 900 East American Fork, Utah and also at an additional viewing on Friday morning from 9:30-10:30 am prior to service at the church. Interment will be in the Ogden City Cemetery.

Flowers are appreciated, or donations may be made to Huntsman Cancer Institute.

Condolences may be sent to the family at www.warenski.com

11/03/2025

Val Stephens Judd
1941 ~ 2025

Val Stephens Judd, 84, of Alpine, Utah, passed away peacefully surrounded by family on October 29, 2025. He was born on July 29, 1941, in Coalville, Utah, to Frank Vernon Judd and Velma E Stephens, who taught him the gospel of Jesus Christ and the value of hard work.

Val was raised on a dry farm in Hoytsville, Utah, where he learned early the importance of diligence and responsibility. He attended North Summit High School, where he was an honor student, seminary graduate, and lettered in football, basketball, baseball, and ran track. After graduation, he attended Brigham Young University on an academic scholarship and served a mission for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in New Zealand.

While attending BYU after his mission, Val met Nancy Lynn Harris of Montrose, California. They were sealed in the Los Angeles LDS Temple on September 6, 1963, and together raised eight children.

Val earned a bachelor’s degree in mathematics and a teaching certificate from BYU in 1966. He began his career as a seminary teacher on the Standing Rock Sioux Reservation in North Dakota before joining IBM in Rochester, Minnesota, where he worked for 27 years. His career later took the family to Austin, Texas, where he served faithfully in various church callings including seminary and institute teacher, Elder’s Quorum president, and counselor in bishopric and stake presidency. Val later earned a master’s degree in Instructional Design from BYU and worked for Andersen Consulting and at the Missionary Training Center where he helped develop the Technology Assisted Language Learning (TALL) program.

In retirement, Val and Nancy enjoyed traveling the country as a team—Nancy competing in food contests and Val serving as her sous chef. He also became a certified U.S.A. Track and Field official, officiating meets across the nation including NCAA championships and the Track and Field Olympic trials. He was a lifelong fan of BYU Athletics - especially football and basketball.
A devoted disciple of Jesus Christ, Val loved the scriptures, the Prophet Joseph Smith, and temple service, including years as a worker in the Timpanogos Temple. Known affectionately as “Pampa,” he found his greatest joy in his family and his faith.

Val is survived by seven children: McKay (Charlotte Mortimer), Grace (who was lovingly named Karen at birth) Wilbert (Lloyd), Elaine Oaks (Marlo), Kristi Natividad (Marc), Janae Daniels (Jason), Ashley Curtis (Gavin), and Carolyn McMullen (Bruce); 40 grandchildren; and 14 great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his beloved wife Nancy, daughter Heidi Larsen (Shaun), daughter-in-law Ruth (McKay), and his parents.

The family gives special thanks to the many caregivers at River Meadows in Alpine including Dara, Kallie and all the CNAs in addition to Roy, Lisa, Addie, Bella, Corrine, Camille, Evan, Missy and Brian with Valeo.

Funeral services for Val will be held on Saturday, November 8, 2025 at 11:00 am in the Alpine West Stake Center Chapel, located at 327 South Long Drive Alpine, Utah. Family and friends are invited to attend a visitation on Friday evening from 6:00-8:00 pm at the Warenski Funeral Home, located at 1776 North 900 East American Fork, Utah and also at an additional viewing on Saturday morning from 9:30-10:30 am prior to service at the church. Interment will follow at the Alpine City Cemetery.

Below is the Funeral service recording for Val Judd:
https://zoom.us/rec/share/NEmLmNqbwwyaJS2UPu1V8M_f1nDCy6IiFJfey9N3cg1v6WEd70gnYDmUaJaPrPGw.Kc7EnSrmfu23472b

Condolences may be sent to the family at www.warenski.com

10/28/2025

Mary Sue Redden Hamilton Cheney
1937 ~ 2025

Mary Sue Hamilton Cheney passed away peacefully, surrounded by her family, on October 23, 2025, at her home in American Fork, Utah. She was 88 years old. She always looked for and brought out the best in people. She devoted her life to serving others. Her Christ-like example and loving influence will remain with us forever.

Mary Sue was born on June 16, 1937 in Cincinnati, Ohio to Wayland Hoyt and Glendora Dell Redden. She attended Marshall University. She studied and taught dance in Beckley, West Virginia, where she met her husband, Robert Kirkwood Hamilton. They were married on September 10, 1960 and later sealed in the Salt Lake City Temple. They were married for 45 years before his passing. She married Wayne Cheney on June 2, 2007. She was a active member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. She enjoyed family history work and serving in the Temple. Mary Sue and Wayne served a mission in San Diego, California.

Mary Sue is preceded in death by her parents (Wayland and Glendora), her husband (Robert), her brothers (Don and Junior), and Wayne’s daughter (Becky). She is survived by her husband of18 years, Wayne Cheney. Brother, George Redden. Four children: Robert M. Hamilton (Tonni), Susan C. Zebley (Eric), Catherine H. Murray, and David A. Hamilton (Rachel). Fifteen grandchildren, nineteen great grandchildren and one great great grandchild. Wayne’s children: Mary Ann, Richard (Jason), and Nathan (Tamera), nine grandchildren, and four great grandchildren.

Funeral services for Mary will be held Thursday, October 30, 2025, at 11:00 AM at the Manila Creek 7th Ward Chapel, located at 1320 West 3540 North Pleasant Grove, Utah. Family and friends are invited to attend a visitation on Thursday morning from 9:30-10:30 am prior to service at the church. Interment will be at the Orem Cemetery.

Condolences may be sent to the family at www.warenski.com

10/28/2025

David Patrick Wadsworth
1962 ~ 2025

David Patrick Wadsworth set aside the cares of mortality on Friday, October 24, 2025. He was 63 years old.

David was born the youngest of eleven children April 15, 1962, his parents’ “miracle baby.” From his mother he inherited a love of the English language and a talent for expression. From his father he inherited a love of history and an utter devotion to his family. From both he received an unshakable devotion to the Gospel of Jesus Christ as found in His restored Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. These gifts, along with others, melded within David to produce a quick wit, a bent for scholarship, an aptitude for teaching and public speaking and a fervent enthusiasm for testifying of truth.

He had an abiding love for and testimony of Joseph Smith and the Restoration of the Gospel and urged his children to “follow the brethren” and “stay in the boat.” He underscored his statements by his own example, even during the times of his life when he felt most stretched. Never was he without a set of scriptures handy. One of his trucks was often—sometimes daily—to be seen parked outside a temple. He served where he was asked in the Church—including in Recife, Brazil, as a missionary (1981–1983)—and performed many quiet acts of service to those around him.

David lost both parents before he turned 10 years old. This loss walked with him his whole life, but he found sweet, strong relationships with his siblings.

He formed the pinnacle relationship of his life with Chirine Mead, who loved and honored him through the thick and thin of life. She rose as the sweet, brave, faithful, creative mother to their 13 children, as well as a loyal and constant companion to him—the sunshine in our home and in all her associations. Truly, David’s life and soul and family are forever blessed by the choice he made to marry Chirine on August 20, 1987.

David was successful in managerial and leadership roles. He turned entrepreneur with Chirine in 2010 and worked with her and their children to form and build a family business. Together David and Chirine also worked to host numerous reunions, stake activities, and fairs.

David possessed the spirit of gathering. He gathered his siblings together on numerous occasions to honor their parents. He gathered them with their children and grandchildren to learn about their forbears—no easy feat, considering that his parents’ posterity numbers higher than 600 strong. He gathered his family together for morning scripture study. He gathered his children to raise buildings, serve neighbors, dig sprinkler lines, service cars, grow gardens, plant trees, tour Church history sites and temples, and go on Sunday drives. He and Chirine gathered them to help run the family business and to enjoy holiday barbecues and parties; and on many a Sunday he gathered them after dinner to teach them what he had learned that week in his scripture study. The gathering of loved ones now in the wake of his death no doubt makes him smile. We are sure he is thrilled to now be gathered into the arms of the parents he loved so much and the forbears he honored.

David’s crowning accomplishment and most cherished role in life was as the head of his family. His children love the Gospel of Jesus Christ. They love their mother. They love each other. David was a primary influence in the development of these traits, and his children love and honor him for the legacy of faith he bequeathed them.

He is survived by 9 of his 10 siblings; Brent Wadsworth (Joyce), Terry Bleak (Lorell), Scott Wadsworth (Marcia), Valerie Empie (Drew), James Wadsworth (Georgia), Lark Keller (Merle), Anthony Wadsworth (Paula), John Wadsworth (Patti), Charlotte Mosley (Steve) by his 13 children; Cassidy Wadsworth Skousen (Scott), Rebekah Wadsworth, Patrick Wadsworth (Celeste), Ladd Wadsworth (Mariah), Joseph Wadsworth (Whitney), Nicholas Wadsworth (Jerusha), Brigham Wadsworth, Seth Wadsworth, Thomas Wadsworth (Kamae), Jedediah Wadsworth, Daniel Wadsworth, Sylvia Wadsworth, Julia Wadsworth by his 19 (soon to be 21) grandchildren; and by Chirine, his choice companion. He is preceded in death by his parents F. Don and Sylvia Bitner Hinckley Wadsworth, and by his brother Bryant.

Funeral services for David will be held Friday, October 31, 2025, at 11:00 AM at the Alpine 10th Ward Chapel located at 327 South Long Drive Alpine, Utah. Family and friends are invited to attend a visitation on Friday morning from 9:30-10:30 am prior to service at the church.

Those who wish may access the livestream. https://zoom.us/j/97884707578

Condolences may be sent to the family at www.warenski.com

10/28/2025

Ronald Paul Hash Sr.
1942 ~ 2025

Ronald Paul Hash 83, a former long-time resident of Wendell, Idaho and current resident of Pleasant Grove, Utah, passed away on October 27, 2025.

Ron was the son of Palmer Steiro and Mariam Hash and was born on June 12, 1942, in Tacoma, Washington.

After graduating from High School, Ron joined the Navy and was temporarily assigned to the INEL site in Idaho for nuclear training, where he met his wife, Linda. Ron and Linda were married and had three children together. They were married for 59 years, of which 47 were spent in Wendell, Idaho.

Ron is survived by his brothers Skip and Steve, his three children, Paul, Robert and Tamara, six grandchildren Tyler, Alexi, Alissa, Dylan, Justin and Isabel and four great grandchildren, Emerson, CJ, Isaiah, and Kennedy.

A funeral service will be held on Saturday, November 1, 2025, at 11:00 am at Hawker Funeral Home in Blackfoot, Idaho. A gathering will take place from 10:00 am until the service begins.

Burial will follow the funeral services at the Riverside-Thomas Cemetery near Blackfoot.

Funeral arrangements are under the care and direction of Warenski Funeral Home in American Fork, Utah.

Condolences may be sent to the family at www.warenski.com

10/27/2025

Frank Herrera
1950 ~ 2025

Frank Herrera, of American Fork Utah, passed away Saturday October 25, 2025 at the age of 75 surrounded by his loving family.

He was born January 14, 1950 in Questa New Mexico to Miguel Antonio Herrera and Mary Eva Martinez. He had 5 siblings, Stella (Dean) Caudill, Elevi Herrera, Ruth Chatwin, Elsie (Amos) Merrill and Lucy (Mike) Topolovic.

He Married Ethel Chappell on August 5th 1966 and together they had 3 children. They were married for 59 years and were always by each other’s side. They lived and loved a lifetime together.

He is survived by his loving wife Ethel Herrera and his children, Mike Ross Herrera, Jason Frank (Wendy) Herrera and Laurie Lee (John) Lugenbeel. Also his 15 grandchildren, and 19 great grandchildren.

He is preceded in death by his parents, his sister Elsie and his infant granddaughter Hope Cecile Herrera.

A memorial service will be held on Tuesday November 4, 2025 at 10:00 am at Warenski Funeral Home located at, 1776 North 900 East American Fork, Utah 84003. A luncheon and celebration of life will be held directly after at the LaSabre Lounge and the Legion Hall next door located at, 44 North Merchant Street American Fork Utah.

Condolences may be sent to the family at www.warenski.com

10/21/2025

Pamela Drue Lunt Cox
1945 ~ 2025

With a beautiful mixture of joy and sadness we announce the passing of Pamela Drue Cox, aged 80, beloved wife, mother and Granny, dedicated teacher, and faithful disciple of Jesus Christ. Pam was born on July 26, 1945, to Howard and Pearl Lunt in Lordsburg, New Mexico. She grew up there and in Las Cruces, New Mexico, alongside three sisters and one brother.

Pam adored music and dance. She sang in many choirs and performed in theatrical productions, expressing her faith and joy through song. She earned her bachelor’s degree from Brigham Young University and became a lifelong educator. As a teacher, she inspired countless students (especially her posterity) with her passion for learning and creative ways of sharing her wisdom. She took every opportunity to teach. For her, each minute of life was a chance to learn and share the wonders of creation. She loved truth and couldn’t help but share it enthusiastically with anyone who would listen.

Pam always seemed to be growing or enjoying something from nature. She cultivated an eclectic array of plants that brightened her surroundings and demonstrated her love of the earth and its Creator. Her talents spanned art, music, and practical trades, reflecting her constant appetite for learning and doing. She embodied righteous and reverential curiosity to the very end of her life. She was always on the go.

A devoted follower of Jesus Christ, Pam served missions in Panama City, Panama, and Orem, Utah, followed by a church-service mission. She held numerous callings within the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints and incessantly extended grace, always assuming the best in others and encouraging them to realize their divine potential. She was distinguished for her relentless commitment to sincere and meaningful service. She always looked for opportunities to bless, uplift, and inspire. Her legacy is one of unwavering love and service.

She was loved as Mom, Granny, Pam, Aunt Pam, a loving neighbor and so much more. She is survived by her husband LaMar Cox, her children Klynn (Renae), Samia (Joe), Clifford (Lisa), Anika (Jesse), Sunni (Josh), and Tamara (Mark), Tawni (Bruce), Trevor (Tori), Thorpe (Amy), Tifini (Fabian), Theron (Amber), Tyler & Trenton, with 51 grandchildren and 15 great grandchildren. They are all better for having known her.

Funeral Services for Pamela will be held on Saturday, November 1, 2025 at 10:00 am in the American Fork 9th Ward Chapel, Located at 673 East 300 North American Fork, Utah. Family and friends are invited to attend a visitation on Saturday morning from 9:00-9:50 am prior to service at the church.

Condolences may be sent to the family at www.warenski.com

10/16/2025

Loya Christiansen Przybyla
1929 ~ 2025

Loya Christiansen Przybyla was born in Ely, Nevada May 4, 1929, the 4th child of Mary Clara Ostler and Loyd Christiansen. Her family moved quite a bit when she was small, eventually settling in Tooele, Utah where she had a wonderful childhood.

She enjoyed high school in a big way! Those fun years were highlighted with cheer leading, singing groups, dances, and many endearing friends. After attending one year at Brigham Young University, she went to San Francisco with her sister Bonney to work, hoping to earn money for the next year of college.

Her plans changed however, when she met Daniel R. Przybyla, fell in love and married him three weeks later. They made the headlines for a triple wedding in the LDS Salt Lake Temple. Loya and her two sisters (Bonney and June) all got married to their sweethearts on Nov 10, 1948. Instead of heading back to BYU she started a lifetime journey with her husband, “Rich”. They lived in San Francisco until he completed getting his college education, then moved to Fresno, California where he pursued his career as a high school teacher.

Loya and Rich have four children; Lark Bambl (Helmut), Sue Thomas (Richard), Dan Przybyla (Julienne) and Tim Przybyla (Bev). They also have 23 grandchildren, 58 great grandchildren and 7 great-great grandchildren! Loya has been a guiding light, source of love, comfort, and kindness to the entire family.

Serving others is a gift Loya was born with and it seemed to be her life purpose. The list of the many wonderful and creative ways she blessed the lives of others with her acts of kindness is endless!

She was diagnosed with Pulmonary Fibrosis on May 7th 2021 and was put on Hospice immediately. To our surprise she rallied and improved slowly. Loya was preceded in death by her loving husband, all 5 of her siblings, a son-in-law, a daughter-in-law and one grandson.

We find peace knowing that a glorious reunion took place at the same moment she left us behind. And we will continue to find comfort in the beautiful truth of eternal families.

Funeral Services for Loya will be held on Saturday October 18, 2025 at 11:00 am in the Lehi 33rd Ward Chapel, located at 650 East 3200 North, Lehi, Utah. Family and friends are invited to attend a visitation on Saturday morning from 9:30-10:30 am prior to service at the church. Interment will be at the Tooele City Cemetery.

For those not able to attend the funeral service a zoom link has been provided below.
https://zoom.us/j/95998332139

Condolences may be sent to the family at www.warenski.com

10/14/2025

Beryl Clark Wheeler
1927 ~ 2025

Beryl Clark Wheeler, 97, of Highland, Utah, passed away peacefully on October 6, 2025. She was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, teacher, and friend. Her long, beautiful life was filled with hard work, kindness, and a quiet strength that left a lasting impression on everyone who knew her.

Beryl was born on November 16, 1927, in Georgetown, Idaho, the second daughter of Melvin Clark and LaRiva Bacon. She grew up in a tight-knit ranching community alongside her siblings - Lula, Gail, Sheldon, and Vernell, all of whom preceded her in death. As a child, she helped with dairy cows, beef cattle, haying, and the many chores that came with ranch life. From an early age, Beryl was shaped by the values of faith, family, and perseverance, which stayed with her throughout her life.

Valedictorian of her high school graduating class, she went on to attend Brigham Young University, where she graduated with distinction - an achievement she remained deeply proud of. Education wasn’t just a goal for Beryl; it became a lifelong passion.

After marrying the love of her life, Houston “Jack” Wheeler, Beryl embraced both motherhood and a fulfilling career as a high school teacher. She and Jack built a life rooted in love, mutual respect, and plenty of laughter. They raised two daughters, Lisa (Wheeler) Collishaw and Jollene (Wheeler) Berghoff, who were the pride and joy of their lives.

Beryl spent more than 20 years in the classroom, where she inspired generations of students with her intelligence, warmth, and belief in the power of learning. She was the kind of teacher who made a lasting impact - one who encouraged students to think deeply and live thoughtfully. At home, she was just as devoted, showing her family what it meant to be strong, honest, and kind. Her loved ones will always remember her thoughtful advice, contagious laughter, and her signature smirk when Jack’s jokes didn’t quite land.

Beryl had many talents and interests. She was a fantastic cook and baker (her pies were legendary), a skilled seamstress, and a talented pianist. She loved music, theater, and always had room in her life for a good symphony or play. She also enjoyed traveling - visiting much of the U.S. and even parts of Europe - and she never missed a good game of baseball, basketball, or football. Her zest for life never faded.

She was a lifelong member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and the Daughters of the Utah Pioneers. Her faith and her heritage were central to who she was and guided the way she lived - with compassion, generosity, and an enduring dedication to her family.

Beryl is survived by her daughters, Lisa and Jollene, who will carry on her legacy of love and resilience. Jollene and her husband Mark gave her three wonderful grandchildren: Cassidy (married to James), Chad (married to Jane), and Devin. Her great-grandchildren - Aurora and Summer (Cassidy), and Jack (Chad), were blessed to know her love. Lisa and her husband Mike brought three step-grandchildren and two more great-grandchildren into the family who knew her love as well. Lindsay (married to Michael, children - Ellison and Miles), Megan (married to Ryan), and Tara (married to Dane).

Beryl will be laid to rest with Jack at the Sacramento Valley National Cemetery, where he was honored for his service in the U.S. Army.

Her memory will be a gift to all who knew and loved her.

Condolences may be sent to the family at www.warenski.com

10/13/2025

Lorna Hinton Squire
1933 ~ 2025

Lorna Hinton Squire, 92, of Cedar Hills passed quietly away Sunday morning, October 12, 2025. She was born June 24, 1933 in LaVerkin Utah to George Luther Hinton and Sadie LaVelle Jackson.

Lorna grew up in LaVerkin Utah with 4 sisters and 2 brothers. She was married and sealed to her loving husband, Jerald P Squire on June 27, 1952, in the St. George, Utah Temple. They had 5 children and she was kept busy raising 3 active boys and caring lovingly for her two special needs daughters who required much additional time and attention. In addition to caring for her family, she served in many callings in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints and her Christ centered service touched many people throughout her life, but most especially her children and grandchildren. She lived a life of faith and devotion and was loved by all who knew her.

Lorna is survived by four children, Douglas (LaRee), Pleasant Grove, Utah, Kenneth (Elizabeth), San Antonio, Texas, Loren (Shauna), Houston, Texas, Shauna, West Jordan, Utah, 1 sister Beverly Simkins, 13 grandchildren, 17 great grandchildren and 4 great great grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her husband Jerald, her daughter Debra, and granddaughter KatieAnne.

Family gathering 10:00 am to 11:00 at Warenski Funeral Home, 1776 North 900 East, American Fork, Utah.

Graveside service for family and friends 11:30 am at the Pleasant Grove City Cemetery.

A luncheon for family and friends will held at the Garden 5th Ward Chapel, 745 North 600 West, Pleasant Grove, Utah.

The family wish to thank Warenski Funeral home, APlus Home Healthcare, and the Charleston staff for the years of care provided to our mom.

Condolences may be sent to the family at www.warenski.com

10/13/2025

Arthur Grant Christean Jr.
1935 ~ 2025

Arthur Grant Christean, Jr. a beloved husband, father, grandfather, and steadfast member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, passed away peacefully surrounded by family on 10 October 2025 in his Cedar Hills, Utah home. He joins his cherished wife of 61 years, Nelda Bohon Christean, who preceded him in death four months earlier on June 5, 2025.

Born on March 31, 1935, in Salt Lake City, Utah, Arthur lived a life of faith, family devotion, and professional accomplishments that in his own words, were “against the odds.” He leaves an enduring legacy to his descendants. One that demonstrates the power of striving to align one’s life to the core principles of the Christ’s gospel, while exemplifying the power of devotion, ambition, scholarship, fidelity, and generosity. Arthur showed the importance of looking and planning forward in life, not backward. Throughout all stages of his life, he engaged himself in worthwhile pursuits of personal study, reflection, and clarity of thought. Arthur’s life was centered on his faith, his wife and family, and the application of scholarship in his professional and personal interests. He was a lifelong student of history, with a special interest in things pertaining to the rise of Christianity, western culture, western law, and history of the movie industry in forming cultural messaging, perspective, and impact.

He and Nelda raised four children—Tanya Christean (Will Pliler), Debra (Bradley) Christean Bates, Allan (Amy) Arthur Christean, and Evan (Amy) Blaine Christean. As grandpa to twelve grandchildren and six great-grandchildren, he loved to share his passions whenever possible. In later years those passions were focused on ancient coins that show, in the palm of your hand, the rise of Christianity. He nurtured his family with a never-ending willingness to share historical narratives, past adventures, and a quiet unwavering support.

As a faithful member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Arthur served in numerous callings including High Priest’s Group Leader, Bishopric Counselor, Stake High Counselor, and Gospel Doctrine teacher. Together with Nelda, he served as a temple worker in the Salt Lake Temple for five years and as a volunteer in the Joseph Smith Memorial Building.

They served a full-time mission in the Puerto Rico San Juan Mission from 2004 to 2006. Upon returning, they served as Guest Services Missionaries on Temple Square for three years and volunteered two days a week at the Provo Missionary Training Center. Arthur’s testimony and service blessed countless lives, reflecting his commitment to the Savior and His gospel.

Arthur’s professional life was equally distinguished. After graduating from East High School in 1953 he earned three degrees from the University of Utah: a BS in History (1959), a JD in Law (1960), and an MSW in Social Work (1968). His academic achievements were honored with the Bancroft Whitney Book Award for Scholarship and the Blanche Scowcroft Willey Award from Phi Kappa Phi Honor Society. After serving as a Judge Advocate in the U.S. Air Force, including active duty in Dover, Delaware, and Morocco, Arthur returned to Utah. He held roles as Administrator of the Utah State Juvenile Court, Deputy Clerk of the United States Supreme Court, and Deputy State Court Administrator.

In 1978, Arthur was appointed to the bench, serving as a judge in the Fifth Circuit Court and later the Third District Juvenile Court until 1997, totaling 20 years of judicial service in Salt Lake, Summit, and Tooele Counties. He authored the original Utah Circuit Court Act of 1977 and wrote extensively on juvenile justice, including his notable work, The Noble Quest: The Story of the Juvenile Court in Utah. He served as a Senior Judge from 1997 to 2008 while contributing as a faculty advisor for the National Judicial College and a member of the Sutherland Institute’s Board of Scholars.

Arthur lived and raised his family in Salt Lake County for 35 years before moving to American Fork in 2003 and finally Cedar Hills in 2014.

He is survived by his four children, twelve grandchildren, six great-grandchildren, and a community enriched by his service and contributions.

Funeral Services for Arthur will be held on Thursday, October 16, 2025 at 11:00 am in the Cedar Hills 10th Ward Chapel, located at 9737 Chesterfield Drive Cedar Hills, Utah. Family and friends are invited to attend a visitation on Thursday morning from 9:30-10:30 am prior to services at the church. Interment will be in the Salt Lake City Cemetery.

Condolences may be sent to the family at www.warenski.com

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