PIONEER OBITUARIES

 

 

 

 

Lois Jennie Christensen Jessen

August 4, 1934 — October 22, 2025

Mt. Pleasant

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Lois Jennie Christensen was born August 4th 1934 in Moroni Utah, to Darwin Christensen and Verbena Sudweeks. She loved her childhood in the little town of Moroni. She had two older sisters, Joyce and Wanda.

She felt a very close connection to her Grandpa Christensen who lived just across the street. She would walk across Main Street once or twice a day to just sit and be with him. He would tell her about the beautiful place Denmark, where he had come from. This became one of her deepest wishes to go see this land. Many years later this dream came true.

Lois attended kindergarten where she made a very special friend, LaRue Tidwell, who lived a short distance from her home. She hadn’t met her until school. They became best friends and were inseparable for the next six years. About a week before Junior High School was to begin, her friend LaRue got sick. In a short few days things turned worse and she died from the dreaded polio disease. Lois attended the funeral on the first day they were to go back to school. She said this was the saddest day of her life.

Lois met Edward Clarence Jessen in January of 1952 at a dance at the Old Bungalow. He danced with her, then asked if he could give her a ride home. From that night on they were always together. They married March 6, 1953 in the Manti Temple. This fulfilled a goal that she set for herself when she and her Primary class had attended the temple to do baptisms for the dead. She got to see this beautiful place and wanted to return there to be married, and she did. They were married for 72 years.

They became the proud parents of Vickie ( Cory), Craig (Susan), Randy (Sue), Julie ( Clark), Jim ( Vikki), Patti ( Scott) Brad (Jennifer).

They raised their family in Hunter Utah and then in Spanish Fork Utah.

Later in life, they moved back to the family farm in Mt. Pleasant. With much hard work it became their beautiful home. They loved when they were called to serve as ordinance workers at the Manti Temple and enjoyed serving there.

She loved her garden and her flowers. She would eat the produce from the garden and always enjoyed her tomato sandwiches.

She spent endless hours doing Temple and Family History work. She learned to love her ancestors and do their temple work for them.

She is preceded in death by her parents, sisters, Joyce and Wanda, a son in law, Clark Taylor and three great grandchildren.

Lois Jennie Christensen Jessen lived with love and gratitude each and every day to the very end. She loved her Heavenly Father, and her Savior Jesus Christ. She loved The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. And she loved each and every member of her family with all her heart.

Funeral services were held October 28, 2025 at 11:00 a.m. in the Mt. Pleasant North Stake Center (461 N. 300 W.) with a viewing from 9:30 – 10:30 a.m. prior to services at the church. Interment in the Mt. Pleasant City Cemetery. Online condolences at rasmussenmortuary.com

To Watch Recorded Funeral Service Click Here.

To Watch Recorded Graveside Service Click Here.

 

 

Sandra Lee Bigler 

Sandra Lee Bigler

March 22, 1945 — September 12, 2025

Mount Pleasant

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 Sandra Lee Seeley Bigler, our beloved mother, grandmother, passed away on September 12, 2025, surrounded by her family who loved her dearly. She was born on March 22, 1945, in Mount Pleasant, Utah, to Hyrum Carlton and Elverda Elizabeth Seeley, the third of their children and certainly the one who kept everyone on their toes.

On June 10, 1963, Sandra married the love of her life, John Arnold Bigler. Together, they raised a family, worked hard, laughed often, and weren’t afraid to take risks. From selling snowmobiles and tires to opening Big Pine Sports in Fairview, they were true partners in business and life. Sandra’s contagious laugh could fill a room, and even if you didn’t know what the joke was—you’d find yourself laughing right along with her.

Sandra was a force in her community. She served as Mayor of Mt. Pleasant City, sat on the City Council, and for many years worked as sexton of the cemetery. She had the entire cemetery memorized, a fact she was fiercely proud of, and one we’re all still in awe of. Her knowledge and devotion to that sacred ground will never be matched—though we’re certain she’ll be keeping tabs from above to make sure it’s still done right.

She had more friends than she probably admitted, and if you ever ate at her table, you knew you were in for a treat. Sandra could whip up food better than any restaurant in town, though she’d roll her eyes if you dared tell her that. Whether it was a big family dinner or a quick bite, she always made sure bellies were full and hearts were warm.

Sandra is survived by her children JoAnn (Ted) Mollinet and Tammy (Mark) Jorgensen; her grandchildren Natalie (Garrett) Crosby, Jammie (Rusty) Hansen, Michelle (Devin) Mackey, Kolton (Alex) Jorgensen, Kaden (Meagan) Jorgensen, and Keisha (Conner) Christensen; and 23 great-grandchildren who adored their spunky grandma and great-grandma.

She was preceded in death by her husband, John A. Bigler; daughters Jody, Amy, and Jamie; brother Hal Seeley; sisters Carma Stockton and Kenna Nielsen; and her parents, Hyrum Carlton and Elverda Elizabeth Seeley.

A viewing will be held on Sunday, September 21, from 5:00–7:00 p.m. at the North Stake Center, 461 N 300 W, Mount Pleasant. Friends may also call at the church on Monday, September 22, from 9:00–10:30 a.m., prior to the 11:00 a.m. funeral.. Interment will follow at the Mt. Pleasant Cemetery. 

To Watach Funeral Services Live, Click Here. The Live Zoom Link will Activate at 10:45 a.m. MST prior to services. 

 

 

Lorna Mary Beck

October 6, 1958 — August 6, 2025

Mount Pleasant

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Lorna Beck, age 66, of Mount Pleasant, Utah, passed away peacefully on August 6, 2025.

 

Born on October 6, 1958, Lorna was the daughter of Rodney Rowe and Frances Nielson. She was a loving mother, a proud grandmother, a devoted sister, and a beloved friend to many.

 

Lorna is survived by her mother, Frances Nielson; her children: Jacquie Wavra (Josef), Amanda Brown (Greg), and Rod Brown; her grandchildren: Rylie, Ayden, and Robert; and her sisters: LouAnn Poulson (Jim), Lois Shepherd (Bob), Debbie Martens, and Tammy Owen (Mike).

 

She was preceded in death by her father, Rodney Rowe; her husband, David Beck; her son, Waylon Brown; and her faithful dog, Viena.

 

Lorna spent many years working as a waitress, a job she took great pride in until health issues led to her early retirement. She was known for her quick wit, big heart, and the kind of conversations that stayed with you long after they ended.

 

A private celebration of life will be held with close family members and friends, in accordance with Lorna’s wishes.

 

If you knew Lorna, you know she always asked the same question anytime you talked to her:

“What are you having for dinner?”

In her honor, we hope you’ll share a meal with someone you love and keep that question going.

In her honor, we hope you’ll share a meal with someone you love and keep that question going.

 

 

Gary Elliot Arnoldson

February 23, 1951 — July 22, 2025

Mountainville

With hearts full of love and gratitude, we announce the passing of our beloved husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, and friend, Gary Elliot Arnoldson, who returned to his Heavenly Father on July 22, 2025, while exploring the Crow Canyon area of the beautiful Uinta Mountains—one of his favorite places on earth.

Gary was born on February 23, 1951, in Preston, Idaho, to Elliott Julius Arnoldson and Rinda LaRane Bjerrgaard, both of whom preceded him in death. He was the second of six children and is survived by his siblings Rinda (John) Thompson, Layne (Sheri) Arnoldson, Earl (Christine) Arnoldson, and Wesley (Ellen) Arnoldson, and is reunited in heaven with his brother Clair (JoAnn) Arnoldson.

On September 15, 1972, Gary was sealed to his eternal companion, Leslie Ilene Shelley, in the Manti Utah LDS Temple. Together, they built a loving home and raised a devoted family:

Tara & Jeff Lund, Daina & Logan Freeman, Phillip & JeuneElle Arnoldson, Cody & Jordyn Arnoldson, Daniel & Tamar Arnoldson, Denim & Brooke Arnoldson, and Kyle & Jessica Arnoldson. He leaves behind 29 grandchildren and one great-grandchild, who will carry forward his legacy of faith, love, and adventure.

Gary was a man of quiet strength, unwavering discipline, and deep humility. He worked as an accountant in secondary education and also operated his own tax business—not for profit, but to serve the hundreds of individuals and families in his community, often charging little or nothing at all.

He served faithfully in the U.S. Army, National Guard, and Air Force, and later devoted much of his life in service to the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. His many callings included Scout Master, Bishop, Stake President, Ministering Brother, Temple Worker, and Branch President of the Reykjavik Iceland Branch. He was a proud recipient of the Silver Beaver Award in scouting and completed Wood Badge training. He also served three missions throughout his life—in the England North British Mission, the Australia Perth Mission, and the Denmark Copenhagen Mission.

Gary’s love for the outdoors was matched only by his love for people. He took his family on annual backpacking trips and led countless youth on wilderness adventures filled with hiking, fishing, white water rafting, and spiritual growth. A gifted guitarist, he regularly played for senior centers and for his grandchildren, brightening lives with his music and cheerful presence.

He found special joy in serving the widows in his community, often enlisting his five sons to deliver freshly caught fish or chopped firewood to those in need. Gary was a social butterfly, able to make friends with anyone, anywhere. His life was one of quiet sacrifice, and every act—big or small—was driven by his loyalty, love, and deep sense of duty.

Gary found great peace in temple work and was known to attend and serve in the temple multiple times each week. His faith defined him, and his family was his greatest treasure. He let us know often how proud he was of each of us—and he showed it in every part of how he lived.

A viewing will be held on Monday, July 28, 2025, from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m., and again on Tuesday, July 29, from 9:00 to 10:30 a.m. at 461 N. 300 W., Mt. Pleasant, Utah 84647. The funeral service will follow on Tuesday, July 29, at 11:00 a.m. at the same location. He will be laid to rest at the Mt. Pleasant City Cemetery.

Dad, we love you. We honor the life you lived and the legacy you’ve left us. Thank you for everything.

To Watch Funeral Services Live, Click Here. The Live Zoom Link will Activate at 10:45 a.m. MST prior to services.

To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of Gary Elliot Arnoldson, please visit our flower store.