Paul Holden Mortensen
Paul Holden Mortensen
1935 – 2022
Paul Holden Mortensen (87) passed away on July 19, 2022 surrounded by his loving family. Paul was born on May 13, 1935 in Provo, Utah to Alex H and Maurine Mortensen. Paul was the eldest of 7 children.
Paul grew up in Springville, Utah and attended and graduated from Brigham Young University. He was an accomplished musician and played the trombone professionally in several jazz bands and also with the BYU Symphony. Paul was the Director of Bands at Lehi High School and later moved to American Fork Junior High where he taught band, orchestra, and choir. He directed the Junior Patriots at American Fork Junior High. After retiring from the Alpine School District, Paul taught in Okinawa, Japan for several years. Paul was very active in the UEA. Paul touched thousands of students over his years of teaching.
Paul served a mission in Kentucky and Tennessee for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Paul served as a Bishop, High Council member, and Temple Worker. He also served a second mission with his wife, Wilma, in the Chinese branch of Oakland, California.
Paul married his one and only true love Wilma L. Homer on August 16, 1962. This August they would have celebrated their 60th wedding anniversary. Paul and Wilma were dedicated and devoted to each other until the end. Wilma was at his side through several cancer diagnosis’ that should have taken his life 25 years ago and she sacrificed so much to take care of him these last few years as his health declined. This is an example of true and selfless love.
Paul and Wilma are the parents of 8 children, 19 grandchildren and 10 great grandchildren. Paul’s legacy is his family. They love him dearly and will miss him.
Paul lost his ability to drive his prized truck and it was very hard on him. His son, Steve, printed a picture of his truck and put it on his wall and Dad was happy knowing his truck was safe. To honor Dad’s love of his truck he will take his last ride in it to the American Fork Cemetery where he will be buried.
Paul is survived by his loving wife of 59 years, Wilma H. Mortensen, 7 children, Shirley (Randall) Davis, Diane (Jim) Pappas, Paul (Dustie) Mortensen, Ranae Mortensen, Steve (Ruthann) Mortensen, Brad (Lauri) Mortensen, Elaine (Ben) Parkinson. His grandchildren: Aubrey Davis, Emily Thorpe, Michael Davis, Nathan Stone, Sara Stone, Rachel Stone, Rebecca Stone, Kameron Kuhni, Austin Kuhni, Karson Pappas, Nicolaos Pappas, Amber Mortensen, Shylene Mortensen, Mikala Mortensen, Zack Mortensen, Alexandra Mortensen, Megan Mortensen. His great-grandchildren: Odin Thorpe, Luka Stone, Summer Stone, Kambree Kuhni, Kehl Kuhni, Braxton Kuhni, Brinlee Kuhni, Faith Pappas, Winter Pappas, and Holden Mortensen.
He is also survived by his siblings and their spouses, Jay (Marilyn) Mortensen, Marilyn (Kenneth) Warner, Bob (Sandy) Mortensen, and Karl (Vicki) Mortensen.
He was preceded in death by his loving daughter, Carla Stone, and his grandsons Joshua Davis and Larsen Mortensen. Also preceded in death by his parents, and two brothers, Clyde and Kenneth Mortensen.
The funeral will be held Thursday, July 28, 2022 at 11:00 am at the Hillcrest Stake Center Chapel, located at 165 North 350 West, American Fork, Utah. Family and friends may call on Wednesday evening from 6:00-8:00 pm at the Hillcrest Stake Chapel and also at an additional viewing Thursday morning from 9:30-10:30 am prior to services at the church.