Don Reed Ellertson Jr.

With grateful hearts, we announce the peaceful passing of Don Reed Ellertson Jr., a devoted member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, who returned to his Heavenly Father on March 26, 2024 at the remarkable age of 96. Born on August 22, 1927 to Don Reed Ellertson and Luceal Vincent Ellertson in Tooele, Utah, the third of six children. He lived a long and fulfilling life, guided by the principles of faith, love, and service.

Throughout his 96 years, Don embodied the values of the gospel, showing unwavering devotion to his family, church, and community. He was a beacon of strength, wisdom, and compassion, leaving an indelible mark on the lives of all who had the privilege of knowing him.

Don’s early years were spent in Provo, Utah where he remembered being pulled out of his fourth grade class at Franklin Elementary to be told that his father had passed away. Although Don lost his father at a tender age, he persevered in his pursuits and was always a good student. In sixth grade, he was elected class president. His campaign speech included the light-hearted promise, “If you elect me, you can chew gum in class.”

Don attended East High School in Salt Lake City, although he never actually graduated. Due to the Second World War, the University of Utah was so low in students that qualified High School Students could skip their last year of high school and go directly to the University. Don’s goal was to become a lawyer like his father. He graduated with his law degree in June 1952. Four days after graduation, he packed up his car and moved to Los Angeles, California. It was there that he met Vivian Heninger. Don and Vivian married on April 26, 1957 in Lethbridge, Alberta, Canada and were later sealed on December 5, 1959 in the Los Angeles Temple of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

In Los Angeles, Don held various jobs before being hired as a Public Defender in June 1959. He steadily climbed the ranks within the organization, achieving the positions of Head Deputy, Division Chief, and ultimately Assistant Public Defender–the second-highest position in the entire organization, which included 1500 lawyers and staff across 42 locations. After 30 years of dedicated service, Don retired in 1989. Following retirement, he and Vivian served a mission for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints in the Canary Islands.

Don is preceded in death by his siblings Keith Ellertson, Mary Gail Brassard, Patricia Pedersen, and Sue Bridges. He is survived by his sister Barbara Hansen, his beloved wife Vivian Ellertson, and his children: Don Ellertson III, Heidi Mackay, Melanie Hill, and Wendy Nordlin, as well as 13 grandchildren and 9 great-grandchildren. Don leaves behind a legacy of faith, resilience, and love that will continue to inspire future generations. He lived a life rich in experiences, cherished memories, and profound relationships, and his absence will be deeply felt by all who were touched by his presence.

A memorial service to commemorate Don’s life will be held on Friday, April 5, 2024 at Wasatch Lawn Mortuary Chapel, with a viewing beginning at 9:00 am. Family and friends are invited to honor and remember him. Following the service at 10:00 am, he will be laid to rest at Provo City Cemetery at 2:45 pm, where he will await the joyous reunion promised by the Savior.

Although Don has bid farewell to this mortal existence, his legacy of love, faith, and service will endure throughout the eternities. May he find rest and peace in the loving embrace of our Heavenly Father and Savior Jesus Christ.

A morning viewing for Don will be held Friday, April 5, 2024 from 9:00 AM to 9:45 AM at Wasatch Lawn Mortuary, 3401 S Highland Drive, Millcreek, Utah 84106. A funeral service will occur Friday, April 5, 2024 at 10:00 AM, 3401 S Highland Drive, Millcreek, Utah 84106. Interment will occur Friday, April 5, 2024 at 2:45 PM at Provo City Cemetery, 610 S. State Street, Provo, Utah 84606.

Livestream can be viewed at:

https://view.oneroomstreaming.com/index.php?data=MTcxMTYwMzM4OTMwMjI0NCZvbmVyb29tLWFkbWluJmNvcHlfbGluaw==