Don Michael Halverson (Mike) was born May 24, 1947, in Glendale, California, and passed away at his home in Lehi, Utah on August 4, 2024. He was the oldest of six children and grew up in El Centro, California, participating in high school football, track, band, student government, and many other activities. He served as a full-time missionary in Ireland for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. He graduated from Brigham Young University with bachelor’s and master’s degrees in chemistry. His prize accomplishment from his college years was meeting and marrying Sandra Jean Wilcox in 1970 in the Los Angeles Temple. He was proud to serve his country in the United States Marine Corps for three years, honorably discharged as a First Lieutenant.
Mike started a civilian career with Frito-Lay, working as a plant manager in California and a regional manager at their headquarters in Texas before moving to Valencia, California, where he managed several manufacturing facilities before changing careers and establishing an insurance agency. He and Sandy spent 30 years in Valencia raising their family. He was a loved and honored father of six children, teaching long-remembered lessons in hard work, duty, and dedication to God. He also valued fun, especially swimming in their backyard pool, boating, and teaching his children to water ski during annual vacations at Lake Tahoe.
As a committed and faithful member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Mike served in many capacities, from Primary teacher and scoutmaster, to Bishop, Stake President, Patriarch, and Temple Sealer. He was a quiet leader, remembered by all for his gentle kindness and warm concern for the people he loved and served. Mike and Sandy particularly loved the temple, serving 12 years in the Los Angeles Temple, a year in the Dallas Temple, and 5 years in the Mount Timpanogos Temple after moving to Lehi, Utah. They also served a temple mission in Nauvoo, completing more than 500 family ordinances themselves in addition to fulfilling their missionary assignments. When they returned home, they continued their love for temple and family history by serving in the Lehi Family Search Center.
Mike is survived by his devoted wife Sandy who cared for him during his many health issues, and by his six children: Kristen (Tyler) Crockett, Jared (Emily) Halverson, Bryan (Emily) Halverson, Mark (Mandy) Halverson, David (Julia) Halverson, and Lorianne (Dave) Flint, and 28 grandchildren. He is also survived by his siblings Chris (Noreen) and Mariann (Joseph) Ward. He is preceded in death by his parents Don and Dorothy Halverson and his siblings Karen Rencher, Jens Halverson, and JoAnn Dent. His family appreciates the many kindnesses shown to him and celebrates a life well-lived.
Funeral services will be on Saturday, August 10 at 11:00 at the Lehi 20th Ward, 150 East 1500 North, Lehi, or on YouTube at https://www.youtube.com/live/Y5eZ3pvdIDc. The family will receive visitors beforehand from 9:30-10:30. Burial at the Lehi City Cemetery.