Verl Kenison

Delbert LaVerle "Verl" Kenison

Gone Fishing

Delbert LaVerle 'Verl' Kenison, 82, of West Valley City, Utah, passed away on April 12, 2024, with his beloved family nearby. He fought a good fight, but finally succumbed to the brain tumor that caught him so off-guard last year.

Verl was born on a summer day, July 27, 1941, in Talmage, Utah to John S. and Grace Thacker Kenison, the fourth of seven children. He grew up near the trains in Provo, and years later realized he had met his future father-in-law when he was a young boy playing near the tracks that ran across the corner of their front yard.

Verl married JoAnne Peterson on December 26, 1959, in Thistle, Utah. They were later sealed together for eternity in the Salt Lake Temple and recently celebrated their 64th wedding anniversary. Verl and JoAnne truly enjoyed each other's company and were seldom apart.

Verl and JoAnne settled in Hunter (West Valley City) where they raised their children and had many adventures together. He loved to go fishing, with Gooseberry Reservoir being one of his favorite spots. He taught his sons, many grandchildren, and great-grandchildren how to fish. He enjoyed hunting and camping with his family. He was a good cook and enjoyed trying new recipes. Dutch oven cooking was his specialty. There's nothing better than having a Dutch oven cookoff at Gooseberry on a Saturday afternoon in July. Another favorite activity he shared was making homemade ice cream in all sorts of flavors.

As a young man, Verl joined the Air Force and worked as an airplane mechanic in Victorville, California, and in Korea. After leaving the Air Force, he held positions as a fabricator welder at various companies and a boilermaker welder at Kennecott where he worked for over 30 years until retirement. He was able to work on cars and various engines, knowing what was wrong often by the sound the car made. He could fix anything.

Verl lived a very full and busy life serving family, friends, and his Heavenly Father. He had the greenest of thumbs and always grew a big garden so he could share with others. He was a loyal member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, where he served faithfully in many callings over the years, including a Member of the Bishopric, High Council, Elders Quorum President, YM President/Varsity Coach, High Priest Group Leader, Gospel Doctrine Teacher, Scout Master, Ward Missionary, and a Temple Worker at the Jordan River Temple. He thoroughly enjoyed serving others, teaching the gospel, and going to church. He truly loved the Lord.

After Verl retired, he and JoAnne served several missions for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, some of which include: Hosts at the Joseph Smith Memorial Building; serving the L.D.S. boys at West Ridge Academy; taking care of the cows at the Cattle Ranch in Vernon, Utah; Camp Hosts at Heber Valley Girls Camp; the Magna Crops " The Garden of Eatin'" that he planned, built, planted, and grew much more than anyone thought possible. People from all around came to see the garden and to learn the methods he used.

Verl loved his family more than anything. He attended as many of his grandchildren's performances and games as he could. He was their greatest supporter. He spent time with some of his grandchildren building an amazing treehouse in the "chicken tree" in the backyard.

Some of his memorable sayings include: after someone asked 'How are you?', he'd say, "Pretty and good, but mostly pretty"; "Sure glad you got to see me"; or if someone would ask 'Are you all right?' he'd say, 'No, I'm half left'; or when he called you on the phone he'd ask, 'Is that you?'. He told a lot of "dad" jokes and had a funny sense of humor.

Verl is survived by his sweetheart and eternal companion, JoAnne, his 5 children and their spouses; Peggy (Russ) Bawden; Dan (Kellie) Kenison; Mike (Diane) Kenison; Don (Mari) Kenison, and Nicole Nickles; 22 grandchildren and 21 great-grandchildren. He is also survived by his brother Lynn (Daralyn) Kenison, sister Kathy Kenison, sister-in-law Carolee Kenison, brother-in-law LeVell Campbell, brother-in-law Darwin Peterson, brother-in-law Gordon (Norma) Peterson, sister-in-law Karen (Lynn) Brienholt, and many nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents; mother and father-in-law; George A. and Della Peterson; sister Wanda Campbell; brothers Dean, Dale, and Steven Kenison; son-in-law Gregory Nickles.

Funeral Services will be held, Monday, April 22, 2024, 11:00 a.m. at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints ward building, 3745 South 6400 West in West Valley City, Utah. Guests are invited to call on the family Sunday, April 21, 2024, 6:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m. at McDougal Funeral Home, 4330 South Redwood Road, Taylorsville, Utah; and at the church prior to the service from 10:00 a.m. -10:45 a.m. Interment; Valley View Memorial Cemetery, West Valley City, Utah.

The family would like to thank Dr. Lisa Arnold and her team at IHC Oncology, as well as the IHC Hospice Team. Their kindness and special care are very much appreciated.