Joseph McElprang

Joseph William "Bill" McElprang, beloved husband, father, grandfather, great grandfather, brother, uncle, and friend died of natural causes on February 8, 2025, surrounded by loving family. He was welcomed with eager arms by his adoring wife, Ina Vee Keele McElprang, his mother and father, and brother Merlin. He is survived by his four children Elaine (Kevin) Mortensen, Janet (Richard) Carr, John (Teresa) McElprang and Joe (Rozane) McElprang, sixteen grandchildren and twenty-one great-grandchildren.

Bill was born in Huntington, Utah on January 20, 1930, to Joseph Henry McElprang and Estella Mabel Johnson McEplrang. He graduated from North Emery High School in 1948 and later that fall, he enlisted in the Army. He spent the next four years serving in the Korean War.

He met the love of his life, Ina Keele, at a Fourth of July celebration and they were married for time and all eternity on October 15, 1954, in the Manti, Utah Temple. Six weeks after their wedding, Bill left for a 3-year LDS mission in Japan. While on his mission, he gained a deep love of the Japanese people, culture and food. He also gained a love and passion for missionary work.

Upon his return, Bill joined the National Guard. During his 25 years of service, he reached the rank of Master Sargent, helped pioneer the Special Forces training program in Utah, and became a Green Beret and Jump Master. He loved being in the air and had always wanted to be a pilot. Although he wasn't able to become one, being a paratrooper was the next best thing. Ina and the kids often took picnics to the airfield to watch Bill jump. After retiring from the National Guard, Bill didn't jump again until he was 92 when he and his daughter Janet and son John jumped together. This event was commemorated by leaders of the National Guard who were in attendance.

A faithful member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Bill served in many callings in the church including Branch President of the Japanese Daiichi Branch in Salt Lake City and as a member of the Seventy in his stake (later a High Priest). Alongside his wife, he was an ordinance worker in the Jordan River Temple for many years. He served with his whole heart, had a strong faith in God and taught his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren to love God and the Savior.

He was a soft spoken, humble man and a really good listener. He loved food and was always up for a chat over a meal in the kitchen. His impish smile filled his whole face and though he didn't talk much, it was always worth listening when he did. He loved his family fiercely and we all knew it. He leaves behind an incredible legacy, and we will miss him so much. We love you!

We would like to thank family who helped provide physical care and support for Bill, especially Janet, Michelle, and Melissa.

A viewing will be held Friday, February 14, 2025, from 6-8 p.m. at the McDougal Funeral Home, 4330 S. Redwood Road, Taylorsville, Utah. Funeral Services will be on Saturday, February 15, 2025, at 10:30 a.m. at the Glenmoor 2nd Ward building, 9455 S. 4800 W., South Jordan, Utah with a viewing before at 9:30 a.m. Interment will immediately follow at Valley View Memorial Park Cemetery, 4335 W. 4100 S., West Valley City, Utah.

Those who wish to livestream the service may do so at the following link:  

https://zoom.us/j/91075833943?pwd=GlJ25OgvK5JWx80t9vrk54rA9J4XAx.1