Marlin Ek

Marlin Eugene Ek, age 88, returned peacefully to his Father in Heaven on February 14, 2025. Born on May 7, 1936, in Salt Lake City, Utah.

Marlin was the beloved son of Rebecca Rushton Ek and John Marvin Ek. He grew up in Magna, Utah, and graduated from Cyprus High School in 1954. He married his valentine, Josephine Ann (JoAnn) Bodenhofer Ek, in the Salt Lake Temple on August 25, 1955. His greatest accomplishment was in creating a beautiful life and family together for 67 years.

Marlin is survived by his 7 children and their spouses: Marla (Lynn) Bath, Marsha Hatch, Shawn (Madelyn) Ek, Kevin (Berdette) Ek, Debra (Steven) Bowen, Laura (Barry) Whitworth, Krista (Jason) Mathison; 24 grandchildren; and 56 great-grandchildren. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his eternal partner, JoAnn; a sister, Venae Duckworth; a son-in-law, Thomas Hatch; and a grandson, Aaron Hatch.

This gentle giant was very athletic and played many sports, but he had a special love for football, where he earned the nickname "Snake Hips." He received scholarship offers for football from both the University of Utah and Westminster University but went on to accept the scholarship, play for, and attend classes at Westminster. He also had a passion for anything outdoors and could often be found camping, fishing, and hunting with his family.

Marlin had an incredible work ethic and was truly a jack of all trades. He started working at various jobs at the age of twelve, moved on to work for Kennecott Utah Copper for 44 years, beginning in an hourly wage position before advancing into management. During that time, he also certified as a journeyman block mason and held various other jobs. Later in life, he became a real estate agent, owned his own curbing business, and, never afraid of a challenge, built two homes for his family as well as a vacation cabin. One of his greatest legacies is teaching his children and grandchildren the benefits of hard work and having pride in a job well done.

In addition to his professional achievements, Marlin's greatest love was for the Gospel of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and his family. During his life, he held several callings in the church: he served in the High Priest Presidency, Elders Quorum Presidency, Sunday School Presidency, and as the Mutual Superintendent. Marlin and JoAnn were also proud to serve two missions together for the Church: a multi-year service mission at the Humanitarian Center in Salt Lake City and a year in the Alabama Birmingham Mission to help with the preservation of historical documents. But his greatest calling was as a husband and father.

A viewing will be held on Thursday, February 20, 2025, from 6:00-8:00 p.m. A brief viewing will also be held on Friday, February 21, 2025, from 12:00-12:30 p.m., followed by a family prayer at 12:40 p.m. The funeral service is scheduled for 1:00 p.m. All services will be held at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints meeting house located at 4986 S. Valois Drive, Taylorsville, Utah 84129. Marlin will be interred at Elysian Burial Gardens located at 1075 E. 4580 S. Millcreek, Utah 84117, following the funeral services.

May his legacy of love, hard work, and faith continue to inspire all who knew him.