Eldon Jay Tervort

On December 4, 2023, we said a temporary good-bye to our Dad, Grandpa, “Grandpa Great” and Great-Great Grandpa, Eldon Jay Tervort. Now that his physical suffering has ended, his sweet spirit has returned to his Heavenly Father and is reunited with his eternal companion, Janet.  We, as his family, are so grateful for his love, life, and example to us. He has shown courage, faith, hope and love to all of us.

Dad was born on August 13, 1926, in Gunnison, Utah to Henry Gazell and Blanch Olive Marker Tervort. He was the fifth of eight children, all who have preceded him in death. He attended Sevier County schools. At the age of 17, he enlisted in the United States Navy and was stationed in San Diego. He was assigned to the liberty ship Edward E. Hale and carried ammunition and supplies all over the Pacific during World War II. As one of the Greatest Generation, he proudly served as Gunner’s Mate/Striker. Later he was assigned to the USS Hope, a hospital ship and finally to USS-LST 1052, a tank landing ship.  After being honorably discharged in June of 1946, he returned home to Ephraim, Utah and courted and married Elda Janet Ward on October 12, 1946. Together they raised two sons in Orem. He was employed by US Steel for over 35 years as a millwright. He and Mom were able to take many camping trips and loved the road trips to the west coast and Canada. Fish Lake was a favorite destination.

In 1971, they were sealed in the Salt Lake Temple as an eternal family. Dad served faithfully in many callings in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and held the office of High Priest.

When Mom died in 2013, Dad was devastated. They had been married nearly 67 years. Even though he missed her dearly, he found the courage to keep going. He moved into the Central Utah Veterans Home in Payson in 2017 after having surgical repair of both hips. The care he received was outstanding and they became his second family. He formed many friendships there and was well liked by staff and residents.

Surviving are his two sons, Earl (Ruth Ann) and Michael (Jane), 6 grandchildren, 13 great grandchildren and 5 great-great grandchildren. His sister-in-law, Ramona Tervort and Janet’s brother and wife, Jim and Joanne Ward also will miss him, along with several nieces and nephews.

There will be a one-hour public viewing at the Sundberg-Olpin Mortuary at 495 South State Street in Orem from 9:30 to 10:45 am. Graveside services will be held at the Mt. Timpanogos Memorial Gardens Cemetery at 400 East 1000 North in Orem, Utah at 11:30 on Friday, December 8, 2023. Full military honors provided by the American Legion.

A huge thank you to the Central Utah Veterans Home in Payson and Bristol Hospice for their outstanding care of Dad. You are our “Angels”.

Condolences may be expressed to the family on this page.