F. Dennis Farnsworth

Franklin Dennis Farnsworth Jr., brother, son, husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, educator, retired military service member, servant of the Lord, and humanitarian, passed away on February 5, 2025, in the embrace of his family – of age-related illness. 

Dennis was born to Franklin Dennis and Buelah Jessup Farnsworth on July 17, 1941, in Caliente, Nevada. His parents lived in several towns in southern Utah until eventually settling in Adamsville, Utah. His siblings include Rosalind, Jennene, Michael, John, David, Mary, Joseph, and Douglas. Dennis maintained excellent relationships with his parents and siblings. 

Dennis attended primary and middle schools in Beaver, UT, eventually graduating from Beaver High School in 1959. He served a two-and-a-half-year mission for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Taiwan. He was a faithful member of the LDS church and served with faith and dedication in many callings. He loved the Lord with all his heart and served him by serving others.

Dennis was drafted into the U.S. Army in 1966 for the Vietnam conflict and spent time overseas in the Republic of Korea from 1966 to 1967 as part of the US forces’ occupation. He spent 35 ½ years in uniform as a draftee and reservist, retiring from the army in 2001 as a Chief Warrant Officer Four. Dennis served with distinction and was well decorated, receiving many commendations and awards during his military service. Dennis co-authored numerous technical papers within the Defense Intelligence Agency and Special Operations Command. 

Dennis attended BYU, graduating with a Bachelor of Arts in Asian Studies in 1966, a Master of Arts in Public (International) Administration in 1969, and a Master of Philosophy in Educational Leadership and Policy from the University of Utah in 2005. He had an unrivaled thirst and enthusiasm for learning. 

Dennis met the love of his life and married Viola West on March 31, 1972, in the Salt Lake City Temple. Viola appreciated Dennis for his sincere kindness and gentleness, and Dennis appreciated Viola’s many talents and for her force of will. Together, they climbed many mountains and raised a loving and supportive family; their children were grateful for the stable and caring environment of the family home. 

Dennis was contentedly employed at Utah Valley University for 47 years, serving in many capacities during the institution’s growth, iterations, and name changes. Most notable among his accomplishments were the founding of the Honors Program, founding of the Chinese language program, Lifetime Service Award Recipient UVSC Faculty Senate, 2007, Lifetime Achievement Award recipient, UVSC, 2006, Sorensen Award recipient, 1991. Dennis enhanced incalculable lives and dedicated his career to teaching and improving the lives and opportunities of his students. Former students frequently remarked that they loved his course and were stunned by his adeptness at recalling their full name, semester, course year, etc. Teaching was his purpose, love, vocation, and calling on this earth. 

Dennis co-founded a family-centric organization on behalf of his posterity and served as Headmaster from 2011 until the day of his passing. He provided vital strength and guidance to his family through optimism, support, and leadership. 

Dennis met Diana Thalmann and then they were married in 2015. They created many loving memories in the remaining decade of his life and spent most hours together until his passing. 

Dennis is preceded in death by his son Nathaniel West Farnsworth (34) and spouse Viola West Farnsworth (68). Dennis is survived by his spouse, Diana Farnsworth, son Lance Lee, son James Aaron, daughter Victoria Rose, and son Wayne McHenry. 

Dennis will be missed by all who knew him. He will be long remembered for his charity and unyielding defense of humanity. 

Funeral Services will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, February 15, 2025, at Wheeler & Sundberg-Olpin Funeral Home, 495 South State Street, Orem, Utah. Viewings for family and friends will be held from 6-8 p.m. on Thursday, February 13 at Wheeler & Sundberg-Olpin Funeral Home, 495 South State Street, and from 9:30-10:30 a.m. on Saturday, February 15, 2025, at the mortuary before the services. Burial will be in the Timpanogos Memorial Gardens. 

Condolences may be expressed to the family on this page.

For those unable to attend in person, you may view the services HERE