Donald Elwell

Donald J. Elwell, also lovingly known as “Don, Jean or Opa” peacefully passed on July 6, 2018 with his sweetheart by his side. A beloved husband, father, grandfather, brother, uncle and friend to all, he will be greatly missed. He was born in Danville, Illinois on June 4, 1931 to Oscar and Marie Elwell.
Don served as a Senior Crypto Operator in the US Air Force 1951-55 where he learned computer programming and served in Germany in military intelligence. It was while stationed in Berlin that he met the love of his life, Ruth, and they continued their romance by mail after he returned stateside in 1955. On October 14, 1956, Don and Ruth were married at the Olivet Presbyterian Church in Danville Illinois. Together, they embarked on a wonderful loving marriage of 62 years. They raised their four sons in California, Virginia and Utah and had many adventures along the way. He had a wonderful sense of humor, loved playing board games, cards, and the dice game, Mucha (of which he was often the proud winner). He also was a Boy Scout growing up and served as a Boy Scout Leader including Scout Master for his four sons and many other boys. Don enjoyed sports and was a very good bowler with over 180 average and bowled for many years with Ruth and taught his sons and their children about the finer points of bowling. He promoted education with his children and grandchildren and was able to see all of his sons and some of his grandchildren graduate from college. This also resulted in Don becoming a huge University of Utah fan. He attended many Utah football and basketball games over the years including several annual trips to Las Vegas to watch basketball tournament games. He enjoyed watching sports on TV, especially anything with the University of Utah and he really liked almost anything with the color red.
Don is survived by his wife Ruth, their sons David (Cindy), Bryon (Allie), Leon (Katie), and Casey; nine grandchildren, Kendyl, Brandon, Parker, Carter, Bryon Jr. (Lisa), Jordyn, Jeremiah, Cassidy, and Riley; one great grandchild on the way; sister-in-law’s Karin Kruger (Joachim), Anneliese Hohenwald, and Janice Elwell; and many nieces, and nephews. He is preceded in death by his father Oscar, mother Marie, and brother Richard.
Special thanks to Annette and Natalie who contributed to Don’s compassionate care. Don was a gentle and humble soul. He was a loving family man, proud father and grandfather, and a man God has welcomed home with open arms.
“For everything there is a season, and a time for every purpose under heaven.” Ecclesiastes 3:1
Friends and family are welcome to join a celebration of life service on July 15, at 2 p.m. at the Mountain Vista United Methodist Church, 8931 South 3200 West, West Jordan, Utah. Graveside service, with military honors following the celebration of life will be held at the Memorial Redwood Cemetery at 6500 South Redwood Road, West Jordan.
Service Information

Funeral Service
July 15, 2018 at 2:00 PM
Mountain Vista United Methodist Church, 8931 S 3200 West, West Jordan, Utah 84088