Neldon L. Sitterud passed away peacefully on Thursday, September 21, 2023 surrounded by loving family.
Neldon celebrated his 97th birthday on August 8, 2023 by being with most of his family at his beloved Joe’s Valley property; fondly called, Lola’s Place.
Neldon was born on the 8th month, 8th day, and the 8th child of 16, to Jesse and Edna Stilson Sitterud. He was born in Orangeville, Utah and lived his entire life in the town that he loved.
In his childhood he had an old silver bike that he rode to the mill dam swimming hole. He enjoyed swimming, fishing, camping, and his dog named Strip. His dog would wait for him patiently until he came out of the schoolhouse each day. He attended elementary school in Orangeville. He was enrolled at Central High School in Castle Dale where he was active in sports and started for the high school basketball team. The school was closed during his junior year so instead of transferring he went to work with his dad at the coal mine in Straight Canyon. He would work odd jobs and loaded coal. He spent much of his teen years working at the mines with his father.
Later in his life following a long life of mining experience he worked with Peabody Coal Company to open the Deer Creek and the Wilberg Coal Mines. He served in many leadership and supervisory positions through a long career and was respected by those that worked with and for him.
Following the Wilberg Mine Fire in 1984, he was placed in charge of the rescue and recovery operations. He received a standing ovation during a program honoring those that worked so hard during this difficult time. He was later named as supervisor of safety for the coal mines until his retirement.
In August 1944, he enlisted in the United States Navy and attended basic training in San Diego, California. He was a sleepwalker and was worried that he may walk off the ship. But he served faithfully on the USS Harmon and the USS Alexander H. Luke which accompanied Navel Destroyers. He was Honorably Discharged in August 1947 as a Watertender First Class.
Upon returning from his military service, he was introduced to Lola Anderson by a mutual friend. It did not take long for a love to develop. They were married on December 20, 1947 and later sealed in the Manti LDS Temple on June 11, 1951. He was a faithful member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and he and his wife served as missionaries at the Bishop’s Storehouse for several years.
They were blessed with five children; 32 grandchildren; 75 great-grandchildren; and one great-great-grandchild. He loved each of them and considered them his greatest treasure.
Survived by sons, Kirk (Karen) Sitterud and Gary (Susan) Sitterud; daughters, Debra (Rick) Larsen and Lesa (Wade) Gordon; daughter-in-law, Cathy Sitterud Beardall; and siblings, Phyllis, Mac, Sue, Connie, and Colleen.
Preceded in death by his parents; wife, Lola; son, Randy; grandson, Joey Sitterud; great-granddaughter, Aspen Lola Warnick; three brothers; and seven sisters.
Neldon will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved him. His legacy of hard work, selflessness, and love for family will continue to inspire us all.
Funeral service, Saturday, September 30, 2023, 11:00 a.m., Orangeville Ward Chapel (45 West 100 South) in Orangeville. The family will receive friends Friday evening from 6:00 – 8:00 p.m. and again on Saturday morning from 9:00 – 10:30 a.m. prior to the service at the church in Orangeville. Burial will follow in the Orangeville City Cemetery. Arrangements entrusted to Mitchell Funeral Home of Price and Huntington where friends are always welcome daily and may share memories of Neldon online at www.mitchellfuneralhome.net
LIVESTREAMING OF NELDON’S FUNERAL SERVICE MAY BE FOUND BY GOING TO MITCHELL FUNERAL HOME’S WEBSITE: www.mitchellfuneralhome.net UNDERNEATH NELDON’S OBITUARY PAGE 15 MINUTES PRIOR TO THE SERVICE ON SATURDAY.