Kenneth Van Pyper, 79, finished a valiant battle with leukemia on September 28, 2025.
Born on November 27, 1945, in Heber City, Utah, Ken was the beloved son of Ray Van Pyper and Ruth North. He was raised in Midway and Charleston on a dairy farm. He was the sixth of seven children. He attended Midway Elementary and graduated from Wasatch High School. Following his education, he served a mission in the Central States Mission and is an Army veteran.
On June 12, 1970, Ken married the love of his life, Emily Sue Wright, in the Salt Lake Temple, beginning a journey filled with love and devotion. He had a profound love for his family and a deep faith in the Savior, which guided his life.
A hard-working and service-oriented individual, Ken dedicated 16 years to Wycoff Company as an air freight driver, followed by two years working for Sam Delis, then 24 years driving for Nicholas and Company. He was a faithful member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, where he served in many callings, most recently at the Family History Center and as the assistant ward clerk.
He cherished family outings, enjoyed going for drives, camping, and fishing. His passion for genealogy and gardening brought him great joy, and he had a special fondness for Dr. Pepper.
Ken is survived by his wife, Sue Pyper; siblings, Mel Pyper and Ruth Joyce (Joe) McGee; children, Allen Pyper, Lisa (Chris) Kraczek, Charlene (Brent) Burnett, Karla (Greg) Mortensen, Cindy (Justin) Carpenter; 12 grandchildren and one great-granddaughter.
He is preceded in death by his parents, Ray Van and Ruth Pyper; siblings, Delwin Ray (Diane) Pyper, Idonna (Gale) Dugmore, Alda (ElRoy) Stucki, Mary Luella Harvey; and sister-in-law, Starla Rice Pyper.
A special thanks to Becky Quinn, oncology nurse at Castle View Hospital, Dr. Brent Esplin, oncologist at Revere Health, and Dr. Shane Gagon, his primary care physician. They were all instrumental in helping him fight his battle with leukemia.
Ken will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved him.
Funeral service, Friday, October 3, 2025, 11:00 a.m., Wellington Stake Center (935 E Main St, Wellington, UT 84542). The family will receive friends Thursday evening, October 2, 2025, from 5:00-7:00 p.m. at Mitchell Funeral Home (233 East Main Street, Price, Utah 84501), and at the church one hour prior to the service. Interment, Wellington City Cemetery. Arrangements entrusted to Mitchell Funeral Home of Price and Huntington where friends are always welcome daily and may share memories of Ken online at www.mitchellfuneralhome.net.