Wayne King Stenquist

Wayne King Stenquist, devoted husband, beloved father and grandfather, and trusted friend passed away on Friday, August 7, 2026, at the age of 93. One of his greatest desires in life was to be remembered as a person of impeccable integrity. That desire became a defining characteristic of everything he did. Many evidences of God’s guiding hand were experienced in the final hours of his life as he was able to return to the peace of his own home and be surrounded by the love of his family.

Wayne was born on June 21, 1933, in Tremonton, Utah to Edwin Oscar and Mary King Stenquist. He was the middle child with three brothers and three sisters. His life was one of service to God, country, family, and his fellowmen.

Wayne grew up working on the farm with his family where he developed a strong work ethic that continued throughout his life. Oh, how he respected and admired his parents. Moments of relaxation found him reading and building model airplanes. The completed planes were then hung from the ceiling of the attic bedroom. He had a true love of airplanes.

He met Lavon George at a church dance and finally got the courage to ask this dark-haired beauty on a date. For him it was love at first sight. They were sealed for time and all eternity in the Logan Temple on July 20, 1953. To this union were born four children: Debra, Michael, Ron, and Wade. They also opened their home to Debbie Willetto and Robert Vigil. After 68 years of marriage, they were separated for four years following Lavon’s death in 2022. He missed her every day. During that time, Wayne wrote her a love letter each day describing the day’s events. She continues to be the joy of his life.

Wayne loved music and had a beautiful, deep bass voice. He was proud of being able to hit a low C. He enjoyed many choice friendships and experiences because of that music. In high school, the coach told him to choose between sports and music—he chose music and never regretted it. He sang with the Bear River High School acapella choir, the Towne Singers, and the Imperial Glee Club. He also shared his musical gift with his family and friends.

Shortly after their marriage, Wayne joined the Air Force. His enlistment was for four years beginning in March of 1954. They were stationed in Wichita Falls, Texas where he was an airplane mechanic and instructor. He and Lavon learned to depend on one another and the friends they made there. He was also called to serve a two-year stake mission in Texas. His service involved time in Newfoundland where he worked on Arthur Godfrey’s plane.

Upon completion of his military service, Wayne and Lavon moved to Logan, Utah where Wayne worked construction and attended Utah State University. He majored in Industrial Arts Education, graduating with a BS in 1962 and an MS in 1971.

He taught at Bear River Junior High for 28 years. He said that teaching in the public school system was a very satisfying vocation. His “shop” was neat and clean, and many beautiful woodworking projects were completed under his watchful eye. In addition to teaching, he also worked as the custodian of the Logan 15th ward building, which he had helped build. He loved this building and took great care to keep the church immaculate inside and out.

His woodworking skills and cabinetry work have blessed his family as he made bedroom furniture, desks, cedar chests for granddaughters, and many other projects. His home and yard were always neat and clean. Wayne and Lavon had a vegetable garden and a flowerbed of “Little Purple Pansies.”

Wayne and Lavon served in the Washington DC South mission, working closely with the mission president in the office. They loved serving there and also experiencing the rich history of our country.

Temple service became the major focus of Wayne and Lavon’s lives upon return from their mission in 1995. They served many years as officiators and then came the crowning blessing as Wayne was called to be a sealer and was set apart by Russell M. Nelson. One of the greatest joys in his life was being able to seal many of his grandchildren. They served for over 23 years in the Logan Temple. Many dear friendships were made and lives touched through their love for temple service and family history.

Wayne cherished his membership in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. He wanted to be remembered for his testimony of the gospel of Jesus Christ, and as one who daily strove to keep and obey all the commandments. His life was indeed one of impeccable integrity, and his life will stand as a shining example to his posterity. We will cherish the legacy of his love.

Wayne is survived by his children: Debra (Robert) Balling, Michael (Jennifer) Stenquist, Ron (Julie) Stenquist, Wade (Brenda) Stenquist, and Debbie Willetto. He is also survived by 32 grandchildren; 53 great grandchildren; his sister, Ileen Turner; sisters-in-law: Pam George, DeAun Johnson, LaRee Bodily; and brothers-in-law: Douglas and Lloyd George. He was looking forward to his first great-great granddaughter who will be born in November.

Wayne was preceded in death by his parents; his dear, eternal companion, Lavon; his three brothers, David, Karl, and Bruce who died tragic deaths in the prime of life and whom he longed to be reunited with; two sisters: Darlene and Marilyn; daughter-in-law: Jill Stenquist; granddaughter: Aleesha Stenquist; great-grandson: Samuel Weber; brother-in-law: Shelton George; and sister-in-law Arlynn Checketts.

A viewing will take place at the Nelson Funeral Home, 162 East 400 North, Logan, Utah on Wednesday, August 12, 2026, from 6-8 pm. Funeral services will be held at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints church house, 125 West 600 North, Logan, Utah on Thursday, August 13, 2026, at 11 am. There will be a viewing from 9:30-10:30 am prior to the funeral. Services will be available via Zoom at nelsonfuneralhome.com. Interment will be in the Logan City Cemetery.