Mark Lewis Leifson's Obituary
Mark Lewis Leifson peacefully returned to his heavenly home on Sunday, June 28, 2026, in Spanish Fork, Utah at the age of 87. He was born on January 8, 1939, in Spanish Fork, Utah, to Juren Victor Leifson and Mary Amelia Bradford Leifson. Mark lived a life of love, honor, and integrity, which he generously exemplified in his relationships with his family and devotion to his country.
First Sergeant Mark Leifson of the National Guard Headquarters Unit of the Utah Army National Guard, actively served during the Persian Gulf War as a member of the United States Army (Retired). He courageously served his country for 21 years and was often found paying his respects by preparing military burial plots and attending funerals of other veterans. He was an active member of The American Legion, Post 68 in Spanish Fork, Utah, serving as Chaplain and member of the honor guard.
A man of many talents and interests, Mark studied at Brigham Young Academy and later followed in his father’s footsteps, becoming a master carpenter and specializing in oak handrails. With this talent, he built many homes, including the home where he and his wife, Freda, raised their five children. Mark was a deep-rooted resident of Spanish Fork, Utah, and he was proud of his Icelandic heritage.
Mark was a lifelong member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, serving faithfully in many callings including ward clerk and bishopric counselor. He married Freda Kaye Healey on November 2, 1962, in the Manti Utah Temple. He was a dedicated minister, providing quiet service without need for recognition and never hesitating to help others. Mark served a mission in Finland from March 1959 to October 1961, where he grew to love the people and the country. He later returned for the dedication of the Finland Temple and often shared his tender feelings about that experience. He also served a mission with Freda at the Missionary Training Center in Provo, Utah. Together, they taught, blessed, and provided service for many young men and women.
As a father, grandfather, and great-grandfather, Mark understood the value of family time. He always remembered and celebrated every birthday, anniversary, or other important life event, often with personal phone calls. He enjoyed making - and receiving - New Year’s Eve calls at exactly midnight to extend love and blessings to those he cared about most.
Mark was a devoted fan and cheered for the BYU Cougars and Utah Jazz. He loved to garden, growing the best corn and tomatoes. He loved to be outside working in the yard, and he especially loved planting sunflowers for Freda. He loved fishing with his brothers, as well as deer hunting and camping with his sons, which was an annual tradition. Mark enjoyed snow skiing and water skiing. He also enjoyed spending Friday evenings playing cards and traveling with their forever friends, the Huffs and the Millers. Mark never felt that a visit with someone was an inconvenience. He could find or make a friend anywhere. He loved playing chess, attending parades, and participating in Icelandic Day celebrations. Mark was a caring, dedicated, and reliable friend who left everyone - and everything - in better condition than he found them.
Mark is survived by his wife, Freda Kaye (Healey), and his children Sonya (Lenard) Berry, Spanish Fork, UT; Owen Leifson (Jessica Painter), Spanish Fork, UT; Ronda (Chris) Neilson, Santa Clara, UT; Ryan (Jennifer) Leifson, Atlanta, GA; and Shauna (Matt) Leavitt, Herndon, VA; as well as sister-in-law, Marilyn Leifson. He is also survived by 16 grandchildren and 18 great-grandchildren (with 2 on the way), all of whom he loves deeply.
He was preceded in death by his parents J. Victor and Mary; brothers Glen, Ted, Thor, Allen, and Jack Leifson; sisters Freda McKell, Luene Ludlow, Afton Rosenbaum, Elaine Pullman, and June Leifson. He was also preceded in death by brothers-in-law William E. McKell, Daniel H. Ludlow, Var B. Rosenbaum, and Dee Pullman; and sisters-in-law Ruth Nelson Leifson, Mary Lou Whiting Leifson, and Loyce Leifson; as well as several aunts, uncles, and cousins.
Friends and family are invited to pay their respects on Thursday, July 2, 2026, from 9:30-10:30 a.m.at the Spanish Fork 8th Ward meetinghouse (1006 East 200 South, Spanish Fork, Utah). Funeral services to follow at 11:00 a.m. at the same address. Interment in the Spanish Fork Cemetery (420 South 400 East, Spanish Fork, Utah). Services will also be broadcast via Zoom link:
https://zoom.us/j/96121580698?pwd=zL9S3JJllcn5xDDwtxVgUf7hiIwYew.1
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