Darrell Simonsen

Darrell Wayne Simonsen, 62, passed away on Thursday, May 18, 2023, of heart failure after a valiant six-month fight against the rare protein disease Amyloidosis. He was born February 10, 1961, in Provo, Utah to John M. Simonsen and Loura Rae Sorensen Simonsen. He honorably served a mission for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints from 1979-1981 in the Philadelphia, Pennsylvania Mission, Spanish speaking. He married his best friend and eternal companion Nancy Osborn in the Salt Lake City Temple on June 24, 1983.

First and foremost, Darrell loved his wife and his family. He often worked long hours to ensure their needs were met, but always found time to be with them. As a youth he earned his Eagle Scout award and as a father of four sons, he spent years serving in the Boy Scouts of America to be with them in their activities. His favorite calling of Scoutmaster allowed him to interact with his boys and their friends, making an impact on countless young men. He was awarded the Silver Beaver and received his Vigil Honors in the Order of the Arrow.

Darrell was raised in a household of engineers and worked as a design engineer at Caldera Engineering for nearly 20 years. He was passionate about his work and truly enjoyed collaborating with his colleagues. Classic rock was the soundtrack of his life. Whether in the car, tinkering in the garage, mowing the lawn, or any other activity, he was listening to his favorite rock songs. One of his favorite games was to name the title, artist, and album of any given song on the radio and would challenge others to play along. He always seemed to win.

Nancy was the love of his life and his best friend. He frequently sacrificed his own goals and desires to allow her to achieve her dreams. They pedaled thousands of miles together on their many cycling adventures throughout the country. Together they experienced 40 years of happiness and heartache, but most of all, love. Darrell had a strong testimony of the Gospel of Jesus Christ with a faith that allowed him to go forward despite life’s challenges and disappointments. He loved the Lord and understood how the Savior’s atoning sacrifice would give him the opportunity to return to his Father’s presence, become perfected, and be united with his family eternally.

Darrell is survived by his wife Nancy and three sons: Marc (Heidi) Simonsen of Benjamin, Utah, Geoffrey (Jessie) Simonsen of Springville, Utah, and Kyle (Lauren) Simonsen of Temple, Texas. He is also survived by daughter-in-law Lexi Simonsen of Salem, Oregon, 13 grandchildren and siblings Larry, Annette, James, and Reid and their spouses. He was preceded in death by his parents, John and Rae Simonsen, and his youngest son, SSG Jared Simonsen.

The family would like to thank Dr. Brandon Tullis who diagnosed his disease and his amyloidosis team at the Huntsman Cancer Institute. They are especially grateful to Dr. Amandeep Godara (hematology/oncology), Dr. Spencer Carter (cardiology) and Lynnette (amyloidosis team nurse) for their tireless efforts in treating Darrell’s disease and cheering him on throughout his battle.

Funeral services will be held Wednesday, May 24, 2023, at 11:00 am in the Hobble Creek West Stake Center located at 555 South Averett Ave (600 East), Springville, Utah. A viewing for friends and family will be held Tuesday evening from 6 to 8 pm at Wheeler Mortuary located at 211 East 200 South in Springville and on Wednesday prior to the service from 9:30 to 10:30 am at the chapel. Burial will be at the Springville Evergreen Cemetery.

Condolences for the family may be expressed on this page.