Leendert P. Van Hulten

SP4 Leendert Peter Van Hulten US Army (Retired), age 87, passed away peacefully in the early hours of December 19, 2024. He followed his heart to join his wife, Mary Lynn, and so many others who were waiting to celebrate that reunion with him. While there is much sadness at the loss of our father, grandfather, great grandfather, friend, and neighbor; we all need to realize that the tears that are being shed are an expression of happiness and rejoice for him. Anyone that has spent time with Leen knew he was prepared and ready to forge ahead in this final part of his journey.

Leen was born to Gerardus J. and Arendina Geels Van Hulten in Rotterdam, Netherlands on January 10, 1937. In July of 1950, at the age of 13, he traveled from Holland to the United States with his parents and two siblings. After two weeks at sea, they arrived in New York and then traveled by bus for an additional three days to Utah. He always said that they arrived in Salt Lake City on July 24, 1950, to a huge parade being held in their honor. This celebration has continued every year since. 

Leen served in the United States Army and in the United States Army Reserves where he earned the rank of Specialist 4th Class. He received the Good Conduct Medal and was recently awarded the Utah Cold War Victory Medal. He worked as a police officer and tax preparer, along with many side jobs throughout his life. After retiring from The Little America Hotel as the head of security, he pursued his dream and deepest passion of being a full-time companion to his wife. 

Leen served in the Salt Lake City Regional Mission for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. He married his eternal sweetheart, Mary Lynn Williams, in the Salt Lake Temple on September 18, 1959. Throughout his life, he held many positions within the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and served at the Bountiful Temple for many years in every capacity he was able. He always preferred the temple Baptistry. He said he felt the spirit strongest during this time. 

Due to his long-held love of soccer, Leen helped to establish a community soccer program in Davis County. He revisited this love while volunteering with the Woods Cross Summer Recreation Program. He expressed love for his community by volunteering whenever he was able. Some of his volunteer services included serving as Chairperson for the Woods Cross Community of Promise, being on the advisory board for Davis County Senior Services and being a board member for Uniting Neighbors.  

A heartfelt thank you goes out to Leen's network of family, friends, neighbors, and adopted family. Many of you allowed him to take part in your family celebrations and he enjoyed supporting and promoting your activities as if they were his own. He lived through these interactions and loved you all. 

Leen was preceded in death by his parents, Gerardus Van Hulten Sr and Arendina Geels Van Hulten; his wife- Mary Lynn (Williams) Van Hulten; his brother- Gerardus Van Hulten; and his son- Leendert Peter Van Hulten II.

Leen is survived by his sister, Gonnie (Don) Buell, sister-in-law, Pearl Van Hulten, and Daughter-in-Law, Barbara Van Hulten; 3 of his children- Tony Van Hulten, Julie (Chris) Roseborough, and Nate (Kara) Van Hulten; his 12 grandchildren- Dina, Garek (Maykayla), Braden (Leh), Shay (Thomas), Coleton (Shayna), Cody, Stephanie (Justin), Candace (Braxton), Madyson, Gabbie, Bella, and Paige; and his 10 great grandchildren- Madden, Kash, Kylo, Elise, Yannis, Ellie, Easton, Sawyer, Evelynn, and Lyla. 

Family and friends may call Sunday evening, December 29, 2024, from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at Russon Mortuary located at 295 N. Main Street, Bountiful, Utah 84010 and on Monday, December 30, 2024, from 9:45 a.m. to 10:45 a.m. at the Woods Cross Stake Center located at 2064 S. 800 W., Woods Cross, UT 84087. 

Funeral services will be held on Monday, December 30, 2024, at 11:00 a.m. at the Woods Cross Stake Center, 2064 S. 800 W., Woods Cross, UT 84087. The interment and dedication of the grave will follow the services at Memorial Lakeview Cemetery, 1640 Lakeview Dr, Bountiful, UT 84010, Bountiful, UT 84010

Services will be streamed live on Russon Mortuary Live Facebook page and this obituary page.