Sander Leonard Larson

Sander Leonard Larson, dedicated husband, father, grandfather, and friend left this world on January 5, 2023 at the age of 87 surrounded by his loving family.

Sander was born on October 16, 1935 in Glendale, California. He was the only child of Norwegian immigrants, Lars Peter Larson and Hjordes Nelly Jonasen. Sander spent his youth in southern California where he was surrounded by wonderful friends who introduced him to The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and he was baptized at age 16. While attending Brigham Young University he met the love of his life, Merlyn Millburn.

His love for his Norwegian heritage grew even stronger as he was called to serve a mission to Norway for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Merlyn patiently waited, and two weeks after his return they were sealed for time and all eternity in the Salt Lake Temple on June 2, 1958. They were blessed with nearly 65 wonderful years together. It didn’t matter where they were, or what they were doing, as long as they were together. He built his life on the principles of faith and service. Through his example he taught his children to love the Lord, serve others, work hard, and live a life of integrity. His wife, posterity of nearly 100, and the gospel of Jesus Christ were his greatest joys.

Sander graduated from BYU with a degree in political science, and from the University of Utah with a master’s degree in educational administration. As an educator for 38 years, Sander spent the majority of his career at Ricks College in Rexburg, Idaho. He was an accomplished communicator and had a strong, recognizable voice that was affectionally known as “The Voice of the Vikings” as he announced the football and basketball games.

After joining the Church, Sander never looked back and spent the remainder of his life serving wherever called. In 1998 Sander and Merlyn were blessed to preside over the Washington, Seattle Mission. He had a deep love for the missionaries they were privileged to serve with. While serving as a sealer in the Bountiful, Utah Temple he was especially honored to seal many of his grandchildren.

Sander was a loyal friend, neighbor, and colleague. He was genuinely interested in others and looked for ways to bless their lives. As his mortal body tired, he valiantly pressed forward, but his spirit was never stronger. His legacy will live in our hearts forever.

Our deepest thanks to the nurses and staff at Farmington Bay/Davita Dialysis for their care and compassion during his many years of dialysis.

He is preceded in death by his parents, Lars and Hjordes Larson, and granddaughter Heather Larson. He is survived by his loving wife Merlyn, and children: Mark (Karen), Julie (Marlon Bates), Steve (Danet), Amy (Bruce Morrison), Jenny (Robert Rowley), 18 grandchildren, and 40 great-grandchildren.

The family will hold a viewing at Russon Brothers Mortuary located at: 1941 North Main Street, Farmington, Utah on Friday, January 13 from 6-8 PM. The funeral will be held on Saturday, January 14 at the Farmington Crossing Ward building located at: 980 North Shepard Church Drive, Farmington, Utah at 11:00 AM. A viewing will be held prior from 9:30-10:30 AM.   

For those wishing to attend virtually, the service will be streamed live at 11:00 AM on this obituary as well as the Russon Mortuary and Crematory Facebook Page using the following link: https://www.facebook.com/people/Russon-Mortuary-Crematory/100057447129518/.

In lieu of flowers, please donate to the general missionary fund of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.