Mark Eskelson Obituary (2008) - The Salt Lake Tribune

Mark Kekane Eskelson

Mark Kekane Eskelson 1945 ~ 2008 Mark Kekane Eskelson passed away on January 4, 2008 in his home. He died from complications due to congestive heart failure. He was born on May 23, 1945 to Mary Marcella Nielsen and Randal Eskelson. He graduated from West High School and the University of Utah. He served as a missionary in Japan and upon returning married Jill Jacobs on May 8, 1969 in the Salt Lake Temple. They were blessed with eight wonderful children: Ember (Ken) Storrs, Adam (Jamie) Eskelson, Miriam (Forrest) Pritchett, Mary (Travis) Ehrhart, Erin (Chris) Jepsen, Cynthia (Burke) Gull, Dan (Rachel) Eskelson, Valerie (Mark) Gardner and 23 grandchildren. He dedicated his life to his family and they were his pride and joy. He was preceded in death by his parents, younger brother Gary and two grandchildren. He was my sweetheart. Services will be held on Wednesday January 9, 2008. The family will be receiving guests from 10:00-11:30 a.m. followed by the funeral at 12 Noon at the Hunter 20th Ward Chapel located at 7035 W Lochness Ave (3605 S) in West Valley City.

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Published in The Salt Lake Tribune from Jan. 6 to Jan. 7, 2008.

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November 28, 2020

January 11, 2008

We were unable to attend the service, but please know that does not mean we didn't think of Mark often. We care for all of you very much and our hearts hurt for you. You are all in my thoughts and prayers, God Bless you.

Love,

Tiffany and Pauly

Tiffany Eskelson-Maestas

January 10, 2008

Dear Jill

This is the note from my brother Derek (Mark's Cousin) in Italy.

Dear Max and family:

I am really sad to hear this. Unfortunately, I just know very little about Mark, just the few things my father (Max) said: that he was a strong, righteous man, who cared for his family. It's sad to loose a man like him at such a young age! I am very sad.

Derek Lee Eskelson

Derek Lee Eskelson

January 10, 2008

Dear Eskelson Family,
I am deeply sorry for your loss. You are in my thoughts and prayers. I have such fond memories of growing up in the 20th ward and of your family. Joy and laughter always could be found while in your company.
Love to you Jill and your family.

Amy Pearce Gordon

January 9, 2008

Dear Jill and family,

I knew Mark for just a few short months, but in that time, I came to appreciate what a wonderful man he was, and what an amazing family you have. He and I grew to be really good friends, and had many memorable conversations during my nursing visits. Thank you all for making me feel so welcome in your home, and a part of your family.

I was so touched today at his funeral, and am so thankful I could come. My thoughts and prayers are with each of you, and my heart goes out to you during this difficult time. I will miss Mark very much also. In 21 years as a nurse, I have to say that he was one of my most favorite and very special patients, and I will never forget him. Much love to you all.

Carolyn Montgomery, R.N.

January 9, 2008

To the Eskelson family: I am sorry to hear of Mark's passing. I have been thinking of him these past few days, with so many good memories. He was my first companion in Japan, September 1965, Tokyo Central Branch. I'll forever be thankful that I was assigned as his greenie. I most remember his kind respect for me, and also later when he contacted me within this last year by email. He was always thoughtful and uplifting!

Paul Day

January 9, 2008

To the Eskelson family our sincere condolences at this time of sorrow. We have appreciated the contact we have had with Mark and the rest of your family. We have appreciated the great example of family unity you have shown. the David L and Arda A Pritchett family.

Arda Pritchett

January 9, 2008

Miriam and Family,
I just wanted you to know, I am so, so very sorry about your loss. Know you are in my thoughts and prayers. If you ever need anything, please let me know.
Sincerely,
Kim Campbell

Kim Campbell

January 8, 2008

I have heard so many wonderful things about "Miriam's dad". I was glad I was able to meet him and even spend a little time with him in Bear Lake, his favorite place. Miriam, I love you and your family. I pray that you will all be filled with peace and comfort as you learn to carry on here without a family member you love so dearly. My thoughts and prayers are with you.

Sarah Wrigley

January 8, 2008

Jill and everyone in the family you know how much I love all of you and I am glad that family goes on and on. Thank you Jill (& Mark)for helping me so much and being so supportive when I was growing up. It was wonderful to have you two as an example. I pray we'll be alright. I know that we will. Still can't wait for BL, and being together. It's wonderful to read this from so many from all over. Mark really influenced a lot of people. I Love Him..........

Barbara (Eskelson) Tew

January 8, 2008

Dear Jill and family,
Darrell and I are so very sorry. There are no words anybody can say that can offer the comfort we so badly need at a time like this, but please know you and your family are in our thoughts and prayers. I am sure Mark has been very busy these past few days, meeting up with those he loved who went before him. I hope he will have the opportunity to give our Chelsea the message. You are all in our thoughts and prayers.

Darrell and Yvonne Eskelson

Darrell and Yvonne Eskelson

January 8, 2008

Adam, Jamie & Kids, I was saddened to hear of your Dad's passing. I enjoyed talking with him when he was over working in your yard. May your hearts soon be filled with wonderful memories of joyful times together as you celebrate a life well-lived.

Jerilynn Miyatake

January 8, 2008

Dear Jill and Family,
I especially was grateful to Mark for staying in contact with us, his extended family, through news on the email and the beautiful Christmas cards he sent each year. It was evident how strongly he felt about family and was so proud of his own. I too appreciated him coming to our mother Rachel's 80th birtday party.
Now you have a new Rachel Eskelson
in your family. I have been amazed at Ember's wonderful success in our State and often tell others of her and ask if they know her. I also enjoyed meeting your other daughter at Jackson Hole "goin down the river" I am sad for your loss and please know that my thoughts are with you all at this time.

Monique Eskelson Mosley

January 8, 2008

The Eskelson Clan

I am saddened to hear the news of my favorite uncle's passing. Even more so that I was unable to attend the funeral. (you know how us out-of-towners are)Mark was always in my prayers and in my heart. I will always miss his smile and hearty laugh! I love all of you very much! I can't wait to be with you again this summer at his most beloved place!
Love,
Jana

Jana Tew

January 8, 2008

We love you all so much. I am greatful for the gospel and the knowledge we have that Grandma and Grandpa and Gary and Mark are all together. We miss you all. Our prayers are with you and our WHOLE family.

Tim and Abby Reed Family

January 8, 2008

Jill and family,
We are so saddened about Mark's death. All the "children" who grew up with Mark in Capitol Hill 2nd send our condolences to the whole family. Stan Olsen ,Ann Behunin Denninghoff,Mike Fairclough,Elena Christensen Yeates,Dan Christensen, Joan and Jim Hunt, Devon Toone,Tom Larsen.

Elena Yeates

January 8, 2008

Dear Jill and family,
We are so very sorry for your loss. Even though we moved out of the neighborhood a while ago, I still think about you and your family and how much you all meant to us. You have an exceptional family and I know how much you loved Mark. You were both an example of what a family should be. May God bless your family during this time. Take care.

Sharon Smith

January 8, 2008

Playing volleyball and any other sport at Bear Lake will not be the same without the cheering section! I am very greatful that we are as close a family as we are! I love all of you!

Natalie Stringham

January 8, 2008

Adam, Jamie and the entire Eskelson family,
Please know our thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time. We know his absence is greatly felt, but take comfort in knowing he is healthy and well again and he will always be with you in spirit until you can be reunited.

Heather & Matt Donbrosky

January 8, 2008

Dear Jill and family, Our hearts and prayers go out to you and your family. You have all been an inspiration to us over the years. Our deepest sympathy and may your homes be filled with peace and comfort to help you through this. Your dad was a great man and he will be missed by many.
Love Marsha and Cary Ash

Marsha Ash

January 8, 2008

Dear Jill

I am sending thoughts and prayers from our family in Italy. My father Max had a family there. Derk Lee and Sabrina send their thoughts, along with the thoughts of their mom, Elvy.

If it was not for Mark, I would have lost almost all contact with the Eskelson clan. Let us stay in touch.

Max Eskelson

Max Eskelson

January 8, 2008

I was very saddened to hear of your loss and would like you to know that your family is in my prayers.
May our Lord comfort you at this difficult time.
Sincerely,
Bobbi Swensen

Barbara Swensen

January 8, 2008

I feel very fortunate to have known Mark most of my life and his wonderful family. I smile even now from all the many great memories Mark provided at Bear Lake(the annual clean-up bonfire on the lower meadow is just one highlight) -- It is difficult to put into words how much Mark will be missed.

Uncle John Anderson

January 8, 2008

Mark was my 2nd cousin through his grandmother's family (the Danielsen's). Rest In Peace.

Ryan Curtis

January 7, 2008

We were very sorry to hear about Mark's passing. He was always so friendly and welcoming, and it was a pleasure to know him, even though it was somewhat infrequently, over the years. The love, pride, joy, and sense of fun that the whole family brought to him was always very clear. You are all in our thoughts.

Gary and Jessica Storrs

January 7, 2008

Dear Jill and Family,
Our family wants you to know our prayers and thoughts are with you at this time and throughout the days ahead. We admire the courage and strength that Mark showed to all of us through his illness. Jill, we have such admiration and respect for the love and devotion you have given to your husband. What a example you both have been for us.
God Bless you all.
Love,
Valden and Karen Carlile

k carlile

January 7, 2008

Mirim Prichett & Family,
I am so sorry for the loss of your father. The pain you feel truely shows the love you have for your father and the good he did in your life. Your family are some of the kindest and most talanted people I have ever met. I didn't need to meet your father to know the great man he was. His reputation is lived by you and will continue on.
Love, Bishop Briggs

Bishop Briggs

January 7, 2008

I have had the privilege of knowing Mark Eskelson and his family for some years now..even if only as a 'pen pal'..
The mutual love and respect between Mark, Jill and all their children that I have witnessed will always stay with me and my family.
Mark's impression on the world will never die. It will live on for many generations of Eskelson's to come. And that is a wonderful life.

Mary Burns

January 7, 2008

I served in the Northern Far East Mission from Nov. 1965 until Nov. 1967. Please accept my sympathy. I will pray for your family.

Sincerely,
Elder Shimai

Kathy Nielsen

January 7, 2008

I am so lucky to have known Mark. Him and his family have been such a huge part of my life, and I love all you guys so much!

Shannon Rowland

January 7, 2008

I am so sorry for your loss. My prayers are with you and your family.

Mary (Locke) Mecham

January 7, 2008

Dear Jill and family,
So sorry to read of Marks passing.
I'll always remember the kindness of you and Mark the first summer we met up Fish Lake Canyon, all of the Eskelson clan on one of their rides. You invited me stay for dinner, a total stranger and made me feel like part of the family as did all of the Eskelsons! So many fun memories.
My thoughts and prayers are with you.
Love, BearLake Cheryl

Cheryl Rasmussen

January 7, 2008

We send our condolences to the whole Eskelson family.

We have missed you for the past few years, since we moved away. We remember the earnest and nice person that Mark was. He will be missed by many!

Jill, You always showed me great strength and I know you will be fine with time. Loralie Rigby

Loralie, Janell, and Doug Rigby

Loralie Rigby

January 7, 2008

Watching the Eskelson family as we were growing up has been a true blessing to our lives. Thank you for sharing your shining examples. Our thoughts and prayers go out to an AWESOME family.

DeAynne (Locke) Baker

January 7, 2008

I will never forget (and still have to this day) the CD you made for me of the pictures you took of Dan and I the night he was nice enough to come with me to my high school dance. The time and effort you put into editing out the braces I wore at the time, so that I had a pretty white and braces-free smile in them made me feel so special.
Although we only met on a few occasions; I remember always feeling at ease and relaxed in your presence no matter what the situation was, and I am sure you had that affect on everyone you came in contact with. You will be missed by so many.

Aubrey Bown

January 7, 2008

Jill and Family: My deepest sympathy. We had a good visit at Rachel's birthday. I know you will be happy to reunite with your loved ones gone before.
Carol Olsonoski - Scottsdale, AZ

Carol Olsonoski

January 7, 2008

Such a loss and so young. I will miss Cousin Mark beyond words. So many memories of "baby sitting" him, along with Cousin Gary, when I was young.

Love and prayers come from my family to yours, Jill. It is obvious you are blessed with a wonderful family, and I enjoyed very much Mark's stories about each and every one of you.

Love always,

Shirley (Stevens)

January 7, 2008

Ember, Cynthia and Family,
My heart goes out to you at this time and in the days ahead.

Rachel Garcia-Trujillo

January 7, 2008

You have a beautiful family. Our hearts and prayers are with you at this time.

Ray & Diane Fowler

January 7, 2008

I will always be greatful for all the things he taught me throughout my life and especially for the family he created!

Erin Jepsen

January 7, 2008

Dear Jill,
I remember you and Mark so well when you lived in the Cap. Hill Ward. I am so sorry to read of Mark's passing. He was just a young man. You are blessed to have a lovely family. May you be blessed in every way. You are so deserving!
Love and Sympathy,
Lois Morrell

Lois Morrell

January 6, 2008

the sweet memories that were created as our little families grew up together will go on in my heart. My love goes out to you, God bless your family now and always. peace to all, Candy Osgood Webster

Candy Osgood Webster

January 6, 2008

I was a missionary with Elder Eskelson in 1965-1967. Wonderful missionary!
I express my deep sorrow and sympathy to all family and friends who loved him dearly.
Elder Robert Charles Furniss
Mesa,Arizona
480-329-2986

Charles Furniss

January 6, 2008

Well, Bishop Eskelson. We sure do miss you already. You were a great support to me via the net. God Bless you from all 900+ missionaries of Japan, Okinawa & Korea. O-Yasumi nasai, Elder Summers 1956-1959

NFEM Webmaster Wayne Summers

January 6, 2008

My condolences from a former NFEM missionary 1966-1968.

Gary Porter

January 6, 2008

We are saddened by the death of Mark. We grieve with your family and with Cynthia and Burke. We express our love to all of you and especially to Jill at the loss of her sweetheart. We pray the Lord will bless you and that the Spirit may comfort you. If there is anything we can do for you - please let us know.

Cordale & Carolyn Gull

January 6, 2008

I was so sorry to hear of your loss. My heart goes out to the Eskelson family.

Jodi (Johnson) Rhodehouse

January 6, 2008

You did everything just right, Mom. I love you.

Ember Storrs

January 6, 2008

Some of my fondist childhood memories were family get togethers at Bear Lake with my cousin Mark. My last memory of him was his kindness at my Mother, Rachels funeral. We are all fortunate and blessed to have had him make an impression on our lives. I am sorry for your loss.

JuliAnn (Eskelson) Adams

January 6, 2008

Dear Jill and kids,
We loved Mark so much. There will be such a void in our life without him. Though we know we will see him again it isn't going to be the same in this life without him and our "Friday Night Group" will never be the same. We are grateful for his wisdom that he would share willingly. He had a way of getting to the core of issues and reminding you that the basics were still the most important things to spend your time and energy on- and family always came first. He wore his love in you guys like he did clothes (but never took those off!) I smile even now at the memories we'll always be privileged to share. Jill- My Steel Magnolia sister, you have my love and support, I admire you so much. Thanks for sharing your life with us. Love, Joni

Joni Bown

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