David Degener

Dr. David Fenton Degener (75) passed away peacefully on June 17, 2025 after extensive health challenges. He was the second child born to William Fenton Degener and Dorothy Marie McCall in Yuma, Colorado. He was raised on a dry wheat farm and learned the value of hard work. At an early age, he knew he did not want to be a farmer and was constantly caught with his nose in a book. He was an all-around athlete playing football and basketball in high school. He also enjoyed theater and was in several school plays. After a year at a local college, he transferred to Brigham Young University to study medicine.
David met Kathryn Ann Stark while attending BYU. The two were married on August 24, 1973 in Salt Lake City, Utah. The couple spent their early years of marriage dealing with the pressures of medical school in Colorado, medical residency training in Texas, all while having three little girls. David chose to be a pathologist and moved to Grand Junction, Colorado to work at St. Mary's Hospital in the early 80's. While in Grand Junction, Colorado the couple welcomed two sons into the family.
In Grand Junction, Colorado, David was called as a bishop of the Grand Junction 1st Ward of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. He dedicated many hours in the service of his family and his church.
In 1991, the Degener family moved to Kaysville, Utah to be closer to Kathy's aging parents. David was a part of the Associates of Pathology at what was then called St. Ben's hospital. The hospital changed its name to Ogden Regional Medical Center in 1994. While in Utah, David also specialized in Cytotechnology.
David cherished his membership in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints and held many callings. He served as a temple worker in the Bountiful, Utah Temple and as a Family History missionary with his wife.
In the early 2000's, David was diagnosed with Myelogenous Leukemia (CML). His battle against cancer was complicated with heart issues and later with dementia.
David was a bit ADHD and used his energy in getting a lot accomplished. Although, he never wanted to be a farmer he was an amazing gardener. Which lead to canning and freeze drying lots of food. When he was not working in the yard, he was busy doing family history. David had an artistic side and enjoyed a variety artistic pursuits including needle work, pour painting, and singing in the Davis Master Choral. David was generous with his time and his money. He loved giving gifts and was full of surprises.
He is survived by his sister, Beverly Coram (Dwyane) of Montrose, Colorado; his wife, Kathy; his three daughters, Tara, Kirra Seeley (Matt), Rachel Hales (Brad); two sons, Daniel Fenton (Heidi), Michael John, (Audry); and his 17 grandchildren.
A viewing will be held Friday, June 20 from 6 to 8 p.m. at Myers Mortuary, 250 North Fairfield Road, Layton, Utah 84041 and on Saturday June 21 from 10 to 10:45 a.m. at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints chapel at 270 W Burton Lane, Kaysville, Utah 84037. Funeral services will be held on Saturday, June 21 from 11 to 12 p.m. at the Burton Lane Chapel with interment in the Kaysville Cemetery to follow.
At the request of the family, services will not be live streamed.