Leslie Aaron Marstella

Leslie Aaron Marstella was called home to his loving Heavenly Father by angels while engaging in his cherished activities of tending to his yard, numerous trees, and plants. He departed from this earthly life on April 26, 2025, at the age of 65.

Les was born to John Leslie Marstella and Ora Lowe (Geddes) Marstella on December 27, 1959, in San Diego, California while his father, John was completing his enlistment at Miramar Naval Air Station, joining and older sister. The family would later welcome two additional brothers, completing their family. They lived in various locations in Utah and Idaho while his parents completed their education and John his enlistment service. Several career moves relocated them around the state of Utah, where they finally ended up in Roosevelt, Utah. Les graduated from Union High School in 1978 where he participated in theatre and school musicals, football, broadcasting as one of the original disc jockeys on the high school radio station KUHS, and represented his school in All-State Choir, and Boy’s State. Following graduation, he served a mission for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter- Day Saints, laboring in the England, Leeds Mission where he served in leadership roles and supported the mission president.

After completing his missionary service, Les enrolled at Brigham Young University then later transferred to University of Utah to help provide support to his mother. During this time, he was introduced to Keri Marx, whom he later asked to become his eternal companion. They were sealed in the Salt Lake Temple on January 9, 1984.

Les and Keri began their life together in Provo, Utah and he returned to Brigham Young University where he graduated with his bachelor’s degree in accounting. During their time in school, they were blessed with two children.

Upon graduating, the family moved to Yakima, Washington, where Les began his career in financial administration. They moved a few times while in Washington for career advancement, and were blessed with four more children, completing their family. They later moved to Colorado, then back to Utah. When they became empty nesters, Les accepted a new position in Madras, Oregon, moving him and Keri there in late 2019.

Les loved his family and loved nothing more than spending time with them. He enjoyed hiking, and climbed to the top of Mt. Snuffles in Colorado and Mt. Timpanogos in Utah on multiple occasions. Because of location, most of their family vacations were spent visiting extended family, but Les always incorporated places where memories could be had. Visits to the Grand Canyon, camping in Yellowstone, but most especially Lagoon and Disneyland. He embarked on several business trips with his children collectively and individually,

sometimes accompanying him. Some of these trips lead them to New Mexico, California, Crater Lake, Denver, and other destinations. He loved to travel taking other trips to Alaska, St. Thomas, Maine, and Canada sometimes alone on business, with Keri, or all the family. Other activities he enjoyed with his family and children included biking, swimming, playing Uno, Monopoly, and especially watching movies together.

Besides his family, his passions were his yard and gardening. He took great pride in all his berries and fruit trees. He enjoyed home improvement projects, building secret rooms for his kids and grandchildren to play in, but most especially, building shelves! He was also adept at fixing things; everyone knew if something was broken, take it to dad. Les was a devoted husband and father. Raising six children, there was always something to fix, which included helping heal broken hearts, listening to grievances, and mediating more than anyone should, both at home and in the workplace. He was a peacemaker. On numerous occasions many would remark, including co-workers, employees, neighbors, friends, and acquaintances, on how much they admired him and appreciated how he never swore, was continuously thoughtful using kindness in his interactions, and always guiding with great counsel and compassion. Les had a burning testimony of the Gospel of Jesus Christ and served in many leadership positions within the church. He was an exceptional teacher in all things, teaching gospel doctrines to Heavenly Father’s children and was an example to all those around him.

Les will be greatly missed. His unexpected departure will leave a void in his family’s hearts, but because of his love and lessons taught, we know we will be with him again and rejoice in this knowledge.

Les was preceded in death by his parents, John and Ora. He is survived by his wife, Keri of 41 years, and their six children: Amber (David) Rothamer, Clearfield, Utah; Aaron (Jessica) Marstella, Clearfield, Utah; Ashley (Colin) Powell, West Jordan, Utah; Andrew (Kenzie) Marstella, Salt Lake City, Utah; Amanda (Hayden) Clark, Logan, Utah; Ammon (Jill) Marstella, West Valley City, Utah; seven grandchildren – Christopher, Eliza, Liam, Emmett, Lydia, Owen, and Madison, with a new baby coming later this year. He is also survived by his siblings, Mary Lou Marstella, Layton, Utah; Hugh Marstella, Kaysville, Utah; Beau Marstella, Belfair, Washington; and numerous nieces, nephews, aunts, uncles, and cousins.

Funeral services will be held at the Fountain Green 2nd Ward on May 10, 2025, at 11:00 with a viewing from 9:30 – 10:30. The interment will be at the Fountain Green Cemetery, under the care of Rasmussen Mortuary following services. In lieu of flowers, please donate to The Arbor Day Foundation, or the National Park Services.

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