Lloyd Adolphus Mortensen

On May 3rd, 2026, just hours after celebrating his 93rd birthday surrounded by family and laughter, Lloyd A. Mortensen passed away in Cedar City, Utah. He was our beloved husband, father, grandfather, uncle, and friend. A man who lived fully, worked hard, and never lost his curiosity for what might be just over the next hill.

Lloyd was born on May 3rd, 1933, in Parowan, Utah, to John and Clara Mortensen. He was the fifth of seven children, and despite being one of the younger siblings, he was always a leader and a steady source of strength within the family.

Lloyd was raised in Parowan on the same property where he would later build his own home and live for more than 40 years. It was a place he loved deeply, filled with a lifetime of memories, but he was never one to stay still for too long. Even while rooted in one place, Lloyd carried a quiet sense of adventure, always willing to take the long way around or see where an unfamiliar road might lead.

From a young age, Lloyd was known for his strong work ethic and deep sense of responsibility to his family. As a boy, he worked as a sheepherder in the hills above Parowan, where he not only learned the value of hard work and perseverance, but also developed a comfort with wide- open spaces and the independence that came with them. He later left school after the eighth grade to work in the mines in Nevada to help support his family, an act that reflected both his determination and selflessness.

Lloyd proudly served in the U.S. Army during the Korean War as a smoke generator operator, providing protective cover for troops in the field. He was offered an opportunity to attend Officer Candidate School, but true to his nature, felt a deep commitment to return home to be with his family. While stationed overseas, he embraced every opportunity to explore, traveling through Germany, France, Spain, Holland, and beyond in his VW bug! He didn’t just visit places he experienced them, collecting stories and a lifelong appreciation for seeing what lay beyond the familiar.

That spirit of exploration followed him home and found its way into everyday life. Alongside his first wife, Betty, they owned and operated a rock shop in Beaver, where they crafted jewelry and other items from stones they collected. For Lloyd, it wasn’t just about the finished product, it was about the hunt. He had a knack for finding beauty where others might just see rock and dirt. He loved heading into the mountains, often choosing the less-traveled paths just to see what he might discover. He especially cherished taking his sons, John and Donald, on rock- hunting trips, teaching them how to spot hidden treasures and, just as importantly, how to enjoy the journey getting there.

After Betty’s passing, Lloyd continued forward with strength and devotion to his family. In 1972, he met Helena Francisco and quickly swept her off her feet. Together, they built a life centered on family, hard work, and a shared sense of adventure. They were married for nearly 54 years and raised John and Donald, later welcoming two more sons, Charles and William. 

He was deeply committed to teaching his sons the importance of hard work and caring for family, but he also showed them how to enjoy life along the way. Most weekends, he took the boys on trips to visit grandparents in Tropic or relatives in Salt Lake. Though the destination mattered, the drive was more important. Lloyd was never in a rush if there was something worth seeing along the way, and more than once, a “quick trip” turned into an adventure. 

Lloyd was a talented and versatile worker, skilled in many trades, including electrical work, mechanics, and construction. He eventually found his passion for operating heavy equipment, where his precision and pride were evident in every job he completed.

He was also known for his remarkable determination. Once Lloyd set his mind to something, he saw it through without hesitation. This was exemplified when, after having surgery in Salt Lake City, he checked himself out of the hospital and made his way home to Beaver, by bus and still in his hospital gown, just so he could be home following his mother’s passing.

Lloyd was a loyal friend to all who knew him and to many who simply crossed his path. Whether friend or stranger, if he saw a need, he stepped in without hesitation. He was always willing to fix what he could, offer a place to relax under the carport, or share a story or two with someone passing through town. Around his home, there was always room to sit, talk, and stay a while; as long as it stayed within his 30-minute rule.

He loved having fun and spending time with others. He was ready for a good round of Chinese Checkers, which he always seemed to win, Dominoes, working on a puzzle, or a lively (and occasionally competitive) game of Uno (Bingo!). He enjoyed the simple moments, especially the ones filled with laughter.

While Lloyd took pride in all his work, his heart truly belonged to his yard and garden. He kept his lawn meticulously manicured and his plants thriving. His favorite place to be was outside, sitting in the yard he cared for so deeply, enjoying the peace and beauty he created. 

He was a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and had a respect and reverence for the faith throughout his life.

Lloyd is preceded in death by his parents, John and Clara Mortensen; his first wife, Betty Hodges Mortensen; his sons, Michael and John; his brothers, Robert “Jack” and Alfred Mortensen; his sisters, Norine Johnson, Cleo Smith, Retta James, and Etta McBride; his sisters-in-law, Robyn Griffin, and Colleen Laughery; his brothers-in-law, Mick Hodges, and Gene Hodges; and his nephew, Shane Griffin.

He is survived by his wife, Helena; his sons, Donald (Suzanne), Charles (Jené), and William (Ryan); daughter-in-law Lynn (John); 10 grandchildren; 26 great-grandchildren; and 4 great-great-grandchildren; his brothers-in-law, Steven (Kenna) Hodges and Sharon Griffin; his sister-in-law, Sandrea Francisco; and too many nieces and nephews to count!

Funeral services will be held on Saturday, May 9 th , at 11:00 a.m. at the Parowan Chapel, 59 South 100 West, Parowan, Utah. A viewing will be held on Friday evening (May 8 th ) from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m., as well as Saturday morning from 9:30 to 10:30 a.m., both at the same location. Following the service, interment will take place at 1:00 p.m. at the Mountain View Cemetery in Beaver, Utah.

The family wishes to express their heartfelt gratitude to the medical team and staff at Intermountain Medical Center in Cedar City, especially Dr. Steven Newman, MD, and Dr. Victor Worth, MD. They also extend their sincere appreciation to the staff at Stonehenge of Cedar City Rehabilitation Center for their compassionate and dedicated care of Lloyd.