Sunday, October 31, 2010

GUÐNÝ SIGURÐARDÓTTIR


Gudny was born 22 November 1860; her parents are Sigurdur Sigurdsson, born 6 August 1833, died 29 October 1885; and Sigridur Petursdottir, born 30 August 1830 at Holmahjaleiga, Kross, Rangarvalla, died 26 December 1903 at Olafshus, Vestmannaeyjar. Gudny joined The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and was baptized by Elder Einar Eiriksson 18 June 1886. She immigrated to Spanish Fork, Utah a few days after she was baptized.
She married Jon Jonasson, born 24 September 1857 at Ramakot, Kross, Rangarvalla, the son of Jonas Jonsson, born 1 February 1823, died 27 October 1885; and Gudrun Thorkelsdottir, born 4 August 1825, died 23 February 1899. They were married 29 November 1886 in Spanish Fork, Utah. Gudny and Jon lived in a dugout when they first arrived in Spanish Fork. Gudny sheared sheep right along with her husband in order to make a living.
Gudny loved the Icelandic people. Her favorite saying was “There is no one as good as the Icelanders.” Her loyalty to them was a very commendable part of her character.
Gudny and Jon had nine children: John Karl, Ellen Olive, Samuel, Sara Ann Margret, Eysteinn, Joseph Franklin, Sigurosa, Gudrun Jane, and Daniel. They lived on farms in the river-bottoms at the mouth of Spanish Fork Canyon and in Palmyra, Utah. Their last home was on Tenth East and Third North in Spanish Fork. Gudny died 23 December 1934 and is buried in the Spanish Fork City Cemetery. She was known in Utah as Gudny Johnson; her husband was known as John C. Johnson.

Sunday, October 3, 2010

GUÐMUNDUR EYJÓLFSSON


Gudmundur was born 15 August 1862, the son of Eyjolfur Gudmundsson, born 11 October 1829 in Illugastadir, Tjorn i Vatnsnesi, Vestur Hunavatn, died 19 October 1913; and Valgerdur Bjornsdottir, born 9 September 1828 in Litlaborg, Breidabolstadit i Vestur Hunavatn, died 11 December 1916.
Gudmundur married Ingibjorg Margaret Jonatansdottir. Ingibjorg was born 20 April 1857; her parents are Jonatan Davidsson, born 1824 at Hvarfi, died 17 March 1873; and Sigurros Hjalmarsdottir, born 13 October 1834 in Haga, Thingi, died 24 December 1924. They were married on the ship as they immigrated to America in 1883 with his parents, Eyjolfur and Valgerdur, who had joined The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. They first stopped in North Dakota and then Helena, Montana. When his parents and siblings left Helena for Spanish Fork, Utah, Gudmundur worked in the mines for a while before he joined his family in Spanish Fork.
Gudmundur built a home on the northwest corner of 300 South and 900 East in Spanish Fork. He was a good carpenter, brick mason and cement man. His home reflected his skills as a builder. He worked as bricklayer on the Central School, located on 100 North and 300 East in Spanish Fork.
Gudmundur and Ingibjorg had six children: Jonatan Tony, about 1884-1950, Ellen 1886-1950, Albert 1888-1917, Walter Rosamund 1891-1917, Ingibjorg Sigurros, born 1894, and Paul Vidalin, born 1898. Gudmundur changed his name to James E. Jameson. All the children used Jameson as their surname.
Gudmundur and Ingibjorg moved to California after he retired. They stayed with their son Paul, who was a doctor. Gudmundur died 20 March 1955 in Lynnwood, California. He is buried in the Spanish Fork City Cemetery. In Utah he went by James E. Jameson.

Jack Leifson


Jack Waldo Leifson (75), passed away peacefully on Wednesday, September 29, 2010, at Lake View Elderly Care in Pleasant Grove, Utah. Jack was born in Spanish Fork, Utah, on December 13, 1934, to J. Victor and Mary Bradford Leifson.
Jack married Marilyn Thacker in the Manti Temple on September 14, 1957, (53 years). They resided in Spanish Fork, UT, for 40 years and spent the last 10 years in Provo, UT. Jack is survived by his wife Marilyn and eight children: Bret (Lauren), South Jordan, UT; Ronald (Cheryl), San Jose, CA; Kirk (Darlene), Plano, TX; Robert (Lynne), Woodruff, UT; Paulette (Doug) Brown, Douglasville, GA; Jolene (Chad), Harris, Idaho Falls, ID; Lori (Andy) Marshall, Springville, UT; Julie (Jared) Harrison, Avon, IN; and 24 grandchildren.
Jack is also survived by brothers and sisters Freda McKell, Luene Ludlow, Thor (Loyce), Allen (Mary Lou), Afton Rosenbaum, June, Elaine (Dee) Pullman, and Mark (Freda Kay).
Jack was preceded in death by his parents, an infant brother, Glen, and an older brother Ted.
Jack graduated from Spanish Fork High School in 1953. He served in the U.S. Army from 1954-1956 in Germany. He received his B.S. degree in History and Sociology from B.Y.U. and his M.A. degree in education from Utah State University. He was a well-respected icon at Spanish Fork High School for 35 years, teaching Marketing, Economics and History. He was recognized as the Utah Teacher of the Year in 1970. Jack served his community for 16 years as a Spanish Fork city councilman. He had a strong testimony of the gospel and was a lifelong active member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, serving in various capacities including Bishop of the Spanish Fork 3rd Ward, counselor, and faithful home teacher.
A student in every sense of the word, Jack was an avid reader all of his life. He enjoyed writing, including 7 years under the pen name of "Don Quixote," for the Spanish Fork Press. He spent his life in the service of his family, church, community, and God.
In lieu of flowers the family suggests donations to the Perpetual Education Fund. A special thanks to the care givers at Lakeview Elderly Care: Sharon, Justin and Brittany.
Funeral services will be held on Monday, October 4th, at 11:00 a.m. with a viewing from 9:00-10:30 a.m. at the Lakeside 10th Ward, located at 2225 West 620 North in Provo. Family and friends may also pay their respects on Sunday, October 3rd , from 6:00-8:00 p.m. at the church. Interment will be in the Spanish Fork City Cemetery.