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.