Donald (Don) Lindy Iund was born on December 3, 1943, in Riverside, California to proud parents, Donald Edwin Iund and Clarine Jean Seymour. Don’s arrival into the world was eagerly
anticipated, although his father was away serving heroically in the South Pacific during World War II. This meant father and son would not meet until Don was 2 ½ years old.
The Iund family settled in Banning, California, where Don spent his formative years. Known for his curious nature and mischievous spirit, Don once attempted to create gunpowder in his bedroom, unintentionally leaving a lasting mark on the ceiling, and his hearing. He cherished his role as the eldest of five children. Don embraced life with a blend of humor and responsibility.
After graduating from Banning Union High School, Don embarked on a journey of self-discovery, exploring various jobs before dedicating two years of his life to missionary service for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. From August 1963 to August 1965, Don served in the Eastern Atlantic States Mission. His mission experience profoundly shaped his faith,
instilling in him a strong testimony of the Plan of Salvation, the redeeming power of Jesus Christ, and the truthfulness of the Book of Mormon. Laying a foundation of spiritual strength that guided him throughout his life.
Shortly after his mission, Don enlisted in the United States Army, where he served with distinction for nearly two years. His tour took him to Vietnam from June 1967 to June 1968. During which, his courage and valor earned him several commendations, including the Army Commendation Medal for acts of heroism.
Education beckoned next leading Don to Brigham Young University in Provo, Utah. Don pursued his studies alongside his younger brother Neal. It was during this time that Don met the love of his life, Jean Denise Bowman. Their courtship was brief yet deep, culminating in marriage and sealing in the Los Angeles Temple on January 15, 1972.
Don and Denise were blessed with six children, beginning with their first daughter just ten months after their wedding. Over the years, they made homes in Southern California and various cities across Utah, including Centerville, Kearns, American Fork, Saratoga Springs, Gilbert (Arizona), Eagle Mountain, Riverton, and Salem. After Denise’s passing, Don moved to
Meridian, Idaho to live with his daughter Amanda and her family in May of 2021.
Throughout his life, Don continued to cultivate his passion for martial arts, achieving a third-degree black belt in hapkido and sharing his expertise as an instructor for many years. He was an avid outdoorsman and enjoyed taking his family camping. As a devoted husband and father, Don exemplified hard work and sacrifice, often holding multiple jobs to provide for his family. His service extended beyond his home as he accepted numerous callings within the Church, where he magnified his responsibilities with unwavering dedication and faith.
Don’s legacy extends far beyond his accomplishments and adventures. Those who knew him best will remember him for his infectious laugh, sense of humor, and playful goofiness. He believed anything could be fixed with duct tape. He was talented, intelligent, strong, patient, humble, he knew how to “put his head down and go to work”. He was a teacher of both temporal
and spiritual principles with enduring optimism even as dementia gradually claimed his memories. Through it all, his faith in Jesus Christ remained steadfast, serving as a beacon of strength and comfort to his loved ones.
Don loved and cherished his family most of all and loved being a husband, father, grandfather and great grandfather. On June 26, 2024, Don peacefully passed away, his spirit welcomed into the loving arms of his Savior, reunited with his cherished wife Denise. He was proceeded in death by his loving parents Donald and Clarine, and his brother Neal. He is survived by his
children: Yvonne (Jason) Rodabough of Saratoga Spings, Utah, Aaron Iund (Ashley Reese) of Santaquin, Utah, Amanda (Doug) Stephens of Meridan, Idaho, Evan Iund (Lindy Thompson) of Eagle Mountain, Utah, Alex Iund (Crisanne Nielson) of Pleasant Grove, Utah, and Jeffery Iund of Kamas, Utah, 21 grandchildren, 10 great-grandchildren with one more on the way. He is survived by two younger brothers and a younger sister, and a multitude of beloved Iund family members.
Sincere gratitude to Amanda, Doug, and Dallin Stephens for their love and sacrifice in taking care of Dad for the past three years. We love you and are grateful for your Christ-like examples.
A Celebration of Life will be held on Friday, July 26th, 2024, at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints located at 49 E Centennial Blvd, Saratoga Springs, Utah. Other details are forthcoming. Don will be laid to rest alongside Denise at the Veterans Cemetery at Camp Williams, Utah, a fitting tribute to his service and dedication.
No comments:
Post a Comment