VARIOUS PHOTOS FROM HAFEN COLLECTION

 

Ruth and Helen Madsen 

1942
James, Joseph, ?,?.

Theron, Martha, Joseph T. and Robert Seely

I'll WALK WITH YOU by Owen Sanders

 

 

ROBERT WAYNE STAKER

 

Robert Wayne Staker

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Robert Wayne Staker passed away August 17, 2026, of pancreatic cancer. Born August 25,1946 to Gordon L. Staker and Glenda R. Staker. Rob graduated from North Sanpete High School in 1964, then served a two-year mission in Australia for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. He married Sheila Ann Tippetts in the Salt Lake Temple on September 13, 1968. Together they had 5 children: Becky (Trevor) Paulson, Wayne (Becca) Staker, Kelly (Steve) Littlefield, Jake (Jessica) Staker, and Rusty (Matthew) Visher, as well as 18 grandchildren and 2 greats.

Rob graduated from Snow College and Utah State University with a degree in Range Management. He made his life’s work in construction eventually owning his own company. In doing this he provided a work structure for his sons and others who wanted it. He was hard working and always known for his honesty.

He held many church callings including bishopric and two times in the stake high council.

Rob had a passion for the mountains, taking his family camping when he could, especially on the 4th of July. Of course, fishing was often involved. By his kids he was known for rock rolling (big rocks down the mountain side), funny songs, wheeler rides, and watching big thunderstorms roll in. At home were his family nests, helping others, piling in the car to go get lickers (ice cream cones), and seeing if apples could be peeled in one long, unbroken strip.

Rob was known for his nicknames given to all his kids and grandkids. Others were also known to be recipients of these coveted names.

Time in Yellowstone with his brother was always a highlight.

During retirement most summers were spent in Alaska at a fishing lodge with friends where time was spent supervising the boat dock and Sheila was the cook. Of course, fishing and good times were involved. Many good friends were made. Ron was one of those good friends whom he loved to salmon fish with.

Later in life Rob loved to have and be in his garden. Getting wood for his woodburning stove was his playtime. Temple work and service became his passion. Together with his wife he served in the Manti Temple since January 2012. He will be missed and was loved by all who knew him.

We would like to thank Intermountain Hospice for their tender loving care. Especially Kallie and Virginia for their love and support.

Funeral services will be held Friday, August 21, 2026, at 11:00 a.m. in the Mt. Pleasant North Stake Center. Viewings will be held Thursday, August 20, 2026, from 6:00 – 8:00 p.m. and Friday 9:30 -10:30 a.m. prior to service, both held at the church. Interment at the Mt. Pleasant City Cemetery. 

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EVAN P. JOHNSON

 

Evan P. Johnson

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Evan Philip Johnson passed away August 22, 2026 surrounded by his loving family. Phil was born in Manti April 11, 1937 to Evan and Mildred Peterson Johnson. He graduated from Manti high school and continued his education to become a math/shop teacher. He married Sandra Nielson on August 11, 1955.

 He started his teaching career in Tooele and then Nephi to finally land in Mt Pleasant in 1964 where he taught shop/math. He also raised turkeys in Manti during the summers where he taught his children to work. He would load us up in the truck and head to Manti during wee hours to debeek, move or kill turkeys. Washing yellow quart bottles for water and counting dead turkeys were a few priceless memories of seasons taught on the value of work. Later he taught math, became Vice Principal and Principal after obtaining his masters degree from BYU. Then after he stopped raising turkeys he spent the summers building different projects, be it turkey coops, remodeling homes or building houses with Merwyn Kjar. 

After retiring he bought a big truck and drove his truck hauling Norbest turkeys all over the country. Dad was devoted to education. He tutored many students and was known for his “board of education.” He loved to hunt, be it deer, elk, buffalo or pheasant. He enjoyed hunting with his family. Proud to hunt with four generations. He also loved to fish, fishing with friends and family. 

He spent lots of time in Hanksville with Elliot Arnoldson and the café. Dad loved taking care of his yard and had such a hard time letting go this summer with his body failing him and no water. He’d be out trying to weed or spray weeds until he was in trouble at which time he’d text for help. Going to coffee each morning and visiting with his friends was often the highlight of his day. He hated missing it. Cherrie and Frank and Don were so good to take him to Fairview to be with his group of friends. He had a testimony of the gospel and enjoyed attending sacrament and later watching his meetings on Zoom when it got to where he couldn’t attend. He always said he could hear better. Dad was always very thankful for family and never missed thanking us for all we did. He was never a burden and we loved him dearly.

Dad was preceded in death by his wife Sandra Johnson, 2 granddaughters Carmandee Brotherson and Trina Johnson. His parents Evan and Mildred Johnson, a sister Yvonne Johnson and a brother Carl Johnson. A son-in-law Greg DeMille. His wife’s siblings and spouses (Joann Nielson , Camille and Reed Oberhansley, William “Dave” Nielson, Dana and Dave Hensler) and his brother’s in law Kent Larsen and Carl Viehweger.

Surviving are his children LuCinda (Terry), Chad (Janet), Cherrie (Frank), Carma (Burkley) and Craig (Lisa), 24 grandchildren, 58 great grandchildren and 6 great great grandchildren. Sisters Janet Peters (Wilford), Camille Larsen, Faye Mower (Paul), and Evalyn Viehweger and two Sisters-in-law Diane Johnson and Sena Strode. Lots of nieces and nephews and friends.

Funeral services will be held Monday, August 31, 2026 at 11:00 a.m. in the Mt. Pleasant Stake Center (295 S State St, Mt. Pleasant). Viewings will be held Sunday, August 30, 2026 from 5:00 - 7:00 p.m. and Monday from 9:30 - 10:30 a.m. prior to services both at the church. Interment in the Mt. Pleasant City Cemetery.

OLD FOLKS PARTY~(from our archves)

 

  

Life Sketch of Frederraka Jensen Brotherson

 

Frederekka Jensen Brotherson A short narrative of her life One of the principle fishing centers of Northern Denmark is the city of Logstor, overlooking the bay of the same name. Its inhabitants live their lives in quiet contentment, pursuing their daily tasks in the ways of peace, a peace that comes from right living and honest toil. among these sturdy industrious people dwelt the family of Nels and Marie Jensen and their two daughters, Sena and Frederekka. Life was young and full of hope and promise to this loving and devoted couple, who worked and planned in mutual trust and confidence for still better and happier days in the future all unconscious of the impending disaster so near at hand. Frederekka's father was an official pilot, whose duty was to supervise the landing and anchoring of vessels as they came into the ports adjacent to his native city. One day while performing his customary task of anchoring a large vessel he failed to return to the surface of the water having met his death in some unknown way. Five months later his body was found seven miles from the scene of the accident. The impending blow had suddenly fallen crushing the loving heart of the good woman and hushing the music of the children's laughter and play. The kiss of welcome that always awaited the father on his evening return had been given for the last time. The dream of the coming years had vanished. Then followed days of doubt and uncertainty, but the sorrowing little group found relief in each other's tears and tender caresses. Oh how wonderful is the power of tears and how clear is out spiritual vision after it has been purified by their truth. Slowly but effectively this bereaved mother gathered up the broken threads and took her place at the head of this mourning household. How well she understood the irretrievable loss of a father and husband to any family, but she bravely prepared for the problem of her coming motherhood, five months hence when her home was gladdened by the birth of a son, whom she honored with his father's name. Marie Jensen was exceptionally fortunate in having a profession, by which she could earn a livelihood. She was an expert tailor and the good people of Logstor aided not only with their sympathy and encouraging words, but in a material way by giving her employment in the line of her vocation. Frederekka had lost a father, but their loss was made less keen by the rare judgment and wise counsel of her mother and the bond of affection and companionship between them grew stronger with each passing year as long as her mother lived. Time flew by with healing in its wings. The lovely daughters were growing and baby Nels was learning his first step to the delight of his indulgent sisters when word reach Logstor that Mormon Missionaries had arrived and were to hold a meeting on a certain date. Marie Jensen immediately decided to attend this meeting, all unaware that this hour would be the beginning of a new life for her and her children in a far off land beyond the surging sea that had robber her of the one she loved and needed most. She was introduced at once to the elders, who were Christian Madisen of Gunnison, Utah and Anthony H. Lund a local missionary called to assist President Madsen in that vicinity. How attentively she listened to these humble missionaries, as they unfolded the truths of the restored gospel. It all seemed so plain and beautiful. Her heart was filled with endurable joy and tranquility. Again and again she found herself at their meetings and her children by her side. They too seemed anxious to imbibe that same sweet spirit that always comes to the pure in heart when listening to the word of the lord. A few months later she was baptized by Elder Andrew Petersen, she was their first convert in Logstor. It is a singular thing that as soon as a member of a family joined the church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints they at once become, the object of scorn and persecution at the hands of their families and friends, and often driven from their comfortable happy homes. They were considered unfit to associate with longer. How once so loved and cherished could be the act of obeying the dictates of their own conscience be thus treated is hard to understand and yet it is a fact. Thousands have been cut off by the two edged sword of satanic fury. This is the fate that befell Sister Jensen, but their cruel abuse could not shake her faith. Patiently she bore the cross; sustained by the convictions of the true Christian and comforted by the words of the master wherein He says, "Blessed as ye when men shall revile you and persecute your for my name sake". Her soul had been touched by the burning fires of celestial light which could not be extinguished by the scorching tongue of malice. Sister Jensen remained in Logstor about three years after accepting Mormonism. Little Nels was now five years old, the joy and pride of his mother's heart and the hope of the future when he would be grown to manhood and be a help in her declining years, but this ardent wish was not granted. He became suddenly ill and died in January 1862 and was laid beside his father in the quiet breast of Logstor. A company of saints in charge of Elder Christian Madsen now released was ready to leave for America and Sister Jensen made preparations to join them. Her loved ones had departed, the icy hand of disdain had thrust her from those she longed to embrace, but the unkindest cut of all was when her mother refused to speak to her. For three long years not a word had she spoken to her noble daughter, and that silence was never broken not even a word of acknowledgement or farewell, but the land of Zion was beckoning her to its arms and she was eager to go where she could find peace to live her religion for which she had suffered and endured so much. On April 6, 1862 the company embarked on the ship "Benjamin Franklin", the only recognition of this event was the pathetic scene as the ship sailed out of port. Sister Jensen's father sailed in from his fishing trip. He recognized her at once and waved his handkerchief. Sister Jensen and her little daughters, Sena and Frederekka, returned the good-bye, the last in this earthly existence. A faith like this knows no retreat and can never be destroyed by the evils of this world and when as a last resort, the threat of taking her children from her came unless she would renounce this unpopular faith. She never faltered but boldly met the issue, like Martin Luther at the diet of worms and won her case. And now the mighty ocean was bearing her away from it all and a peace that passeth understanding filled her being, while unbounded gratitude for her deliverance found expression in silent prayer. The sea voyage of nine weeks was made sorrowful by sickness and death, which wrung the hearts of those brave Christians as nothing else could do. After sailing for several weeks the measles broke out on board, nearly every child contracted that dreadful, malady and 50 of them died and were consigned to a grave in the angry deep. Oh the agony of a thing like that and yet it must be done and they must sail on and on. The company landed in New York in June 1862 and proceeded direct to Florence, Nebraska. Here they lived in tents for six weeks, anxiously waiting for teamsters and supplies from Utah. As soon as they arrived preparations were made for the exodus across the plains. Sister Jensen was assigned to the company in charge of Captain Horne; this remarkable journey was made by ox teams. The wagons were loaded to capacity with provisions, with barely room for the children. Sister Jensen walked every foot of the way. One day she remarked to her little girls in the wagon beside her, "I am celebrating my birthday by walking to Zion and this is the happiest day of my life." That was September 17, 1862 her 42 birthday. To the mind of this generation, that journey without parallel in all history seems an impossibility. How human beings could live on the scanty rations and perform the strenuous tasks incident to such an undertaking is beyond comprehension. There can be no other solution than this. It was God leading his chosen people up through the barren wilderness to the promised land by the hand of his servants as he lead ancient Israel to the land of Cannan. On October first they arrived in Salt Lake Valley. Sister Jensen remained there two weeks. During this time, President Brigham Young asked the saints to see that their needs were supplied. He was kind to Sister Jensen especially during the illness of Frederekka who was suffering with Mountain Fever. President Brigham Young had issued orders for larger numbers of saints to move south and colonize the vast arid wastes, waiting for the plowman and the builder. This move was now in progress. Sister Jensen secured transportation by ox teach with a Mr. Parker, who took her as far as Payson where she remained three weeks. During her stay, she visited a Brother Hansen and family, late arrivals from her native land. During the conversation she learned they were going to Fountain Green, Sanpete County, and would take her along is she wished to go. She gladly accepted the invitation. She remained at Fountain Green a month, but she was not satisfied here. She was seeking the friends who had crossed the ocean wit her and preceded her to Utah. These friends were Soren Jacobsen, Lauritz Larsen and Peter Syndergaard Families. Word had reached her that they were located in Mt. Pleasant. Leaving her daughters in the care of friends she went to Mt. Pleasant to investigate the rumor and found it to be true. She immediately returned for her children and cast her lot with them, grateful that she had found her place, in the land of Zion. A home was provided for her by Bishop William Seely and his good wife. Not only did they give her a house to live in but they saw that she had the necessities of life as well. Their kindness and generosity during their first winter here were never forgotten by this lonely widow and her daughters. Frederekka was born December 30, 1852. Her birthdays in far-off Logstor had been occasions of merry-making with her little companions and now ten years later she was celebrating the event in very humble circumstances, on the desert wilderness of a new world, and yet happiness and love were there which after all is the one essential element of all real enjoyment. The following spring, Sister Jensen made the acquaintance of a Brother Hemmert, who had lost his wife a few years before and whom she married some months later. He proved to be an excellent provider and a kind indulgent foster father. Sena and Frederekka rejoiced exceedingly in the many added comforts that came to them during their young womanhood and they expressed their appreciation by their willing service in the labors of the new household. Just a few short happy years and again the family was called upon to part with the husband and father, Brother Hemmert died, loved and revered by the little family he had adopted and befriended in the time of their distresses, leaving all his possessions to his widow for which she was very thankful. Again she turned to her professional work, by which she was able to secure the physical need of the house and give her daughters the educational training afforded at that time. Fredderekka attended the public school at Mt. Pleasant, and was one if its foremost students. Her quick alert mind secured for her a liberal fund of knowledge not only in the school room but in all the affairs of life as well. This accomplishment, together with that of being an interesting conversationalist and a delightful entertainer made her a favor among her friends and associates. Very early in life Frederekka exhibited an unusual degree of optimism and cheerfulness. Her views of the current life as it flows through the mill of mortality were always full of hope. The clouds of regret and despair, the mist of worry and needless anxiety were never permitted to gather on the horizon of her mind. This rare gift was enabled he to pass by the hard thorny places along the way with ease and good humor. Time passed and Frederekka Jensen the attractive little immigrant of a few years ago was blooming forth in all the glory of life's spring time. The creams of youth tinted by the rosy glow of anticipation of love and romance were now at hand. Gaily she moved among the wide circle of friends and admirers held by sheer force of her endless stock of good cheer. One among this group was Mr. Hans Brotherson, the son of early pioneers of Mt. Pleasant. These young people had grown up together and were always congenial. There were admirable suited for companionship together. Two lives with but a single hope, two hearts that beat as one, and so after a reasonable courtship they were married in the Endowment House at Salt Lake City, 18 October 1869. Frederekka's sister, Sena, had previously married and settled in a home of her own and Sister Hemmert insisted on the young couple living with her, which they did for many years. This new relationship was a very happy one. Mother and daughter continuing in that rare and beautiful atmosphere of comradeship which was never broken. Hans Brotherson was ambitious and possessed the qualities of making money. He chose as his profession that of cattle and sheep raising as a supplement to farming. In the latter he was unusually successful. His care and attention to the soil all came back to him in sweeping lines of fertility and abundant harvests. In the latter part of 1870 he built a splendid house for his family and Sister Hemmert remained one of the new firm, where she was indispensable to the needs of the future family. Her skill as a tailor was turned to good account as it had been heretofore. Practically all the sewing for the entire family was done by her which was a tremendous task in those days. As the years passed the family circle widened, embracing within its fold nine sons and six daughters. The assistance rendered by this good mother during their childhood and youth cannot be over estimated and Frederekka busy with the wonderful motherhood that came to her appreciated her faithfulness beyond measure. Frederekka's love for her mother was deep and true and enhanced by the long years of service when she needed help, and when her thin worn fingers had taken their last stitches in the fabric of time and the needle which had wrested the bread of life from the shores of daily combat for those she loved best, was laid aside, she fell asleep, on 28 October 1909, just tired. Her passing left many aching hearts and a vacancy that can never be filled by another. The memory of this noble heroic woman can not be erased from the hearts and soul of Frederekka Brotherson and her children. Frederekka's married life had been most happy. The necessities and comforts that every home needs came to her as she desired, seasoned with spices of her cherry smile. It seemed as if bands of sunshine and belts of sunlight wove themselves like magic through the loom into the carpet of her existence as it passed over the spindle in daily rotation. But alas the golden threads were snapped asunder, on December 30, 1900, her birthday was saddened by the passing of her husband, whom she loved dearly. Both her helpers gone and now she was alone with her grandchildren. These are moments that clutch the heart, and open the flood gates of the emotions. Emotions of sorrow that can only find relief in the flow of tears. Here again that indestructible gift of looking on the bright side of every situation game to her rescue, useless brooding over things that could not be changed never found a resting place with her, she quickly ferried them in the forgotten sands of memory and turned a smiling face to the future. One of the outstanding events of her whole career was the trip she made to her childhood home in Logstor in May 1911 in the company of her sister and lifelong friend Annie Mena Jacobsen. This was a unique undertaking for women past 70 years of age. 49 years had passed since these women as children, sailed out of the harbor on a sailing vessel driven by the wind and tossed. Now they return as first-class passengers on a mighty liner. The voyage was completed in six days as compared with nine weeks. Then they were little girls in homespun, now they walk the old familiar places as well-dressed women bearing the stamp of prosperity and culture. Many of their relations had passed away but those who remained received them with open arms. Sister Brotherson's dream of of half a century was now realized and the promise she made to her aunt 49 years before, when she said, "I told you I would come back some day and here I am", was now fulfilled. After a delightful visit of four months the party returned home, happy that they had been permitted to enjoy this rare pleasure but glad to get back to the land they loved most. Sister Brotherson had never been engaged very extensively in public work. Her only office was that of a Relief Society Teacher. This labor she performed very successfully for many years. Her accomplishments have been confined to her home and her children which have required all her time and energies. She considers the home the cornerstone and capstone as well of society and the business of being a mother and homemaker the greatest professions in the world and worthily of her best efforts. She has enjoyed and obeyed fully the great commandment given to Adam and Eve in the Garden of Eden to multiply and replenish the earth. She has reared to man and womanhood, fifteen children, eleven of whom are still living. She has spent her life for them, not only for their physical welfare but for their spiritual and educational advancement also. She still keeps the home fires burning brightly in the old home as a welcome to them and their children who now number 49 and they all love to come and bask in its cheery glow Little wonder she is full of peace. The peace that accompanies a well spent life. She has kept her faith and filled the measure of her creation to the brim. She is still hale and hearty and spends her time in useful work for her family and friends. She has lived for the good things of the earth and has earned a glorious reward, and untold blessing in her Father's Kingdom awaits her. Written May1930.

WALK WITH THE DEAD

 

EARL RICHARD LUBBERS

Earl Richard Lubbers

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Earl Lubbers was born on June 16, 1937, in Faribault, Minnesota, to Earl Eike Lubbers and Anna Boyum Lubbers. His early childhood carried him from Minnesota through Cherokee, Iowa, before his family settled in Tucson, Arizona, the city that would shape so much of his life.

At Tucson High School, Class of 1955, Earl became a standout athlete. Playing on Coach “Bud” Doolen’s final team, he helped carry the squad to the championship game of the Arizona State Tournament and earned All-City, All-State, and All-Tournament honors. His talent took him to the University of Arizona on an athletic scholarship, where he lettered in basketball and became a member of the Sigma Chi fraternity.

Commissioned a Second Lieutenant through R.O.T.C., Earl served on active duty at Fort Knox, Kentucky; Fort Hood, Texas; and Fort Lewis, Washington. Following his military service, he moved to the San Francisco Bay Area, where he worked as a sales representative for Texaco Inc. and as an administrative assistant for Utah Construction and Mining Company.

In 1966, Earl returned to the University of Arizona, where a federal stipend allowed him to earn a graduate degree in Special Education — the beginning of his life’s true work. He would go on to teach in the Tucson area for thirty years, in the Vail School District #20 and at the Arizona State School for the Deaf and the Blind, where he not only taught but also coached basketball, sharing the game he loved with students who inspired him. A devoted Boy Scout leader for many years, he served as Scoutmaster and Troop Committee Chairman and was honored with the Silver Beaver Award. A big presence and personality, but also gentle, humble, and endlessly patient, Earl had a rare gift for putting others before himself, and generations of young people were better for having known him.

In 1973, in Tucson, Earl married DeeAnn Peterson, and in doing so became the “father he didn’t have to be” to her sons, Brent and Bert. Together Earl and DeeAnn welcomed their son, Ryan in 1977. Earl loved DeeAnn with all his heart, mind, and energy, and he loved their children completely and equally, never once distinguishing by how they came into his family. He was present at every game, every school event, every moment that mattered, a steady and dependable figure his children could always count on.

Earl brought a rambunctious sense of fun to family life creating endless memories of road trips, hiking, and made-up stories told around the fire or in the tent. He loved the movies and sporting events, and delighted in taking his children, and later his grandchildren, to any event at all, always with a giant popcorn and a giant soda in hand. He loved to fish, and while his older children can attest that the skill did not come to him easily, his grandchildren reaped the rewards of his patience and practice, pulling in fish on nearly every outing. He adored his grandchildren, every one of them, and cared for them with the same boundless, even-handed love that defined him.

Earl and DeeAnn shared a deep love of learning and of the wider world. Upon retiring from teaching, the two served in Brigham Young University’s China Teacher Program, living and teaching in Xi’an in 2001–2002 and in Qingdao in 2004–2005. Earl cherished his years in China and held a deep affection for the Chinese people, maintaining close friendships with his former students for many years afterward.

Above all, Earl was a lifelong learner who was rarely without a book in hand. Endlessly curious, he read voraciously and enrolled in courses at community colleges wherever he lived, never tiring of the chance to study something new. He subscribed to a service, first on DVD and later by streaming, that brought recorded lectures from some of the world’s finest professors into his home, and he listened to and absorbed their teachings for hours on end. Remarkably well read and largely self-educated, he held a special fascination for the vastness of the universe and for humanity’s ever-expanding understanding of how it all works.

In 2020, Earl and DeeAnn made their home at the Sagewood retirement community in South Jordan, Utah, where Earl built a warm and welcoming life and was dearly loved by many. He often spoke of how grateful he was for that decision and for the friendships they found there. Through a variety of health challenges, he drew strength and comfort from the residents, employees, and caregivers who became part of his world. It was a fitting place for him to spend his final years — surrounded, as he always had been, by community and by love.

Earl was preceded in death by his parents, Earl Eike Lubbers and Anna Boyum Lubbers; his sister, Ruth Ann Lubbers Patzman; and his beloved wife, DeeAnn Peterson Lubbers. He is survived by his three children, Brent Dover (Catherine), Bert Dover (Gena), and Ryan Lubbers (Raquel); and his eleven grandchildren, Blake Dover, Justin Dover, Katie Dover, Tai Dover, Riley Dover, Cosette Dover, Travis Dover, Desiderio Lubbers, Caetano Lubbers, Tiago Lubbers, and Anna Isabella Lubbers.

A gentle and humble man who measured his life by the people he lifted up, Earl gave his family a lifetime of devotion, patient love, and unwavering presence. He will be deeply missed.

A short graveside burial service will be held on Saturday, August 1st at 10:00 a.m. at the Mt. Pleasant, Utah Cemetery. A separate Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, August 22nd at 10:00 a.m. at Sagewood Retirement Home, 11289 S. Oakmond Road, South Jordan, Utah 84009, followed by a catered lunch.

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