Kenneth Roger Carlson

“To give anything less than your best, is to sacrifice the gift.” -Steve PreFontaine (American Long-Distance Runner) Pine Valley, Utah-Kenneth Roger Carlson, 61, passed away on Monday, August 26th, in Pine Valley, Utah, as he was taking his morning bike ride through the Pine Valley mountains. Ken was born on February 8th, 1963, in Glendale, California, the first-born son of Grant Roger Carlson and Delores Maxine Tipton Carlson. His childhood days were spent in La Puente, California and Baldwin Park California. Ken's younger brother Brad joined the family in the spring of 1966. In the summer of 1976, when Ken was 13 years old, the Carlson family moved to Santa Clara, Utah. During Ken's formative years he established a life-long interest in all styles of music, sports, water skiing, fast cars and the beach. Ken attended Dixie Junior High and Dixie High School where he had many opportunities to develop his musical abilities in the Dixie High Jazz Band and the "Sound of Spirit!" Show Band. He also was involved in football, wrestling and track and field events. As a teenager Ken was diagnosed with cancer and underwent invasive surgery and treatment. He fought with tenacity and great faith to regain his physical and mental strength. He has been an advocate for cancer patients throughout his life. Ken served a full-time mission for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints in the Louisville, Kentucky, Mission. Upon returning from his mission, he began attending Dixie College and Southern Utah University. In November of 1984 Ken married Kathy Jolley. This union was incredibly blessed when they were able to adopt two very special children, Stefanie and Scott. Ken completed his education at SUU receiving his Bachelors degree, Masters degree and Administrative degree in Education. Ken and Kathy Jolley were later divorced. In December 2005, Ken married Kathy Kent. Their marriage was solemnized in the Salt Lake LDS Temple on November 26th, 2011. Together their blended family consists of three sons and three daughters. Ken has been an educator with the Washington County School District for over thirty-two years. He was passionate about teaching, supporting and advocating to improve children's opportunities to learn and be successful. Ken was an active, faithful member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. He served in many capacities and especially loved working with the youth. The time he spent as the Young Men's President in the Washington 11th Ward and his service as First Counselor in the Santa Clara 7th Ward Bishopric were among his most cherished experiences, and he would speak of them often. Ken loved his Savoir Jesus Christ and strived to exemplify Him in every area of his life. Ken and Kathy consider their children to be heroes in every sense of the word. Their willingness to join two families together with grace and understanding has been nothing short of a miracle. They have been blessed with 13 grandchildren, Matix, Rocko, Blake, Jett, Gwen, Quinn, Finn, Beck, Rubie, Willow, Briggs, Ellie and L, with another grandchild coming in November, who is spending time with Ken right now. Ken was an extraordinary grandpa, and he enjoyed a close relationship with each one of his grandchildren. He was so proud of them and so amazed at their goodness. Ken is survived by his wife, Kathy, and their children, Stefanie (Beau) Stratton, La Verkin, Utah, Scott (Nicole) Carlson, Washington, Utah, Lyndy (Jon) Butler, Hurricane, Utah, Kody (Stacie) Rogers, Santa Clara, Utah, Kyle Rogers, St. George, Utah, Lacey (L J) Smith, Seal Rock, Oregon, 13 grandchildren, his father, Grant Roger Carlson, Santa Clara, Utah, his brother, Bradley Grant (Trudy) Carlson, Santa Clara, Utah, as well as many extended family members. Ken was preceded in death by his dear mother Delores Maxine Tipton Carlson, who passed away just 6 months ago on January 31st, 2024. The family would like to thank the Pine Valley Rescue EMTs and the multiple doctors and nurses at the Dixie Regional Medical Center who did all they could to save our beloved Ken. Funeral services will be held on Tuesday, September 3rd, 2024, at 11:00 am at the Rachel Chapel located at 3815 Rachel Dr., Santa Clara, Utah 84765. A viewing will be held on Monday, September 2nd, 2024, from 3:30-5:30 pm at the same location, with an additional viewing before the funeral on Tuesday from 9:30-10:30 a.m. Interment will be at the Santa Clara City Cemetery. Family and Friends are invited to share tributes online at www.SerenityStG.com. Arrangements and memorial tree planting are under the direction of Serenity Funeral Home, St. George of Southern Utah, 986-9100.

Kenneth Roger Carlson

February 8, 1963 - August 26, 2024