Lawrence "Larry" Jelsma

Lawrence “Larry” L. Jelsma, age 81 passed away on July 9, 2018 at Rocky Mountain Care  in Clearfield, Utah. He was born in Lennox, SD, to George and Hilda Jelsema of Worthing, SD.

Lawrence graduated High School in Canton, SD, in 1955. He entered into the United States Air Force, on December 26, 1956. He became an Aircraft Loadmaster on the Lockheed C-130 Hercules Prop-Jet. After 3 years of service and multiple tours in France and Turkey, he was discharged honorably.

On June 9, 1961, he married Louise E.Paulson of Hudson, SD. Together they had 2 daughters and one son. Lawrence was employed through Kolbergs in Yankton, SD, for many years. After divorcing in 1976, Lawrence moved to Tucson, Az where he was employed by Reuter Equipment Company.

Years after retiring, Lawrence moved to Ft Walton Beach Fl,to be near his son and be reunited with his family.  Upon his son’s military retirement from Barksdale AFB La, he moved,with his family, to Layton Utah. It was there that he found his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ and became baptized. He gained his faith, made friends and had family close. He enjoyed his church family, loved getting out and being around people and quickly became a fixture in many hearts.

Lawrence is survived by his children, Debra K. Stahl of Arlington, TX and Brian (Theresa) Jelsma of Layton, UT; 4 grandchildren: Stephen (Bailee) Gacioch, Sean Gacioch, Jessica Jelsma & Jason Jelsma,  1 great grandchild, Avery Craven, all of Layton, Ut; his siblings:, Vernon Jelsma, Virgil (Barb) Jelsma, Dorothy(Kent) Keipke, Betty (Bruce) Pease, Art (Marcia) Jelsma. 

Lawrence is preceded in death by one daughter, Darla Akland; one sister, Verlys Jelsma;, one brother, Eldon “Don” Jelsma, his parents;and a caring companion of 18 years, Dorothy Stiner.

Our family would like to extend our love and gratitude to Doug and Queenie Aydelott for their love and support as well as friendship toward our dad. You truly are a blessing!  

A memorial will be held at Layton Hills Baptist Church on July 21, 2018, at 10 am. A short graveside service, with military honors, will be held at Ogden City Cemetery at

11:30  am. The family is asking that any flowers be sent to Layton Hills Baptist Church at 1332 N. Hill Field Rd. Layton, Utah 84041.