Elmer Jennings Hartvigsen, 21 October 1905
DOWNEY – Elmer Jennings Hartvigsen was born October 21, 1905 in Hyrum, UT to Joakim F. and Ellen A. Eilertsen Hartvigsen, he died May 18, 2003.
He married Marie Viola Johnson on June 27, 1928 in the Salt Lake City LDS Temple. Marie passed away February 6, 1962. He married Helen Cutler Bahen September 20, 1962; she died December 13, 1989. He married June Ovian October 19, 1991; she died November 17, 1993.
Elmer attended the one roomed Cherry Creek School, located near Downey, ID for the lower grades. This provided humble beginnings for a lifetime of learning and a dedicated career in public education schools of Idaho and Utah. He completed his high school education at Downey High School. A bachelor of science and arts and science degree was received from Utah State University in 1931, after which he became a teacher/coach/principal of the Thatcher, Idaho School until 1935.
His career then included a teacher/principal position at Downey Elementary from 1935-39, and a teacher/principal/superintendent position in the Downey High School between 1939-44.
A master’s of science degree in educational administration at the University of Utah in 1945 opened the way for his becoming superintendent of Utah’s Davis School District, where he served until 1954, when he became assistant state superintendent of public instruction in Utah until 1957. Finally, he served for 14 years as superintendent of Utah’s then largest school district, the Granite School District until his retirement in 1971.
From his home environment and the one roomed school house in southern Idaho did his lifelong learning and public education service derive.
Elmer was a Minute Man award recipient and he held memberships in Lions International and Rotary Club during much of his professional career. He served in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in a bishopric and a stake presidency. He acquired a great mastery and understanding of the gospel of Jesus Christ while a gospel doctrine instructor for many years. He had served on the Deseret Sunday School Union Board with numerous travel and speaking assignments, and thereafter became a host/guide on Temple Square, an assignment he loved. His testimony was a resolute and provided a guide to him throughout his life.
He is survived by children, E. Jay (Elizabeth), Don C. (Dorothy), A. Ned (Jean), Anna Jean (Franklin) Brown, Dale K. (Jill), Shirley (Wayne) Harris and John (Deanna). He is also survived by brothers, Lester A. of Benson, UT; Donald E., St. George, UT; Reed W., Bountiful, U; and sisters, Hazel E. Cook, Provo, UT; Mabel E. Christiansen, Provo,UT; and Ruby Wilson, Provo, UT. He was also preceded in death by his parents, J.F. and Ellen Hartvigsen, a brother, Milton F., a sister, Alice Stevens and a young son, Paul M. Hartvigsen.
Funeral services will be May 22, 2003 in the Wilford Ward, Salt lake City. Interment will be in the Salt Lake City Cemetery, next to his beloved Marie.