C. Edsel "Ed" Tholen Obituary - Visitation & Funeral Information

C. Edsel (Ed) Tholen 1925 - 2014 Our dad, grandpa and papa-great completed his earthly mission on April 30, 2014. He was born in Midvale, UT on February 27, 1925 to Carl Walfred Tholen and Mamie Malmstrom Tholen. Dad's life has been dedicated to the service of others. His father died when dad was 5 years old. Grandma Tholen and her six small children worked together to survive the depression years. When dad was a teen, his mother bought old vacant buildings that the family, working together, converted into apartments and rented to supplement their livelihood. This is where dad first started his life-long career as a homebuilder. When he was 18 years old, he joined the U.S. Navy and served on the USS Cascade in the Pacific during World War II. When the war was over, Dad served an LDS mission for two and a half years in his grandparents' native Sweden. Dad graduated from the University of Utah with a degree in education. It was in 1950 that dad noticed and introduced himself to a beautiful girl, Zetta Ann Critchfield, from Oakley, Idaho; they were married for time and all eternity in the Salt Lake Temple on March 16, 1951. Dad and mom adored children and wanted a big family. Eventually, seven children were born to these wonderful parents; two girls then five boys. The five boys were taught the home building business and worked along side dad even when they were little and have made this their life time careers as well. They loved to be with dad. His two daughters adored him and he adored them. Dad was always genuinely happy and never uttered a disparaging word. Dad loves The Lord and has always faithfully served in various church callings throughout his life. The young men in the Explorer Scout Program especially felt his rich influence. Dad and Mom served a mission together in Detroit, Michigan, and a second mission at the Family History Library. Mom passed away on March 17, 2002, one day after their 51st anniversary. Dad loved to camp and fish with his family and was still backpacking into the Wind Rivers in his late 70's. The grandchildren have great memories of playing steal the flag, driving to Idaho for potatoes, homemade strawberry milkshakes, tree tipping, and lots and lots of fishing trips with grandpa. Dad is survived by five of his seven children: Allyson Clark, Dwight (Joy) Tholen, Sterling (Jennifer) Tholen, Preston (Calee) Tholen, and Anthony (Becky) Tholen. He is "the best grandpa in the world" to 24 grandchildren and 16 great-grandchildren (and three more on the way). He is survived by one brother, Richard (Faye) Tholen. He was preceded in death by his grandson, Preston; his son, Eddy; and his daughter, Valerie. The family would like to thank the caring, compassionate staff at Legacy House of Taylorsville for treating our dad with such love and respect. Special thanks to his devoted physician, Dr. Philip Kithas at the VA Hospital. A viewing will be held on May 7, 2014 from 6:30 PM to 8:30 PM at the Holladay 3rd Ward, 4568 South Holladay Blvd. The funeral service will be held on May 8, 2014 at 11:00 AM at the Holladay 3rd Ward with a viewing starting at 9:30 AM to 10:30 AM. The burial will follow at Wasatch Lawn Memorial Park, 3401 South Highland Drive. In lieu of flowers, dad would be so happy if you would donate to the Perpetual Education Fund or the Temple Patron Assistance Fund of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Online condolences can be shared with the family at www.serenicarefuneralhome.com.

C. Edsel "Ed" Tholen

February 27, 1925 - April 30, 2014