Joseph Delbert Ahlstrom
Joseph Delbert Ahlstrom was born on July 21, 1932 in Hatton Utah to Leonard and Olive Ahlstrom. He passed away at home on April 5, 2020 with his wife by his side. He attended Cyprus High school and graduated in 1950.
After school, the draft was going on but he wanted to pick the branch of service he wanted to be in so he enlisted in the Air Force and served there for 4 years. He was able to see many parts of the world during his service. He met his sweetheart, Marie Williams, through his friend David Rose. They were married March 18, 1957 in the Salt Lake Temple and just celebrated 63 years of marriage. They had 10 children born to them. The first eight were girls and their only son was born on his birthday as a birthday gift to him. One last girl was added to complete this family.
Dad was a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. He served in many callings in the church which include being a cub master and scout master. He was able to do many things with his son Joe as he served in the scouting program. There were many treasured memories between father and son at this time. He spent 10 years serving in the Salt Lake temple as an ordinance worker and loved every minute of it. He served as a counselor in the bishopric and loved working with Bishop Richardson. He also served a mission for the church in the Nigeria/Lagos mission in 2001-2002 with his wife.
Dad worked as a custodian for Granite School District for most of his 30 years. The last few were working in the plumbing department for the district. Because dad worked in the school system, he has had many people that remember him and still to this day people will ask one of his children how Joe is doing. He got along with everyone and was loved by all. Dad also worked 12 years at a part time job to help with the expenses of a large family.
Dad didn’t really have hobbies because he always seemed to be working at either of his jobs or in fixing up the house or working on his car and was always trying to make a nice place for his family. He relaxed by going camping at the family’s ranch in Idaho and loved to pass that time with fishing or just kicking back. The family had a blue canvas tent that served us all very well through the years with many nights sleeping under blankets or on cots at the family ranch. Dad liked to have lots of change in his pockets and each night he would empty out his pockets and put the change in a big jug. This money became his vacation account.
Dad loved his family and it showed mostly in his actions more than in words. He especially loved his wife Marie and has always watched out for her as she has watched out for him. Marie has been his caregiver for the last few months of his life and has done it with much love and compassion.
Joseph is survived by his wife Marie, his 10 children Judy (Robert) Hunt, Janet Dalton, Jill (Dave – deceased) Curbello, Jean Moss, Joleen (David) Hutchison, Jennifer (Dave) Tiedt, JaNeal (Joel) Irvine, Jodie (Michael) James, Joseph (Shannon) Ahlstrom and Jana (Neil) Scott. They have 22 grandchildren and 20 great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents, his brother Leo and sister Betty.
A private graveside service will be held on April 10, 2020 at Memorial Redwood Mortuary.
Thanks to Heritage Home Health & Hospice for their compassion and care, especially Kadi, at the end of his life. We love you dad!! Jesus is calling – come home.
