Our loving father, Veldon C. Izatt, age 89, returned to his Heavenly home with his eternal companion by his side at the Birch
Creek Assisted Living Center in Smithfield, Utah on July 10, 2025 after bravely facing the challenges of dementia. Veldon was
born August 17, 1935 at home in Turnerville, Wyoming to Leslie and Delia Elizabeth Crouch Izatt. He was the youngest of four
boys, born to a family of strong and devoted brothers- Lenord, Keith and Stanley- who were lifelong friends and examples of
brotherly love.
His family moved to Freedom, Wyoming when he was about 3 years old when his father, Leslie, acquired a sawmill, the
Freedom Lumber Company. Veldon found so much joy working there alongside his dad, siblings, children, nephews and even
a few nieces. The sawmill became more than just a place of work, it was where family and purpose came together.
He attended Freedom Elementary and then went to Junior High and High School in Afton, Wyoming where he graduated in
1953. Ten years later, driven by a deep sense of purpose and a desire to make a difference, he returned to school. He attended
Ricks College (currently BYU-Idaho) and later Brigham Young University, where he majored in history and received a
Bachelor's degree in education. Just one week after graduating, he accepted his first teaching position at a girls reform school
in Caliente, Nevada. It was there that his passion for teaching and compassion for youth truly increased, as he devoted the
next 30 years to education, ultimately finishing his career at Star Valley High School.
He married his life-long sweetheart, Veloy Aldine Hemmert, on July 20, 1954 in the Idaho Falls Temple. They were married
just 10 days shy of 71 years. Together they raised five children who cherished their father with all their hearts. He wasn't just
a teacher in the classroom, he was a teacher at home. He led by example, showing those around him the value of hard work,
the importance of spending quality time with family, and the healing power of laughter. He believed that even in life's most
difficult moments, a shared smile or a good laugh could help lighten the load.
Veldon served in many positions within the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, with his role as Bishop being the most
influential. Together with his beloved wife, he served a full time mission in the Rochester New York mission from March 1996
to March 1997, laboring faithfully in the Buffalo and Warsaw areas. His dedication to temple service was profound as he
served 17 years in the Idaho Falls Temple and nearly two years in the Star Valley Temple, offering countless hours in humble
service. Our dad's unwavering testimony stood as a beacon of strength and profound example to everyone around him. He
was a man of deep faith, quiet strength and constant love. He lived his life with integrity, kindness and deep devotion to his
family. His presence brought comfort, his words offered wisdom, and his example left a legacy that will guide us forever.
Veldon loved the great outdoors, especially the mountains, where he found peace and joy. He also had a great love for singing,
a passion that began in his childhood with Mrs. Rose Hanson, a little German neighbor who would sit for hours in the backyard
singing with him and sharing songs that sparked his lifelong joy for music. His voice was so effortless and full of joy. Many
can remember being in church and hearing Veldon's strong and clear voice, rising above the entire congregation. For Veldon,
music was a part of who he was, a gift he shared freely, lifting spirits with every note.
Our beloved woodsman and extraordinary teacher is survived by his precious companion, Veloy Aldine Hemmert Izatt, 5
children: Lorene (Steve) Spencer, Jed (Kathy) Izatt, Dena (Kim) Luthi, Dale (LouAnn) Izatt, and Lisa (Rigo) Chaparro; 37
grandchildren; 50 great grandchildren; 1 brother: Stanley (Sandra) Izatt. He was preceded in death by his parents and
siblings: Leslie Izatt, Delia Elizabeth Crouch Izatt; Lenord and Carma Izatt, Keith and Gayle Izatt and Mona Izatt; one great
grandson: Keelan Pond; 3 nieces and two nephews.
A viewing will be held Friday, July 18 from 6 to 8 p.m. at the Schwab Mortuary in Thayne, Wyoming. A viewing will also be
held on July 19 from 9:30 am to 10:45 a.m. followed by the funeral service starting at 11:00 a.m. in the Freedom Ward chapel.
The interment will be in the Freedom, Wyoming Cemetery.