David Kelton Sorensen

Some people measure a life by the things a person accomplishes. Those who knew David Kelton Sorensen know his life is better measured by the lives he touched, the faith he lived, and the countless things he built—businesses, opportunities, friendships, and, most importantly, an eternal family.

David Kelton Sorensen passed away peacefully on June 26, 2026, surrounded by his family at the age of 87.

Born on March 13, 1939, in Salt Lake City, Utah, to Junius Mark Sorensen and Mary Liesetta Gygi Sorensen, David lived a remarkable life defined by faith, hard work, service, and an unwavering love for his family.

As a young man, David spent several formative years living in Denmark, where his parents served as leaders of the Danish Mission for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Those years fostered a lifelong love for the Danish people, culture, and the homeland of his ancestors. He later returned to Denmark as a full-time missionary, serving the people in the country that had become so dear to his heart. Throughout his life, he treasured both his native America and his adopted homeland of Denmark, embracing the heritage, traditions, and values of each.

David also honorably served in the United States Army Reserve, reflecting a lifelong love of country and a willingness to serve.

His love of learning led him to Brigham Young University, where he earned a Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering. Never content to stop learning, he later returned to BYU while balancing family, work, and Church service to earn a Master’s degree in Manufacturing Engineering. His pursuit of education reflected a lifelong curiosity and a belief that learning and growth never truly end.

On September 13, 1963, he married Bonnie-Lee Acomb in the Salt Lake City Utah Temple. Together they built a home centered on faith, love, laughter, and hard work, raising four children—Sheri, Brad, Richard, and Collin. Their marriage of more than sixty years was a beautiful example of devotion, partnership, and the eternal blessings of the gospel of Jesus Christ.

Although David was trained as an engineer, he was an entrepreneur at heart. His successful professional career included founding Echo Solutions, where his vision and determination helped build a successful company. Later, he established the Utah Manufacturing Extension Partnership, dedicating himself to helping hundreds of small manufacturers throughout Utah become stronger and more successful. He loved solving problems, creating opportunities, and helping others succeed. His influence extended far beyond the companies he built.

To his family, however, those accomplishments were never what defined him.

Anyone who knew Dad knew he always had a project he was working on. In fact, we often joked that he wasn’t happy unless he was building something. Whether it was a greenhouse, a business, a better way to solve a problem, or simply improving something around the house, he found joy in creating. Looking back, we realize he wasn’t just building projects—he was building people. Every project became an opportunity to teach us how to work, solve problems, persevere, and take pride in doing things well.

Some of our best memories are of long summer weekends spent together cutting firewood, building greenhouses, working in the garden, or tackling whatever project needed to be done. Those days weren’t really about wood, gardens, or construction. They were about learning responsibility, perseverance, and the satisfaction that comes from working hard alongside the people you love. Without ever preaching, Dad taught us that meaningful things are rarely easy and that there is dignity in honest work. Those lessons have shaped our lives far more than he probably ever knew.

He also found joy in God’s creations. Whether hunting in the mountains or casting a fishing line into a quiet lake or stream, he felt at peace outdoors. Those adventures became treasured family memories that will continue to be shared for generations.

Faith in Jesus Christ was the foundation of David’s life. He faithfully served in many callings in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints over the years, but perhaps no service brought him greater joy than serving in the temple alongside Bonnie. Together they found peace and purpose in the House of the Lord, strengthening both their testimonies and their eternal partnership through that sacred service.

Nothing brought David greater happiness than watching his family grow. He was the proud father of four children, grandfather to 18 grandchildren, and great-grandfather to soon to be 17 great-grandchildren. To all of them, he was simply “Big Grandpa,” a name that reflected the enormous place he held in their hearts. Of all the things he built throughout his life, nothing made him prouder than the family that gathered around him.

He is survived by his beloved wife of more than sixty years, Bonnie-Lee Sorensen; his children Sheri (Jon), Brad (Michele), Richard (Tiffany), and Collin (Jamie); 18 grandchildren; 17 great-grandchildren; and many extended family members and dear friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Junius Mark Sorensen and Mary Liesetta Gygi Sorensen; his beloved grandson, Kelton; and his five siblings.

If you stopped by unexpectedly, there was a good chance you would find Dad in the middle of a project—with tools in his hands, ideas in his mind, and a smile that hinted at what he was creating next. The things he built with his hands may one day fade, but the lives he shaped through his example will endure for generations. We will miss him deeply, but we are forever grateful for the husband, father, Big Grandpa, mentor, and friend he was. Because of his steadfast testimony of Jesus Christ and the sacred covenants he cherished, we look forward with hope to the joyful day when our family is together again.