Steven William Reese

The world lost a bright, shining star and heaven gained a valiant angel as Steven William Reese passed away peacefully on Wednesday, May 3, 2023 after a long and courageous battle with ALS and its affects.

Steve was born on January 8, 1956 in Dragerton, Utah. He was raised by his father, John William Reese, whom he loved and adored, and his grandparents, William Perry and Lenna McMullin Reese.

It was in the surroundings of his childhood home in Helper, Utah that Steve gained a passion for curiosity and creativity. Those early years inspired Steve’s nature and ingenuity, which served him well in life. Steve was a gifted inventor and creator. He could build, create, and fix anything under the sun without the use of manuals or YouTube; something that astonished all who witnessed this talent. Steve found great enjoyment in writing and could often be found doing so at his computer in the early hours of the morning. He authored various books ranging from one about a coal mining camp, science fiction, and a series of audio books for his grandchildren to teach them life lessons. He had a fun-loving, silly, gentle and intelligent nature. Steve knew how make others laugh through his silliness. A gift we will cherish forever.

Steve had a brilliant mind which was manifested through his writings, personal studies and creations. He was known to study Gospel subjects, the universe, and engineering. Steve graduated from Granite High School and went on to graduate Suma Cum Laude from the University of Utah where he received a bachelor’s degree in communications. Steve had a mind for vision which was seen throughout his professional life. He had the mindset and proficiencies of an entrepreneur. His life and legacy of hard work and sacrifice touched and inspired all who knew him, especially his children.

Steve’s greatest achievement in life was his family. He was married to his eternal companion, Joni Lawrence, in the Salt Lake Temple. Steve was a devoted husband and father of five children. He found deep and lasting joy in his children and 13 grandchildren. His eyes would light up with happiness and love while in the presence of his family and ours back to him. Steve always demonstrated love, respect and kindness sprinkled with the perfect dose of silliness and humor to Joni and taught his children to do the same.

Steve was a dedicated member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. He had the honor to serve in various capacities that blessed and enriched his life. One of his greatest joys was to be able to serve a mission with his sweetheart. He found great joy in serving the Lord. His love and closeness to the Savior and Heavenly Father was evident in his example. Even in the face of his own challenges, illness, and pain Steve always remained steadfast and immovable in his faith and love for his Savior and Heavenly Father.

Steve is survived by his wife Joni (whom he lovingly called “Ma”), their five children Brandon, Heather Hart (Jordan), Ashlee Harman (Jason), Ryan (Ashley), and Kelli Coombs (Skyler), as well as 13 precious grandchildren.

The family would like to thank the hospice angels and all others who tended and cared for our sweet husband and father.

There are no words to express how deeply Steve will be missed in the lives of those who loved and adored him. His wit, humor, intelligence, ingenuity, faith, and testimony have left an indelible impression on all those who knew him. Oh, how we look forward to his warm embrace once again someday. We are grateful for the knowledge that we have that this is not the end and that families are forever. Until we meet again.

A viewing will be held Friday, May 12th from 6:00-8:00PM at the LDS Church building located at 761 E. 400 N. in Spanish Fork, Utah.

A 2nd viewing will be held Saturday, May 13th from 10:30 -12:00 at the same location, with the funeral service to follow.

The interment will take place at the West Jordan Memorial Estates and Cemetery directly following the funeral services.