Owen LaVon Gonder

Owen LaVon Gonder, age 84, passed away peacefully on June 5, 2026 in the Utah Valley Hospital, Provo, Utah surrounded by his family. He was born on July 13, 1941 in Delta, Utah to Daniel Wayne and Mollie Marie Conk Gonder.

Owen was raised in Garrison, Utah and graduated from Delta High School. He served as senior class president and vice president of the band where he played alto saxaphone. When younger he enjoyed riding bulls and broncs and car street racing. He also attended College of Southern Utah (SUU), Brigham Young University (BYU) and Utah State University (USU). He made his living in Garrison, Utah as a cattle rancher and farmer. He enjoyed working on the ranch with his dad and later on with his wife, where he was able to grow his cattle herd from 50 to 500 head of cattle.

Owen met Patricia Ann Tanner on a blind date. He married her on October 1,1965 in Garrison . They were later sealed in the Salt Lake City LDS Temple on April 28, 1967.

Owen had many accomplishments in his life. Some were serving as the Millard County President of the Cattleman’s Association, Branch President in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints twice, serving a mission for his Church to Eastern Canada with Thomas S Monson as his Mission President, and later serving a couple’s mission for his church with his wife Patricia, to Cleveland, Ohio. His biggest accomplishment though, was his family.

Owen is preceded in death by his parents; brother: Emerson; sister-in-law: Daisy; brother-in-law: Dorian; daughter-in-law: Ginger; and nephew: Kevin. He is survived by his sweetheart: Patricia; children: RaeAnne (Allen) Knight; Guy (Amy) Gonder; Shawn Gonder; and Danielle (James) Jensen; 23 grandchildren and 10 great-grandchildren; sisters: Lila Faber, and Frona Huntington. He has many extended family members and dear friends whose lives were blessed by his kindness, talents, and generosity. Owen never met a stranger.

The family expresses their heartfelt gratitude to the loving staff at the Delta hospital and Utah Valley Hospital in Provo, Utah. The compassionate care and kindness meant so much to his wife and family. Their love and support during the final moments of his life will never be forgotten.

Funeral Services will be Saturday, June 20, at 11:00 AM, at the Oak City LDS Church, 35 East Center Street. Viewings will be held Friday, June 19, 6-8 PM, at the Nickle Mortuary, 190 South Center Street, Delta; and Saturday, 9:30-10:40 AM, prior to the service. Those unable to attend in person may view the recorded video of the service. Link will be posted with his obituary at www.nicklemortuary.com. Owen will be laid to rest in the Oak City Cemetery.