David Mansfield
1942 – 2023
David and Pearl, together again!
David Mansfield, known affectionately as “Papa” to those who knew and loved him, passed peacefully surrounded by his loving family on December 18, 2023, at the age of 81. Born on February 7, 1942, in Lakeview, MI, to Harley & Lucille Mansfield. He grew up in Michigan where he graduated from Wyoming High School in 1961. He later married the love of his life, Pearl Mae Riley on August 8, 1964, in the St. Paul Lutheran Church. As a retired lead pressman for the Ogden Standard Examiner, he knew the value of a good story and, boy, could he tell them! Whether it was tales of his adventures on the farm, his time as a military chef, or his numerous escapades while hunting, fishing, or dancing with his beloved wife, Pearl.
David was a lover of life and a master of joy. He was as funny as a sitcom dad, with a humor that could brighten even the gloomiest of days. He was a supportive rock, always there to lend an ear, offer a shoulder, or make a wisecrack when you needed it. David made everyone around him feel like they were his #1, the most special person in his life, whether it be family or friends. He touched everyone’s hearts. He was a loving father to Robert (Heather) Mansfield, Shelley (Rick) Humphrey, Lucille Mansfield, and Christina (Chris) Hester, and a doting Papa to his 13 grandchildren and 17 great-grandchildren. He was also the best friend anyone could ask for, especially to Ronny, with whom he shared many a coffee and tale.
In the Lutheran tradition, we remember the verse from Ecclesiastes 3:4, “A time to weep, and a time to laugh; a time to mourn, and a time to dance.” David, with his knack for cooking and reading stories to the kids, his passion for photography, and his dedication to the church, embodied this sentiment. He knew when to weep, but he also knew that life was about laughter and dancing. He leaves behind a legacy of love, humor, and support, and will be remembered fondly by all who knew him. He is now reunited with his parents, Harley Mansfield and Lucille Stiess, his beloved wife Pearl, his siblings Mary, Jay, Chuck, Rita, Nat, Martha, and Linda, and two of his grandchildren, Nathaniel and Kaizah.
The family would like to especially thank all the staff at George E Wahlen Veterans Home and the Bristol Hospice caregivers for the love and care they took of our dad.
A viewing will be held Friday, December 22, 2023, 6:008:00pm MST and Saturday, December 23, 2023, 10:00-10:45am MST, with funeral service following at 11:00am MST, at Myers Mortuary, 845 Washington Blvd., Ogden, Utah.
In David’s honor, we invite you to share your memories, stories, and photographs on his memorial page. After all, as David would say, “The best stories are the ones we share.”