Aarl R Hunter

Aarl R Hunter, 86, of Mapleton, Utah, a devoted family man and faithful member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, passed away on Saturday, May 4, 2024, at home, surrounded by family. Aarl was born August 12, 1937, in Holden, Utah, to Otto Teeples Hunter and Allie Agnes Decker. He was the 3^rd of 6 children. He grew up in Holden, what Aarl called an idyllic place, helping his father on the farm as early as age 3. He graduated from Millard High School in 1955.

Aarl attended Brigham Young University, then served a mission in Sweden for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints from 1957 – 1960, where he fell in love with the Swedish language, the Swedish people, and his Swedish heritage. He made lifelong friends, with whom he always kept in touch.

Shortly after returning from his mission, he met Ann Sears on a blind date. By the end of the date, they knew they were meant for each other. They were sealed in the Los Angeles Temple in August of 1960. Together they raised 7 children.

Aarl and Ann were fortunate to call many places home, including Chicago, Illinois, where Aarl studied dentistry at Northwestern University; Detroit, Michigan, where he completed an internship for the Veteran’s Administration; Pleasanton and Danville, California, where Aarl and Ann raised their children; Mapleton, Utah, where they enjoyed their retirement years; and Stockholm, Sweden, where they served 3 missions for the Church. Aarl practiced dentistry for almost 30 years in Castro Valley, California.

Aarl loved serving others, exemplifying compassion and devotion. His steadfast commitment and guidance touched the lives of many, especially the youth, leaving a legacy of faith and service. He served in his church as bishop, home teacher, Sunday School teacher, young men’s leader, temple sealer, and more. He was an avid scouter from his youth through his adult years, receiving the Silver Beaver award. In his retirement, he took up woodworking and many family members, friends, neighbors, and even strangers cherish items that he made for them.

Aarl was preceded in death by his parents, Otto and Allie, and by siblings Deck and Margaret. He is survived by his wife, Ann, children Debbie Amundson (Mark), Kristen East (Douglas), Jenny Sykes (Scott), Dana Hunter, Karen Crockett (Alan), Kelly Hunter (Benjamin Bryner), and Derek Hunter (Rachel), 26 grandchildren, and 22 great-grandchildren. The family would like to offer special thanks to his caregivers from A-Plus Home Care and Hospice.