Individual Details

Death

Our beloved Husband, Father, Grandfather, and Great-Grandfather, Karl Jethro Furr, age 91, passed away at home, peacefully, surrounded by his family Saturday, August 13, 2022. Karl was born March 10, 1931, in Eugene, Oregon to Carl J. Furr and Norma Henrie; he was the oldest of four children: Paul Furr, Bruce Furr, and Tamaree Littlefield. Karl grew up in Mesa, Arizona on a “citrus ranch”. There he learned to work hard and love the outdoors. Anyone who knew Karl, knew of his love for storytelling. He enjoyed telling stories of his youth and his one-eyed horse which he rode to church and school. At 13, Karl moved to Provo, Utah and lived with his Grandma and Grandpa Henrie, where he attended Farrer Jr. High and Provo High School. In high school, Karl joined the Orchestra where his love for both the French horn and the conductor’s daughter grew. The conductor’s daughter, Diane Hilgendorff, and Karl married December 1, 1951 in Provo. In December of 2019, they were sealed for Time and All Eternity in the Provo City Center Temple. They recently celebrated their 70th wedding anniversary. He attended college for two years, then was appointed to a coveted machine shop apprenticeship, at Geneva Steel. He worked there for 30 years. During that time, he became a skilled machinist which enabled him and his wife to start their own business, Furr Arms, where they made miniature cannons and gatling guns. Karl and his wife were among the founding members of the Utah Valley Symphony. Which they continued to play with for 50 years. Karl playing the French horn and Diane playing the violin. Karl had a great appreciation for cars and would later begin collecting and restoring vintage automobiles. He did not like to sit still and had many other hobbies, which included, boating at Lake Powell, Jeeping with his brother Paul, golfing, and traveling the world. He loved life, as long as he had his sweetheart Diane, by his side, even on his jeep safaris, which caused many gray hairs on Mom. He retired from Geneva Steal at age 55, but always found projects to occupy his time. He began traveling the country playing the “1812 Overture” with 16 of his miniature cannons which he had made. Eventually, he gifted these cannons to each of his grandchildren. Karl had the opportunity and took great pride in playing his Bugle for the American Legion. He loved showing respect to veterans and their families. He truly valued the friendships he made with the men in Post 72 and spoke very highly of them. Karl was very loved by his family and friends. He always seemed to be around whenever he was needed, always willing to give of his time and resources for those he loved. Karl was a very hard and dedicated worker, a trait he passed down to each of his children. We will greatly miss him. He is preceded in death by his father, mother, brother Paul Furr, and two grandchildren: Joshua Barker, and Richard Furr. He is survived by his beloved wife Diane, his children: Douglas Furr, Ken (Nancy) Furr, Keith (Julene) Furr, Kaylene (Randy) Ollerton, 24 grandchildren and 73 great-grandchildren. Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m., Saturday, August 20, 2022 at the Sharon Park 3rd Ward Chapel, 310 North 100 East, Orem, Utah. Friends may call at the Berg Mortuary of Orem, 500 North State Street, Friday, August 19 from 6-8:00 p.m. and at the church Saturday from 9:30-10:45 a.m. prior to services. Interment, Orem City Cemetery.