Vell Runolfson Obituary (1940 - 2025)

Vell Loyal Runolfson, passed away on October 2, 2025. Born in Spanish Fork, UT on April 17, 1940, the 85-year-old North Ogden resident leaves behind a legacy marked by intelligence, wit, service to others, love of tennis and a devotion to family, God and county. Vell spent his professional life as a computer programmer including the most recent for the Department of Corrections, retiring in 2011. While he was precise and methodical in his work, Vell was anything but boring. He was known for his sense of humor, his Dad jokes and his ability to spontaneously launch into a yodel or sing a love song to his beloved wife Claudia. When not working or entertaining friends and family, Vell could be found on the tennis or pickleball courts. He also loved his beautiful garden and tending to his variety of irises and tomatoes. He served in the Utah National Guard and was devoted to the scouting community, cherishing years of campouts and adventures. Vell was also a devoted member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints and served in many callings, including his last assignment as a FamilySearch missionary. His commitment to his faith was reflected in his daily life and actions. Vell is survived by his loving wife, Claudia Lou Scott Runolfson; his children, Michele Gunnell (Mark), Michael Runolfson, Mindy Clift (David), and Marci Tiedgen (Jeremy); his grandchildren, Nicole Gunnell, Carter Clift, Brooke Gunnell, Canon Clift (Avery), Gabe Tiedgen, Austin Gunnell, and Amy Tiedgen; and his siblings and their spouses: Vala Jeanné Runolfson, Janeen Runolfson (wife of Kent Runolfson), Arlen Runolfson (Judy), Muriel Cook (Tom), and Debra Aston (Michael). He was preceded in death by his parents, Loyal and Fern Runolfson; his sister, Colleen Caldwell, and Larry, Colleen's husband; as well as Vell’s brother, Kent Runolfson. Vell's love for his family was only surpassed by his love for the Black Bear Diner and the St George Senior Games. We invite you to share your memories of Vell, and to upload your favorite photos of him, on his memorial page. Whether it's a story about his famous square dances with the Checkmates, a memory of a lesson he taught you, or a photo of his beloved iris garden, we look forward to celebrating Vell's life with you. A memorial service will be held on Friday, October 10, 2025, at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints building, located at 787 East 1700 N, North Ogden with the viewing beginning at 11:00 am, followed by the funeral service at 12:30 pm, with a gravesite dedication immediately after the services at Evergreen Memorial Gardens, 100 N Monroe Blvd., Ogden, UT. All attendees are invited to a luncheon following the proceedings at the church building on 787 E 1700 N.