Karl Edward Wesson, beloved husband, father and friend, joined family and loved ones in the next life on Tuesday January 9, 2024 after more than twenty years battling various types of cancer. Karl exemplified remarkable faith and courage as he endured the difficulties of numerous medical treatments while continuing to love and care for those around him.
Karl was born September 30, 1945 in Tempe, Arizona to Howard Messenger Wesson and Beatrice Millie Huber. He was the youngest of two boys, with an older adopted brother (Tim) who preceded him in death. Karl enjoyed a childhood filled with outdoor adventures in the irrigation canals and trees that lined the dirt road where three of his aunts, uncles and multiple cousins all lived next door to him and each other.
Karl graduated from Tempe High School with a scholarship to cosmetology school. There he learned the art of styling hair and earned money to help support him on a mission for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Karl served for three years in the Rarotonga, Cook Island Mission where each day brought the challenge of finding or catching your own food and sharing testimony through service to the kind and loving people of the South Pacific. Throughout his life, he continued to have a deep love for the Polynesian people.
After his mission, Karl graduated from Arizona State University with a business degree and then received a Master’s Degree in Performing Arts from Brigham Young University. While at BYU, Karl participated with the Ballroom Dance team and Young Ambassadors but the highlight of his experience was being selected as a member of the International Folk Dance Team, first as a dancer and then as an instructor and tour manager under Mary Bee Jensen. It was also at BYU that Karl met his sweetheart (Brenda) and began their journey of fifty years together. They were married in the Salt Lake Temple of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints on June 20, 1974. Karl and Brenda lived for 18 years in Orem, Utah and then moved to Salem, Utah where they had land to enjoy horses and gardening. Karl was an active member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and served faithfully in many callings. His favorite opportunity was serving as an ordinance worker in the Payson Utah temple.
Karl combined his love for performing arts and hairstyling as he worked on numerous television and film projects, first at the Brigham Young Motion Picture Studio and then throughout the world as a member of the IATSE Hair Stylists Guild Local 706. His favorite projects were historical period films or portrayals of the life of the Savior. He received several Emmy Awards for his work on the television show Dr. Quinn Medicine Woman and was nominated with his team for an Oscar Award.
Karl is survived by his wife, Brenda, and children Amy Wesson, Julie Needham (Kalani), Laura Wesson, Brent Wesson (Helen) and Zoey Wesson, grandchildren Deacon Kinikini, Jada Kinikini and Sophia Wesson. He is preceded in death by a daughter, Jenny Lynn Wesson, a grandson, Karl, his parents and older brother.
A funeral service will be held at 11:00 a.m. MST on Tuesday, January 16 at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints meetinghouse located at 470 East Salem Canal Road, Salem, Utah. A viewing will be held from 9:30-10:30 a.m. that morning. Burial will be in the Orem City Cemetery 1520 North 800 East, Orem, Utah following the services.
6 Condolences for Karl Edward Wesson
Condolences(6)
Shane and Leann Jackson says
January 13, 2024 at 3:39 amI have so many wonderful memories of my cousin, Karl, when I was a little girl and continuing on through all these many years. It was always a treat to visit him and his beautiful family. I will miss knowing he is a phone call away or a little jaunt to Salem. He has been a wonderful example to me and to our family. And I will miss his laugh most of all! Sending our Love to Brenda and family.
Margaret Williams says
January 14, 2024 at 2:13 amWe all share in your loss. He was always kind to Don. May The Lord bless you.
Loran and Doris Cook Family says
January 14, 2024 at 7:05 pmWe have wonderful memories of our time living next door in Orem.
Karl and Brenda are both Christ-like examples to all. The one who is
the happiest now is Jenny. We are grateful for our understanding of
eternal families. Think celestial! We love you and your family! Loran and Doris Cook Family
Michelle Evans says
January 16, 2024 at 5:20 amRichard and I mourn our/your loss. What a great missionary companion and lifelong friend. The stories from that mission could fill a book. Heaven received an absolute treasure,, and we treasure every second we shared with him in person or on the phone. Brenda, you are a elect lady. We think the world of you. Please send us your number so we can keep in touch.
Barta Heiner says
January 16, 2024 at 7:30 pmMy apologies for not being able to attend Karl’s funeral, but I was able to watch it online. What beautiful tributes, I wish I could have been there to tell you all how wonderful Karl was to me. He not only did my makeup and hair a number of times, but he was so supportive when we were working together on “Testaments…” Karl is a gem and so are you Brenda. Thank you so much for being part of my life.
Linda Hall Condie says
January 18, 2024 at 8:29 pmBrenda and family: I don’t know if you remember me, Linda Hall, now Linda Condie. We have kept track of your family through, l guess you would call it the grapevine, which has some negative connotation, but not in this case. Valene shared a link with us of your husband’s funeral. It was such a blessing to be able to hear all the wonderful a
and difficult times you have experienced as a family. We want to send our condolences and tell you that the strength and love for the gospel you and your family have show is beyond amazing! Our thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time, but we know your faith and strong testimonies will comfort you and all will be well!
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