Melvin LaVar Christoffersen

Melvin LaVar Christoffersen Jr (CPA/Cowboy) of Kaysville Utah finally retired from work, and this life at the age of 77 on January 17, 2026 after a short battle with cancer. He unplugged his 10-key calculator, tossed his mechanical pencil, put his cowboy boots aside and peacefully drifted off into the arms of those who loved him and were waiting for him. We now mourn the passing of our husband, father, brother, grandfather (“Pa”) and friend. Mel was born on October 5, 1948 to Melvin LaVar Christoffersen Sr and Klea Mae Nielsen in Malad, Idaho.

Mel is survived by his wife Debbie Jones Christoffersen and his children Melanie (Mike) Gardner, Connie (Bret) Rogers, John (Wendee) Christoffersen, Jeremy (Nicole) Christoffersen and Leslie (Steve) Gurr. He leaves behind 17 grandchildren and 17 great grandchildren, his brother Gregg (Nancy) Christoffersen and sister Tami (Mike) Williams.

Mel was a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. He held various callings in presidencies and bishoprics. He served as a temple worker in both the Bountiful and Layton temples. He enjoyed working as the baptismal coordinator and interacting with the youth. He had a special surprise one afternoon when five grandchildren greeted him at the temple door ready to do baptisms and confirmations. We have no doubt that he will continue the work of our Savior on the other side while at the same time watching over us.

Mel started his accounting firm Christoffersen Accountancy almost 50 years ago. Through his professional career, he had many clients that become lifelong friends. Unfortunately, some of his children and grandchildren also followed his path in this high demand, stress induced financial occupation, much to Debbie’s dismay.

Mel found much happiness spending time at his ranch in Daniels, Idaho that he and Debbie built together. Many family memories were created riding ATVs (beezers), motorcycles, shooting guns, fishing, water slides, volleyball games, and corn hole competitions. Afternoons were spent solving most of the current world issues. This was his escape from work commitments – he enjoyed the peace and quiet of the country- side he has known since his boyhood where his ancestors settled.

Mel loved life. He proudly watched as his kids and grandkids were baptized, graduated from high school and college, served missions, and got married and started their own families. He loved cheering from the bleachers in any event they participated in – baseball, football, basketball, softball, dance, drill and made an effort to never miss an event. He even joined neighborhood kids when they were practicing in their yard and gave tips on throwing a curve ball and how to catch a football. He was a coach that encouraged and inspired them to be the best they could be.

Mel had a deep love for our country and our freedoms. In the summer of 2023 he and Debbie took their kids to the Battle of the Bulge site in Belgium where his father in law David Jones served in World War II. We walked the streets where he and the soldiers in his company walked. He had a great reverence and respect for those who fought and died for our country. We often said it was the trip of a lifetime and returned with a greater knowledge of the sacrifices made on our behalf.

His final balance sheet shows a life well lived, accounts settled, and a legacy that remains solidly steeped in the knowledge of the gospel plan.

Friends and family are invited to a viewing to be held Thursday evening January 29th from 6:00 to 8:00 pm at Russon Brothers Funeral Home at 1941 N Main Street, Farmington, Utah. A morning viewing will be held on Friday January 30th from 9:30 to 10:30 am at the Webster Meadows ward building (205 South Angel Street Kaysville, Utah 84037). Mel’s final farewell/funeral will follow at 11:00 am.

Cowboy boots welcome.