Val Joseph Neuenswander

Val Joseph Neuenswander, beloved husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather, returned home to his Heavenly Father on August 11, 2025, after 90 remarkable years.

Val was born on November 14, 1934, in Weston, Idaho, to parents, Arthur and Irene Neuenswander. From an early age, Val developed a deep love of learning—his father was his elementary school principal and he often spoke of the wealth of knowledge and guidance he gained in his youth from goodly parents.

Val also developed a unique work ethic on the family farm often reminiscing about his early chores and duties. This was offset by his love for sports and spending time with his four siblings.

After graduating from Westside High School where he played basketball and baseball, Val attended Brigham Young University. Val joined the ROTC and graduated with a degree in Education. It was there he met the love of his life, Benda Lee Evans. Val often said, “I married the most beautiful woman in the world.” They were sealed for time and eternity in the Logan Utah Temple and have been happily married for 66 years.

Val’s life was defined by service—to his family, his faith, his country, and his community. As a young man, he served a mission for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in the Central Atlantic States Mission. This included parts of North Carolina, South Carolina and Virginia. Later in life, he served alongside Benda in the Atlanta, Georgia Mission sharing the gospel and touching countless lives. Val absolutely loved teaching and studying the gospel of Jesus Christ throughout his life. Val also supported many missionary efforts, often sacrificing quietly to bless the lives of others.

Val also answered the call to serve his country in the U.S. Air Force where he was one of the first LDS Chaplains. He was stationed in Tokyo, Japan where his two sons, Mark and David were born. He conducted services throughout Tokyo and Hokkaido, Seoul Korea, and Iwo Jima. He loved working closely with a young Area Authority, Gordon B. Hinckley. And he valued his lifelong relationships with his Japanese friends.

Val loved his country and was a true Patriot. He attended the 1981 Inauguration of his favorite President, Ronald Reagan. He used to say if he could choose any country in the world it would be the United States; any state in the world it would be Utah; and any city in the world and it would be Bountiful. He loved seeing the sunsets over the Great Salt Lake and his early morning runs along Bountiful Blvd. And he even enjoyed removing the snow on Cave Hollow.

Val was a natural leader. He served as General Manager in the Provo and Salt Lake offices for New York Life Insurance Company for nearly 30 years. Retirement never slowed him down—he went on to work as a Financial Advisor, a job he loved so much he “never really stopped working.” His dedication, warmth, and wisdom earned him the admiration of clients and colleagues alike.

Val lived an active lifestyle. He enjoyed going to the gym with his friends up until the last two weeks of his life. He loved golfing with his boys, skiing, and never missed his early morning walk/run. He enjoyed coaching his 5 sons in baseball winning many Provo City Championships. He continued to support and coach his grandkids from the sidelines.

He also enjoyed traveling the world with Benda. This included Africa, the Middle East, Asia, and Europe. But Kapalua, Maui had his heart. He loved to keep up his golden tan and teach everyone the importance of “angles” to take advantage of the Hawaiian sun.

He also loved watching old Western movies with a bowl of popcorn, and supporting his grandkids in all their activities. He enjoyed cheering on the BYU Cougars and rooting for the Utah Jazz court side.

Val’s faith was central to his life. He served in the Bountiful Utah Temple for fifteen years. He was a Bishop in the Aurora, CO Ward and a High Counselor in the Bountiful Mueller Park Stake. He had a special love for the youth, mentoring and encouraging them with kindness and wisdom. He especially enjoyed teaching an Early Morning Seminary class at Bountiful High School. He had a gift for making others feel valued and loved and continually looked for ways to serve and uplift.

Val’s greatest achievement was his family. He never waisted an opportunity to express his love for them. He is survived by his sweetheart, Benda; his children; Mark (Sherilyn) Neuenswander, David (Andrea) Neuenswander, John (Tracy) Neuenswander, Phil Neuenswander, Nancy (Nathan) Johnson, and Paul (Catherine) Neuenswander; 19 grandchildren; and 3 great-grandchildren.

He is also survived by his brothers Lavor (Barbara) Neuenswander and Doyle (Karen) Neuenswander, and his sister Kerma Jones. He is preceeded in death by his parents, Arthur and Irene, his Father-in-law Ben Evans, Mother-in-law Mary Evans, daughter-in-law Kelly Neuenswander, sister Arlene Larsen, brother-in-law Ron Jones, brother-in-law Larry Evans, sister-in-law Betty Evans, and sister-in-law Joan Butt.

Val’s life was truly a testament to faith, integrity, and love. He was a devoted disciple of Jesus Christ. He loved the Lord with all his heart and it is perfectly shown in his valiant life. He is a witness of God’s divine love, grace, and goodness, especially evident in his final “tremendous two days” on this earth. Val leaves behind a lasting legacy of faith, service, and unconditional love. Val is eternally loved by his family and they find absolute comfort in knowing they will be reunited again.

A viewing will be held from 6:00--8:00 p.m. on Friday, August 15, 2025, at Russon Mortuary, 295 N. Main, Bountiful, Utah. Another viewing will be held from 9:30--10:45 a.m. Saturday, August 16, 2025, followed by funeral services at 11:00 a.m. at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 436 West 400 South, Centerville, Utah 84014.

Services will be streamed live on the Russon Mortuary Live Facebook page and this obituary page. The live stream will begin 10-15 minutes prior to services and will be posted below.