Gordon L Kiesel

Salina, Utah - In the early morning of August 18, 1934, a 14 pound baby boy was born to LeRoy Peter and Cleo Crane Kiesel. He grew up to be 6'4" and over 200 pounds who later in life became the Chief of Police for Salina City for over 30 years. He passed away September 2, 2017 at his home in Salina, surrounded by those he loved and who loved him. Gordon grew up with his sisters Gayle and Shirley, and brother Kendal. Gordon was an achiever early in life. He attended North Sevier High School where he excelled in sports and played basketball on the Varsity Team. He graduated in 1952. He attended Snow College where he was active in sports, including basketball and football. Out of college he worked at various jobs, including ranching, truck driving, and managing the Conoco Station. He married Evelyn Jensen in 1953. They had four children; Steven, Bart, Marsha, and Mary. They later divorced. He married Margaret Harward on January, 14, 1977 in Las Vegas, Nevada. Later solemnized in the Manti LDS Temple on April 15, 2000. They have enjoyed 40 years of life together. Salina City asked Gordon to be a part time officer, then in the 60's, he became the Chief of Police. Gordon had numerous experiences in different disputes in his job. He was instrumental in the capture of numerous suspects in cases ranging from burglary to a plane accident which he was a passenger in that crashed at Accords Lake. He and the pilot suffered minor cuts and bruises and back problems that continued through his life. But, Gordon considered himself and the pilot lucky to have walked away. Gordon is a second generation law enforcement officer since his father served as the Salina City Marshall for several years. One of Gordon’s proudest moments was when a Grandson (Allen) followed their footsteps to work with the law. Gordon was a member of the Salina Fire Department for 29 years. On two occasions in his life he wore two hats’ Chief of Police and Fire Chief. He has a son-in-law, Paul, and Grandson Allen who serve on the Fire Department. Allen continues in law enforcement at the Gunnison Prison. Gordon’s dad was also in the Fire Department along with his oldest son Steven. Gordon has worked with all enforcement offices in the state as well as out of state. Gordon was also involved with the Utah State Peace Officers Association from 1983-1990, serving as Region H Board of Directors, Sergeant of Arms, Vice President, and President. While serving in the UPOA, he and 39 of his fellow officers built a new building for the UPOA Offices. Gordon was instrumental in re-organizing the North Sevier Jeep Posse in the 1980's. Gordon coached little league for many years and also worked with Special Olympic’s. He and his two sons had a fleet of trucks which they operated together. Gordon and Margaret served an 18 month mission for the LDS Church at Cove Fort. In 1997, Gordon retired from Salina City. While on vacation in Seattle, Washington, he was hit in the pedestrian lane which he sustained several injuries. In 1998, Gordon suffered a debilitating stroke. He had severe paralysis and had difficulty in speaking clearly. He partially recovered but still had paralysis on the right side. He had many hospital stays over the years, but always came back to enjoy life. He never complained about his condition. They enjoyed the cabin that Gordon built at Accords Lake. It was the highlight of his life, he loved going every weekend and whenever he could. Many of his Law Enforcement friends enjoyed spending time there as well. Hunting season was one of his favorite times spent at the cabin with all of his family there. He enjoyed the fall and the color changes on the mountain. Gordon and Margaret traveled extensively in their motor home and enjoyed many trips together. They later purchased a home in Hurricane where they enjoyed the warm winter months. Gordon could get on his scooter and ride around the cul-de-sac where they lived. Gordon received the best care anyone could ever imagine. Margaret never left his side and made sure that he was well cared for. She gave him many extra years of life because of the love and excellent care she provided to him. He passed away peacefully by her side on September 2, 2017. Gordon is survived by his wife, Margaret. Children: Steven (Becky) Kiesel, Bart (Linda) Kiesel, Marsha Kiesel, Mary (Paul) Velesguez. Step children: DeAnn (Keith) Jensen, Jerry (Amy) Harward, Stefanie Harward, and Paula (Paul) Martin; 20 Grandchildren, 44 Great Grandchildren, a puppy and four cats. He was proud of all of them and especially watching them achieve success in their lives and the little great’s that would visit and wrap their little arms around his neck and say, I love you. Preceded in death by his parents; two baby daughters, Julie Ann and Judy Marie Kiesel; sisters and brother, Gayle Scott, Shirley Kaye Nielson and Kendal Kiesel; a Granddaughter, Sheila Marie Kiesel and a Great Granddaughter, Sarah Ann Kiesel. Funeral services will be held Saturday, September 9, 2017 at 11:00 A.M. in the Salina LDS Stake Center, where friends may call for viewing Friday evening from 6 to 8 P.m. or Saturday morning from 9:00 to 10:30 prior to the services. Burial with honors accorded by the Salina Police Department, the Salina Fire Department, the Sevier County Sheriff's Department and the Sevier County Search and Rescue will be in the Eastside Cemetery under the care of the Springer Turner Funeral Home of Richfield and Salina, Utah.