My Dad

OLOF EBERHART ZUNDEL

Olof was born in Plymouth, Utah on December 5, 1919 to Eberhart and Laura Zundel. He married his eternal sweetheart, Ida Smith, in the Logan, Utah Temple on January 17, 1941. Ida was the love and purpose of his life, even beyond her passing in May 2009. They were reunited on Saturday, January 28th.

Olof is survived by three (3) children; Craig Eberhart Zundel (Jana), J. Scott Zundel (Vickie), Mary Catherine Lewis, 11 grandchildren, 15 great grandchildren, and brother Neil Zundel (Jeanne), sister Helen Wallen, and sister in law, Sue Zundel.

Olof’s life is a wonderful example of service to family, church, country, and community. It was characterized by great strength and leadership.

He was a High Priest in the Mueller Park 5th Ward of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. He served in many church positions, including Gospel Doctrine Teacher, High Priest Group Leader, and even at the time of his passing his calling was to assist with the missionary prep class. He and Ida also loved their time of service in the Bountiful, Utah Temple.

Olof graduated from Box Elder High School and attended Weber State College. He served in the US Military from 1942 – 1945 as Battalion Communications Chief, Fifth Air Force Aircraft Warning in Australia, New Guinea, and the Philippines. He witnessed up close and personal the brutality of war.

Upon returning from service overseas, he worked as a salesman for Fred M. Nye Co. in Ogden, Utah. He and Ida later owned and operated Zundel’s His and Hers, men’s and women’s clothing stores, in Brigham City, Promontory Point, and Bountiful.

During the time Olof and Ida lived in Brigham City, he served as Chairman of the Brigham City Merchants Committee (1952), VP of the Brigham City Chamber of Commerce (1957), member of the Brigham City Council (1960-1964), founder and President of Brigham City Off Street Parking Corp. (1963-1965), President of the Brigham City Rotary Club (1964), and Chairman of the Box Elder County Republican Party (1964-65) and Brigham City Downtown Redevelopment Committee (1964). He served as Mayor of Brigham City Utah from 1966-1973. He was regional directory for the Department of Heath and Human Services under the Reagan Administration. he was the first president of the first Brigham City Little League.

He was the first President of Golden Spike Empire (1969-1971). He was a board member of McKay Dee Hospital Foundation, Utahans for Effective Government, and Utahans against Pornography.

He and Ida lived in Brigham City, Utah until 1973. After leaving Brigham City, Olof served on the Utah Public Services Commission (1973-1979). He served as Executive Director of the Utility Shareholders Association of Utah from 1982 to 1984. In 1975, they moved to Bountiful, where he lived until his death.

Ole was loved, admired, and respected by all who knew him. He was known for his beautiful flower gardens, both in Brigham City and Bountiful. He was an example to his family who loved him and will deeply miss him and his handsome smile.
Graveside Services, only, will be held at noon on Thursday, February 2, in the Brigham City Cemetery under the direction of Russon Brothers. Ole will rest there next to his beloved Ida.

We are grateful to the angels who cared for Dad until the end. The family wishes to express heartfelt gratitude to the dedicated service of the Mueller Park 5th Ward. We will be forever grateful for their love and tender care to our parents.