Karl Levi Heydorn; born December 5, 1939 in Cottonwood, AZ to William Lewis Heydorn and Agnes Nellie Mitchell, returned to his heavenly father on September 26, 2019. Karl was proceeded in death by his father, mother, brother Bobby (August Robert), sister Billie Jean, Brother-in-Laws Leon Petersen and Everett (Sonny/Rip) West, Sister-in-Laws Mary Lou Pierce, Irene (West) Murphey and Jan West, Son-in-Law Thomas Alan Yardley (Alan) and grandson Michael Dakota Yardley (Kota).

Karl lived a rich and full life. He was a skilled man, yet never finished high school dropping out during his junior. From there he worked several odd jobs and as a dairy hand milking cows. He spent his time hunting and fishing. He also enjoyed cars and driving fast, this is where his children received their “lead foot”. He was taught how to cut meat by his father at the age of twelve, though he didn’t begin cutting meat until several years later. In 1961, he began working for Southwest Forest Industries where he rose in ranks and was in charge of the treatment plant for telephone poles. On his drive to work every morning he would pass a young woman walking to school. He would tell his friend that he was going to marry that girl. His friend replied that he would be crazy if he didn’t.

In 1961, Karl met Elaine Fern West (that girl walking to school). On May 12, 1961, they had their first date and three weeks later he popped the question and she said yes. Karl loved his soon to be in-laws and spent a lot of time on their ranch. Three months later, on August 12, 1961, Karl and Elaine were married. In June of 1965, they welcomed the first of three children, Anne Michelle (Shelley).

In 1969, Karl and Elaine left Prescott, AZ and made their way north to Panguitch, Utah where he went to work for his brother-in-law, Leon, driving log truck. In January 1970, they welcomed their second child, Irving Lewis. For the next three years Karl hauled logs and enjoyed the outdoors and life in Panguitch.

In 1973, the small family left Panguitch for Warren, AZ. In December of that year Karl began work for Phelps Dodge as a butcher. For the next twelve years Karl called Phelps Dodge his work home. He was their “problem fixer” turning failing butcher shops into premier shops. This unfortunately caused the family to move several more times. In 1976 and a move to Playas, NM, they welcomed their third child, Justin Lynn. 1979 a move to Morenci, AZ followed by a move in 1981 to Ajo, AZ. During a family vacation the summer of 1985, the decision was made to move the family to Utah if anything were to happen.

In October of 1985, Karl was released from Phelps Dodge and the family made their final move to Kanab, UT. Karl began work at Dove’s as a butcher. He moved not long after back in to hauling logs where he worked for James D. Petersen Logging until he sold the business to Reidhead Logging. Karl spent his remaining years working for Reidhead Logging and then for Canyon Country Mill & Cabinets (Reidhead) as a block cutter until his retirement. In retirement he occupied his time with fishing, hunting, and building wood jewelry boxes which he sold at craft shows and fairs.

Karl is survived by his wife Elaine, daughter Anne Michelle Heydorn Yardley, sons Irving Lewis and Justin Lynn (Jessica) Heydorn, grandchildren Megan Marie, Courtney (Andy) Syrett, Machele Ranae (Mabry) Word, Coleman West Yardley, great-grandchildren Bentley Alan, Savannah Marie, Asher Levi and one on the way. Sisters Nellie Jones, Evelyn Petersen and Brother William Heydorn (Willie).

A family service will be held during the spring time in Arizona.