On April 14, 2019, one of Heaven's cowboys returned home. Claron Earl Mackelprang was born February 28, 1937 to Earl Bulloch and Lucille Gilger Mackelprang in Cedar City, UT.
Working horses with his dad, he grew up with a love for hunting, fishing and camping. As a young man, the mountains east of Cedar were his great love. Webster Flat, especially, held a place in his heart full of many happy memories.
Claron graduated from Utah State University with a degree in geology. Claron served his country in the Army National Guard, where he was trained as a cook, making dozens of scrambled eggs, shells included.
He found the girl of his dreams, Lorraine Elder, driving Main Street in Cedar City. His '57 Plymouth Fury caught her eye, too. Married on April 15, 1960, they shared 58 years, and 364 days, together, raising two daughters and two sons.
His career as a geophysicist took him across the continental US, Alaska, Mexico, Guatemala and Haiti. Claron was blessed to work at the University of Utah Research Institute, Bear Creek Mining and Kennecott Exploration. After retiring, he enjoyed driving school buses in Iron County. He never felt like he worked a day in his life because he loved what he was doing.
Earning a third-degree black belt in Okinawan Shorin-Ryu, he shared his martial arts talents, teaching karate from a dojo in his garage and also teaching self-defense classes.
He also had a love of all things scouting, helping strangers, and rescuing stray animals.
An avid reader, with a tremendous appreciation for history, Claron was a man of faith and integrity that found joy in serving others. He loved the gospel of Jesus Christ. Claron was a man of his word. He will be greatly missed.
Claron is survived by his wife Lorraine; his children: Shelane (Brett) Kent, Robert (Julie) Mackelprang, Kristine (Raymond) Richins, Erik (Sherrie) Mackelprang; six grandchildren; his sisters Raeona Day, Eva (Gene) Hall, and Marylou Mackelprang; his brother Gary (Juanita) Mackelprang.
A viewing will be held Friday, April 19 at Larkin Mortuary located at 3688 W 12600 S Riverton, from 6-8 p.m.
Funeral services will be held Saturday, April 20 at 11:00 a.m. in the Bluffdale 10th Ward Chapel located at 14650 S 3200 W Bluffdale. A viewing will be held Saturday, prior to services, from 9:30-10:30 a.m.
