Elbert Marvin Dansie

Our father, Elbert Marvin Dansie, was born on March 9, 1933, in Murray, Utah, to Marvin and Thelma Dansie, whom he honored throughout his life. He was a man of wide-ranging interests—a bibliophile who loved the outdoors, an art collector and opera buff whose favorite restaurant was Millie’s Burgers, a world traveler who was deeply proud of his rural roots. He had a keen sense of humor and an abiding testimony of his Savior Jesus Christ.

Elbert grew up with his siblings Jean, Elaine, Marva, and Gary in a loving, happy family. He graduated from South High School (Go Cubs!) and attended the University of Utah, earning a bachelor’s degree in French and, in 1961, a medical degree. After an internship in Michigan and a pediatric residency at Primary Children’s Hospital, he spent two years as an army captain assigned to Darnall Army Hospital in Fort Hood, Texas.

He returned to Salt Lake City to join Bryner Clinic’s pediatric practice, beginning a career that allowed him to work with colleagues he considered the very best in their field. He was grateful to the thousands of parents who trusted him with their children’s wellbeing. He believed mothers were the true experts about their children. He made it a habit to listen to them. Even today, we meet former patients who say, “Are you related to Dr. Dansie? He was my pediatrician, and I loved him!”

Elbert met Shanna Renee Cheshire at a University of Utah football game. She was on a date with someone else; he was instantly charmed. They met again several weeks later when he was a substitute teacher in her French pronunciation lab, but it would be many months before he found the courage to call her. For their first date, he took her to the dedication of the East Mill Creek Stake Center.

On July 14, 1961, they married in the Salt Lake Temple. They spent sixty-three years raising six children. Being our father was Elbert’s greatest joy, and he thought his children were extraordinary. By example, he taught us to love hard work, literature, art, travel, outdoor recreation, and the gospel of Jesus Christ.

He showed us how to build rail fences and stone walls, plant trees, lay sod, and haul gravel. He organized family vacations to Sun Valley every Thanksgiving and camping trips to Gros Ventre nearly every summer. He read us the Iliad and the Odyssey and Jack London stories. He took us to art galleries and museums throughout the world and led us to the top of many mountains. His favorite summits included the Grand Teton, King’s Peak, and Mt. Elbert. He and his sons completed many 100-mile bike rides until an accident in his 80s forced him to permanently hang up his jersey.

He had less success passing on his love of fishing, but it remained a passion for him nevertheless. With friends, he fished in Alaska, Panama, and all over the western United States.

Elbert cherished the legacy of faith in Jesus Christ he inherited from his parents and pioneer ancestors. A lifelong member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, he was grateful for opportunities the Church gave him to serve others as a missionary, high councilor, bishop, and scoutmaster. He cherished serving with Shanna as mission leaders in the France Marseille Mission and treasured lasting relationships with missionaries and Church members in southern France.

Elbert passed away on February 13, 2026. He is survived by his wife, Shanna; children, Sarah, Amy (Tom Williams), Mary (Ray Milliner), David (Ariane Holtkamp), Daniel (Marta Halverson), and Thomas (Elizabeth Fisher); seventeen grandchildren; and seven great-grandchildren.

He was grateful for family, friends, neighbors, and ward members who generously and lovingly cared for him. He would say to you, “No need for flowers. Take your children to get an ice cream instead.”

Gathering on Friday, February 20, from 7-9 p.m. at Larkin Sunset Lawn, 2350 East 1300 South, Salt Lake City. Funeral on Saturday, February 21, at 11 a.m., Top of the World Chapel, 8100 South Top of the World Drive, Cottonwood Heights. Visiting with family to follow.