Ellen Louise Lund

Louise Lund, beloved wife, mother, grandmother, sister, and friend, passed away peacefully on February 16, 2026, at the age of 90 years young.

Louise was born on June 25, 1935, in Malad, Idaho, to Claude J. and Bernice Thomas. She spent her early childhood in the coal mining town of Winton, Wyoming. The family later moved to Rock Springs, Wyoming, where she attended high school and met Jim Russell—drawn to him by his impressive dancing skills. They were married on October 9, 1954, and later sealed in the Manti Temple on September 14, 1963. Together they raised their three daughters—Elaine, Kay, and Laurie—in Rock Springs.

After Jim’s passing, Louise moved to Salt Lake City. There she met Gaylen Gisseman and lovingly welcomed his two children, Scot and Cyndie, into her family. They were married for 20 years until his sudden passing. She later married Jim Lund, further enlarging her family by embracing Brenda, Doug, and Jeff and their families as her own.

Louise was an active and devoted member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, serving faithfully in many callings throughout her life. She especially loved working with the Young Women. After retiring from Mountain Fuel, she dedicated her time to meaningful service, including a family history mission with Gaylen, an activation mission in Minnesota with Jim, volunteering at Primary Children’s Hospital in the cystic fibrosis unit, and serving as an office worker in the Jordan River Temple.

Mom was a woman of many talents and gifts. She was generous with her time and resources, opening her home to anyone in need. She was a capable handyman, a talented seamstress, an excellent cook, and a natural leader. People were drawn to her because she took a genuine interest in them. Above all, she loved her family fiercely. Lunches with her daughters and grandchildren were among the greatest joys of her life.

She was preceded in death by her parents; her husbands, Jim Russell and Gaylen Gisseman; her sister Margaret; her brothers, Bruce and Claude J.; her daughter Kay; and her stepdaughter Brenda Ontiveros.

She is survived by her husband, Jim Lund; daughters Elaine Beardshall (Rob) and Laurie Boogert (Kevin); son-in-law Bob Bowden; stepchildren Scot Gisseman, Cyndie Gisseman, Jeff Lund (Michelle), and Doug Lund (Diane); 27 grandchildren; and many great-grandchildren.

A viewing will be held Friday, March 6, from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. at the Valley View 1st Ward chapel, 3820 South 2000 East, Millcreek, Utah. Funeral services will be held Saturday, March 7, at 11:00 a.m., with a viewing prior from 10:00 to 10:45 a.m.

The family expresses their deepest love and appreciation to Amber with IHC Hospice and the compassionate caregivers at Spring Gardens for the tender care they gave our mother during her final year.