Karl Perry Woolsey, Jr.

We remember with love and respect Karl Perry Woolsey, Jr., affectionately known as Perry, who peacefully passed away on March 30th, 2024. Born on March 14, 1934, to Karl P. Woolsey, Sr. and Gweneth Gardner Woolsey, Perry led a life marked by dedication, service, and love. Initially
aspiring to be an engineer, he transitioned into the burgeoning field of computers when they were programmed with punch cards and in an era when computers still occupied whole buildings. He dedicated over 29 years to working for the State of Utah, where he was known for his sharp intellect and always had entertaining stories about those early days of computing. However, Perry’s legacy extends far beyond his professional achievements.

In his formative years, Perry's summers were spent in Pine Valley and New Harmony with his mother’s family while his father served overseas during World War II. At around 14, he worked as a sheep herder alongside his cousin and later served as a full-service gas station attendant,
embodying early on a remarkable work ethic and versatility.

Perry's love for sports was a lifelong affair. Excelling in football at East High and the University of Utah, he showcased his athleticism and team spirit. Beyond the football field, Perry demonstrated his commitment to service and leadership through his participation in the Army ROTC at the University of Utah. Aspiring to follow in his father’s military footsteps, he was deeply committed to this program. Unfortunately, a health issue prevented him from serving in the military, a dream that he held dear.

His enthusiasm for sports continued into his later years, notably through his avid support for BYU. He enjoyed attending many basketball and football games, creating cherished memories with his wife Mercedes and son Kerry.

A devoted husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather, Perry was the backbone of our family. He balanced his career with the responsibilities of running our family farm, instilling in us the values of hard work, integrity, and compassion. After the farm was sold, he retained a love of gardening throughout the remainder of his life. He raised four boys with his wife and eternal companion, Mercedes, who preceded him in death, instilling in them a strong sense of duty and love for their heritage. The loss of his son Bryan was a sorrow he bore with quiet strength, always remembering him with love.

Three years after the passing of Mercedes, Perry, at the age of 79, found companionship and joy once again by marrying Jane, with whom he shared eleven years of his life.

Perry's passion for family history work was more than a hobby; it was a testament to his deep love for his ancestors and his desire to connect future generations with their past. His dedication to name extraction for family history was an inspiration to us all, showing us the importance of knowing where we come from to understand where we're going.

He is preceded in death by his beloved first wife Mercedes, his son Bryan, and his sister Sarah Jane “Cherie” Meeves. Perry leaves behind a loving legacy through his sons Mark, Kerry, and Steven; his cherished eleven grandchildren and six great-grandchildren; his second wife Jane; and his four stepchildren, Julia, Marcy, Lonny, and Bevin.

A viewing will be held at Larkin Sunset Gardens, 1950 East 106th South, Sandy on Monday, April 8, 2024, from 6:00 pm – 8:00 pm. Funeral Services will be held on Tuesday, April 9, 2024, at 11:00 am at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints Parkside ward house located at 8285 N Porters Crossing Parkway, Eagle Mountain. There will be a short viewing starting at 10:00 am, the day of the service. The burial will be in Larkin Sunset Gardens Cemetery.

To watch the zoom recording of the service, please click on the tab above that says "Watch Service" or follow this link:
https://us02web.zoom.us/rec/share/zvK9vQj4OIrfVjmzegzOaU8VEtMkZNSAA-UTgMzcDltuNilcOIhdE2z4W_oND1KR.9_mrQP6hwYbDUpNF?startTime=1712680140000