Neil Kelsey Johnson

Neil Kelsey Johnson, beloved husband, father, grandfather, and teacher of Lehi, Utah, returned peacefully to his Heavenly home on December 26, 2023. He was 80 years old and living at the Stonehenge Assisted Living Center of American Fork, Utah at the time of his passing.

Neil was born to Eugene and Elda Johnson of Springville, Utah, on October 5, 1943. He is preceded in death by his wife Georgia Ostvig, whom he was sealed to in the Provo Temple on January 25, 1974. Neil and Georgia had four children (Kelly, Kris Anne, Marty, and Greg) before she passed away of cancer after 20 beautiful years of marriage on April 27, 1994.

After Georgia's passing, Neil married Sharee Mather in the Ogden Temple on March 11, 1995. Sharee added her 11 children into the family, making a combined 15 children! Neil and Sharee also currently have 53 grandchildren and 3 great-grandchildren. Neil's greatest joys were found in spending time with and strengthening relationships with his large family. He took a genuine interest in everyone he met and always looked for ways to give a kind word or compliment. He brought joy to those around him because each person he encountered always knew that he truly cared.

After graduating from Springville High, Neil attended Snow College. He then served a Church mission to Sweden. After returning from his mission, he attended BYU, the University of Utah, Wisconsin-Superior, and the University of Northern Colorado. He earned a Bachelor's Degree in Education and a Master's Degree in Theater. He developed a passion for teaching and became a very gifted teacher. Neil inspired thousands of students in both Jr High and High School Drama and English. He taught for 44 years, mostly in the Alpine School District. He earned many accolades during his years teaching drama, served as President of the Utah Theater Association, and in 2010 was named the Utah English Teacher of the Year. During his years of teaching, Neil also authored and published numerous textbooks and anthologies.

One of his other greatest loves was Bryce Canyon where he worked for 10 summers in his youth. One of his favorite pastimes was to return there with loved ones or for reunions. Neil was a lifelong member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and devoted disciple of Jesus Christ. He served in multiple callings in his life but again, teaching was his favorite.

Neil is preceded in death by his parents, Eugene and Elda Johnson; wife, Georgia Ostvig; and daughter, Sarahane. He is survived by his wife, Sharee; and children, Darrell (Heidi), Jason (Kim), Ryan (Heather), Genene (Clay), David, Kelly (Christy), Cheryl (Dave), Kris Anne (Ryan), Shaun, Marty (Emily), Rachel (Daniel), Andrea, Greg (Nickelle), and Evelyn (Richard). He is also survived by his siblings, Anne (Neal), Merrill (Ruth), and Laurie.

We would love for you to join us in celebrating his life at a viewing Friday, January 5th, 2023, 6-8pm at the Lehi Eastbench LDS Chapel (1631 East 900 North Lehi, Utah 84043). Funeral services will be held Saturday, January 6th, at 11:00 am (same address) with another short viewing from 9:45-10:45am. Neil will be laid to rest at the Evergreen Cemetery in Springville, Utah.