Tilden “Til” Bernhardt Anfinsen Jr., 89, passed away at home on Friday, January 22, 2021, surrounded by his loved ones.

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Til loved his family and his country. He was born July 2, 1931, in Fresno, California. When he finished school, he enlisted in the United States Navy and served for five years on the USS Manchester during the Korean War.

He married Betty Kay Storm on May 21, 1954. They were later sealed in the Salt Lake Temple on April 1, 1966.

Til loved to tell stories, and if you’d already heard it, that was ok—he’d just tell it to you again. He was generous with his time and loved to serve others. He was willing to run errands or get anything you needed at any time of day. He was a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, and he served as a temple worker in the Jordan River Utah Temple for two years before it was closed for renovations.

He loved to take trips to go camping with his family (except for the time he almost drove the trailer into Bodega Bay). His favorite trips were spending time in Yellowstone with his grandchildren. He also accompanied each of his grandkids on trips to Disneyland, and he took his grandkids to Jazz games. He was an avid sports fan and loved to play softball when he was younger.

Til loved seafood and celebrated his Norwegian heritage with appreciation for Norwegian cuisine. He never met a stinky or pickled fish he didn’t like. His favorite day of the year was January 1, when his family and friends gather for a seafood feast complete with a corner for his favorite smelly delicacies.

He worked as a salesman in the hardware business for over 50 years. He loved his clients and kept in touch after he retired.

Til was preceded in death by his parents, Tilden Bernhardt Sr. and Lois Evelyn (Thomas) Anfinsen, and his sister, Marilyn Lois Hardie.

He is survived by his wife, Betty; son Ken (Kaelyn) Anfinsen; daughter Norma Jean, who cared for him with devotion to the end of his life; daughter Venna May (Ted) Kearl; and son Steven (Marnie) Anfinsen; eight grandchildren; sixteen great-grandchildren; a niece, Marla Walters; and great-niece Natalie Walters.

Til’s family wishes to thank Lisa, Erica, and Rocky Mountain Hospice for their exceptional care and friendship, as well as the many doctors and nurses who provided care for Til.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations be made in Til’s honor to organizations supporting veterans and their families.

A private viewing will be held for the immediate family.