Our beloved Wilford Lieber passed away peacefully in his sleep on April 2, 2021. He died of natural causes incident to age, returning to his heavenly home after a rich and full life.

Wilford was born on February 26, 1928 in Basel, Switzerland to Ulrich and Eva Lieber. The youngest of five children, Wilford came to America at the age of 20 and always kept a deep love for both Switzerland and his adopted country. He was equally at ease as the Swiss Consulate for the state of Utah or giving a patriotic address on the 4th of July. As a young man he served in the Swiss military, and after coming to Utah met the love of his life, Mary Jean Kovan. They were married in the Salt Lake Temple on March 7, 1952. Wilf and Mary Jean were blessed with five children, and family was the focal point of his life.

Wilford spent over 30 years working for the State of Utah in the Department of Agriculture. He eventually became Director of Laboratories for the State of Utah. Ever the entrepreneur, Wilf always had ideas and concepts he worked on for future ventures. In 1978 he and Mary Jean founded International Down and Feather Testing Laboratory (IDFL). From humble beginnings, Wilf and Mary Jean made IDFL an international leader in the down and feather industry. Today, still family owned and operated by oldest son Wilford Jr., IDFL has staff in 13 countries with offices in 9 countries spanning the United States, Asia, and Europe. IDFL has become a truly global leader in quality testing. Honor and integrity were paramount in all his business dealings as people worldwide knew of his reputation. Wilf and Mary Jean travelled extensively all over the world, creating lasting friendships with every stop. He would later say, "IDFL" meant to him, "I Do For the Lord".

He truly was a gentle disciple of Christ. Wilford was active in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints serving in many capacities and had very special years as a beloved bishop in the Edgehill Ward. Wilford and Mary Jean served a church mission in Halifax, Nova Scotia where they again affected countless lives. Wilf loved hiking, skiing, photography, collecting, and was a great hockey player. He was a member of one of Utah's earliest hockey teams, the Salt Lake Seagulls. He travelled with the hockey team playing games against characters including Evel Knievel and Detroit Red Wing great, "Terrible Ted" Lindsay. Wilf played hockey into his 60's and spent many years as an official/goal judge for the Salt Lake Golden Eagles hockey team. Wilf was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, and great grandfather.

One of the greatest traits he shared with his family was a life full of gratitude. When his beloved wife Mary Jean passed away in 2012, he was so grateful for the life and family they shared. True to form, he felt gratitude and love again for Liz Lindeman coming into his life and they were married April 11, 2014. Wilford was the epitome of kindness and unconditional love, spending the last week of mortality thanking people while saying "I love you" to all.

Wilford was preceded in death by his parents, four siblings, and wife Mary Jean. He is survived by his five children Wilford Lieber (Constance), Judy Lieber (Sam Sewell), Michael Lieber (Janell), Susan Morrow (Gregg) and Scott Lieber (Kristin). He is also survived by his wife Liz, 21 grandchildren, and 45 great grandchildren. A graveside service for the family and close friends will be held Tuesday, April 6th at 12:00 noon. Interment will be at the Mountain View Memorial Cemetery at 3115 Bengal Blvd., Cottonwood Heights, Utah.

“Well done thou good and faithful servant."

We love you dad.

Services

Services Handled By

Larkin Mortuary
260 E South Temple
Salt Lake City, UT

Life Story Info

Post Date

Apr 05, 2021

Personal Info

Age

93
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Guestbook

The Liebers were wonderful neighbors. Our family lived across the cul-de-sac from their house above Wasatch/Foothill. They brought neighbors together with their pizza oven picnics or just 'come and have a slice of pie'. Bro. Lieber was so friendly and could talk with anyone. Well, an angel has moved from this world to the next one. I was blessed to have known him.

Holly Glade Apr 10, 2021

Prayers for your family's comfort during this time of separation. Though I only met Brother Lieber a couple of times I remember his kindness and sense of humor. I know he raised very fine children. I will always be grateful to have had an association with the Lieber family in the Hillside stake.

Sincerely, Debbie Lloyd

Debra Lloyd Gull Apr 09, 2021

I was one of the blessed young men who had Wilf as a Scoutmaster and mentor in troop 256 in the 1960's. He helped to shape my life and make me a better person. I will always cherish those experiences at camp and at troop meetings. I have followed his footsteps and have been a Scoutmaster too. It was my payback to Wilf for all of his years of service. I am very grateful to have know such a marvelous family as the Liebers.

Richard Meyer , West Jordan, UT, US Apr 06, 2021

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