Karl Powell

PLEASE NOTE: This obituary is being placed on our website as a courtesy to the family. Hullinger Mortuary is not handling any part of these services. 

    Karl Leon Powell's earthly journey came to an unexpected end at his home in Lehi, Utah on January 13, 2025. He was only 66.
    Karl was born in Provo, Utah November 15, 1958, to Boyd and Dorothy Powell. He grew up in Roosevelt, Utah with his siblings Susan, Debra, Dean and Brent. He enjoyed outdoor activities, camping with his family, and working on Grandpa Powell’s farm.
    Before graduating from Union High School, Karl took a job planting pineapples in Hawaii to earn money for his mission. He served in the Little Rock Arkansas Mission for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. After he returned home, he met the love of his life, RaNae Matthews and they were married for time and eternity on June 18th, 1982, in the Salt Lake City, Utah Temple.
    While living in Roosevelt, Karl and RaNae welcomed their first child, Karla. He worked full time while attending night school to receive his bachelor’s degree from Utah State University Extension. He decided to pursue a career in law enforcement and went to Salt Lake City to attend POST training. They settled in Lehi in 1997, and he worked 25 ½ years with the Utah State Department of Corrections. His mantra was to treat the offenders with respect because they had already been judged. He had a talent for remaining calm and collected, which made him very effective in the support roles he filled. He was a Sergeant in Education and proudly worked at both prison facilities before he retired–the first from the new facility–after setting up the program there.
    They were thrilled when 7-year-old Ted came into their lives. They fell in love with him right away, adopted him and loved having a son. Karl was a loving husband and father and was proud of his family. He enjoyed helping the family with projects. He was never one to shirk from hard work and had integrity. He could work circles around anyone! Karl enjoyed yardwork, gardening, harvesting and canning with RaNae by his side. Many received the bounty that was grown from their garden, especially salsa!
    Karl enjoyed working with his hands and always had projects going on around the house and yard. He was a talented craftsman - whether it was building sheds, a deck or gazebo or finishing the basement. He loved staying busy. He was a very competitive card game and corn hole player!
    Although he had always enjoyed the outdoors, Karl discovered a love of running and took personal fitness to the next level! In 2010 he began running hundreds... literally hundreds of miles to participate in multiple marathons, 100km runs and backcountry ultra trail races that took hours and a ton of grit to complete. Anyone who talked to Karl knew of his passion for running as he liked sharing the details of those adventures!
    Karl and RaNae loved traveling together as often as possible – whether it was a local “Powell Adventure” or a Mediterranean cruise. Even just a “walkabout” around the neighborhood was enjoyable for them. They especially loved cruises and being on a Hawaiian beach. They were active members of the Timpanogos Gem and Mineral Society for several years and spent lots of time rockhounding around the Intermountain West.

    After retirement, Karl took on most eagerly the calling of Ordinance Worker in the Saratoga Springs Utah Temple. He loved this special work he felt expressly called to do. He faithfully served in various church callings throughout his life – but especially loved working in and attending the temple with RaNae as often as possible to do the Lord’s work. Families truly can be together forever.
    How do you sum up the life of such a good man in a short form? He loved deeply, worked diligently, and loved the Lord God with all his heart. Throughout his life, he bore testimony with his words and deeds. May we all choose to live as Karl did. He will truly be missed by all who knew him.
    Karl is survived by his wife RaNae, daughter Karla Ralphs (Joshua), son Ted, and his six grandchildren Benjamin, Dorothy, Jessica, April, Jacob and Alexander. His father Boyd, his brothers and sisters, nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his mother, Dorothy and stepmother Merle.
    Karl’s Celebration of Life Service will be held on Monday, January 20, 2025 at 11:00 am in the Saddle Ridge Ward Chapel, located at 600 South 500 West, Lehi, Utah. Family and friends are invited to attend a visitation on Sunday evening from 6:00-8:00 pm at the Warenski Funeral Home, 1776 North 900 East, American Fork, Utah and also at an additional viewing on Monday morning from 9:30-10:30 am prior to services at the church.
    Interment will be held on Tuesday, January 21, 2025 at 12:00 pm at the Altonah Cemetery located at 15490 West 5810 North,