Joseph Michael English (Joe)

2/6/1923 ~ 10/17/2018

“Pray for America” was not an uncommon phrase uttered by Joseph Michael English (Joe). He entered eternal life on Wednesday, October 17, 2018, while in his own home, built with his own hands, surrounded by love from his family. His spirit is carried on by his 2 children, 3 step children, 9 grandchildren, and 9 great-grandchildren, as well as many extended family members and friends.

Born February 6, 1923 in Jamestown, North Dakota, to parents Joseph Michael English and Anna Winifred Jennings. In his 95 years on earth, Joe illustrated many life lessons so well. Such as, don’t be wasteful, “that pizza is still good!”; be tough and carry on, he beat cancer in his late 70’s when a doctor had recommended no treatment!; be resourceful and self-sufficient, like when in his 90’s he was still modifying, building, and welding tractor and trailer parts; reinvent yourself, he chose a new path in mid-life, teaching us it’s never too late to make choices to be a better father, husband, friend; work hard and keep moving, maintained a herd of sheep, breeding and lambing every year up until this past winter; have fun, always had a joke to share, and when people would say, “You’re so funny Joe”, he would reply, “I know, I look in the mirror every day and laugh at what I see!”.

Joe was a proud patriot, and humble WWII veteran. He was in the 29th Division Infantry, and served throughout the war, into Germany, until the wars end. He was a D-Day Omaha Beach Invasion survivor.

Joe worked many years as a Custodian, and Bus Driver for the public-school system in both California and Utah. He is survived by his children, Sharon Strong (Marcus Strong), Joe English (Cindy English), Lester Nilsen (Kim Nilsen), Randi Nilsen, and Jana Warren (John Warren). He is preceded in death by his wife, Betsy Ann (Lyman) English (they shared an amazing bond of dedication to each other, witnessed by all who knew them!), sister Ruth English, and son Spencer Nilsen.

Joe’s Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday October 27, 2018, beginning with Visitation from 12:15 – 12:45 PM, followed by the ceremony at 1:00 PM, located at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, North Stake Center, 461 North 300 West, Mt. Pleasant, Utah 84647. Interment to follow at the Mt. Pleasant Cemetery located at 115 West Main Street, Mt. Pleasant, Utah 84647