Joe Clarence Ravsten

Joe Clarence Ravsten
Clarkston - Joe Ravsten of Clarkston, Utah died on November 7, 2014, at the age of 76 at McKay Dee Medical Center in Ogden, Utah from sepsis.
Born August 24, 1938 in Clarkson to Lester and Leah Ravsten. He was the fourth of what would eventually be five sons.
Joe served for two years in the Central States LDS mission. After which he graduated from Utah State University with a degree in fine arts and teaching. Following college he began a 30+ year teaching career, during most of which he taught art at North Cache Middle School.
He married Katherine Wood on June 4, 1976 in the Provo, Utah Temple. They are the proud parents of Travis and Reggie Ravsten.
Joe had a great love of the outdoors, especially fishing. If he wasn't at one of his favorite fishing holes, he would be telling you a story about the big one that got away, or more likely the big one he caught.
He was active in the LDS church throughout his life and had a deep love of the Savior and His gospel. He was an avid reader and gospel scholar.
He is survived by his wife Kathy, his sons Travis (Emily) of Thornton, CO and Reggie of Clarkston, four grandchildren, Kedzie, Ethan, Alex and Triston; his brothers, Scott, Clinton "Tip" (Lola) and Danny (Carol), all from Tremonton, UT, and many friends, cousins, nieces, nephews and in-laws. He was preceded in death by his parents and his brother, Judd.
Funeral Services will be held at the Clarkston LDS Church on Saturday, November 15, 2014 at 11 a.m. A viewing will be held at the same location the evening prior from 6-8 p.m. and the day of the service from 9:30-10:30 a.m. Internment will follow at the Clarkston City Cemetery. 

My "favorite" father-in-law passed away on November 7th.  He was sick for one day.  The 7th, Kathy was ready to take him to the ER, when he became despondent.  She immediately called 911 and they took him to Logan.  I talked with an EMT at the viewing and she said that she wasn't sure he was going to even make it to Logan, but he did.  They intibated him there and then he was life flighted to McKay Dee.  Reggie called us that morning to say he was sick and when they sent him to Ogden, Travis came home, had some lunch and hit the road for Utah.  The rest of us stayed behind because of Kedzie's impending surgery.  She had a pre-op appt on the 11th that I didn't want to miss.  It was actually all a tender mercy.  Travis was able to help his mom and Reggie with so many things.  Once we got there, it became harder to accomplish anything because of so many people in a small house and busy people at that!  

Anyway, Travis made it to Ogden at 9:30pm and they eventually took him off life support and all the IV's he was receiving. Travis, Reggie, Kathy, Tip and Lola were there when he passed around 11:30 that night.  What a blessing for everyone, that they were together.  Travis said it was so peaceful and calm.  I'm so grateful he made it to say good-bye.  

The kids and I headed out on the 12th.  The weather in Colorado was horrible, it took us double the time to get anywhere, but once we made it to Wyoming, it was blue skies and -9 degrees.  We stayed warm and made it to Clarkston safely.  

We were able to go and enjoy Utah State University for a few hours on one day and the kids were able to play with their Clarkston friends another.  Also, I was able to have a lovely lunch with my cousin Tamie and Uncle Garth while we were there.  

The Ravsten's were gifted anywhere from 2-5 meals per day for a week.  Kathy ended up freezing so much food.  What a tribute to her and the service she has given that community over the last forty years.  They received a great deal of cash, many beautiful flowers and plants and so much delicious food.  What amazing support she has around her. 

The viewing was on Friday evening and Saturday morning.  They both were attended by a steady flow of people.  So many hugs of love and support. Kedzie hung out with Grandma, which was great for both of them.  The boys ran around the church and learned crazy things from Diana and I had the privilege of hanging out with Travis.  

The funeral was perfect. The chapel was filled with peace and love and many wonderful people.  My aunties were there, along with Karen and Carol.  Such great support.  Many of Travis's cousins on both sides attended.  It was wonderful.  Travis spoke beautifully. Joe's friend Roy Goodey gave a great talk and Diana Harris gave a life sketch. Oh and the kids sang and Reggie led the music.   It was a wonderful service.  

It was so cold at the cemetery, but lovely as well.  People signed his casket with the sharpies that I was in charge of! And, when we drove past the next morning, the flowers left on his grave were frozen perfectly...like flash frozen!  The flowers were beautiful.  

We headed back to Colorado on Sunday, caravanning with three cars. Reggie and Kathy came out to help us through Kedzie's surgery.  They are doing great following Joe's passing. Kathy's philosophy is that she got him 14 years longer than expected.  He'd had a stroke 14 years ago and she was simply grateful they didn't have to go through all of that treatment again.  She knows that the Lord is in charge and is grateful that Joe had a chance to be at Travis's wedding and meet his grandchildren.  So, they are doing great.  They have so much support and love, they will be just fine.  I'm also grateful that Reggie and Kathy have each other.

Joe was an amazing man.  He lived such a good, long life.  He loved me and I loved him.  He loved my kids and my husband as well.  He was an amazing artist and fisherman and he was very focused on serving those around him.  Someone stopped by just to say that three days before he passed, he'd stopped to help a neighbor who was praying for help at that very moment.  He was very spiritual and in tune with the spirit.  I'm grateful to have been in his life these past twelve years.  

We love you Panka (Grandpa) Joe.  Thanks for your love and your giggles and your example.  

More pictures to come, once I get them!!!