David "Kelly" Sorensen

David Kelly Sorensen was reunited with his son and Heavenly Father on November 4, 2025, peacefully surrounded by family. He was born on December 17, 1959, in Spanish Fork City, Utah to David O. Sorensen and Anita Ney. He grew up in Spanish Fork and graduated from Spanish Fork High School in 1978. In 1981, Kelly married Laurie Jo Burghardt, and in 1993 they were sealed together with their children in the Manti Temple. Though life brought changes and later a divorce, the family they built, and the love Kelly held for his children remained unwavering and always at the center of his life.

Kelly was never afraid of hard work. Early in life, he worked in the oil fields of Eastern Utah and later for the American Gilsonite mines, where his natural skill and determination showed immediately. Though his father discouraged him from going into masonry, it was through the encouragement of his wife that Kelly decided to give the trade a try. He taught himself the craft and quickly became a talented and respected mason.

Kelly spent many years working for Larry Wright Construction, where he became a foreman and a trusted leader. Even when he never asked to run jobs, they found their way to him—because Kelly had a gift for leading, building, and bringing out the best in the crews he worked with. He built schools, churches, homes, and major commercial buildings, including what was at the time one of BYU’s largest housing developments. His work was strong, precise, and enduring—much like the man himself.

Later in his career, Kelly worked for Child Enterprises as a masonry restoration specialist. At first, he was uncertain about shifting into restoration work, but soon he fell deeply in love with it. He restored cherished historical buildings such as the Utah State Capitol and several LDS temples. One of his most meaningful projects was the Mesa, Arizona Temple, where he gained friendships and was often thanked by locals who recognized the sacredness of the work he was contributing to. After completing the project, Kelly proudly walked his child through the temple, explaining each stone, each detail, each sacrifice. It remains one of the most treasured memories shared.

He also worked on the Salt Lake Temple just before retiring and was able to show his family the process of restoring its massive granite stones—another moment of pride, craftsmanship, and legacy.

Kelly was a master builder—talented, artistic, and deeply connected to his craft. Yet his greatest pride was never in his work, but in his family. He often said, “Work can wait. My family comes first. My kids are my number one.” He meant it, lived it, and showed it.

Kelly had a warm humor and a laughter that filled rooms easily. His sarcasm was gentle and good-natured, and he was sensitive to the needs and feelings of the people around him. He maintained lifelong friendships and close family ties, especially with his cousins, childhood friends, and kept a very close relationship with his younger brother, Kevin.

Many of Kelly’s happiest days were spent traveling the desert lands of the West—Colorado, New Mexico, Arizona, Utah—exploring ancient Native American ruins. He taught his children to respect the history and culture of the land and people who came before. Family trips were often spontaneous: pile in the car and go. Those unplanned adventures became cherished memories full of laughter, campfires, stories, fishing poles, and red dirt.

Kelly was preceded in death by his parents, David O. Sorensen and Anita Ney, and his son Christopher Kody Sorensen.

He is survived by his children, whom he loved above all else: Tyson Holmes and Beau Sorensen of Vernal, Utah, his grandson Chirstian O. Sorensen, brother Kevin Sorensen of Ogden, Utah, sister Jenny (Doug) Malmborg of Sandy, Utah and sister Chana (J.B.) Clegg of Texas.

Kelly’s legacy is written in the buildings that stand strong, the art he carved, the laughter he shared, and the love he poured endlessly into his sons, his grandson, his family, and his friends. His hands shaped stone—but his heart shaped lives.

He will be deeply missed, honored, and remembered with love.