William J. Mackelprang

1930–2023

William J. Mackelprang, 92, left his earthly life on July 20, 2023, at his home in Las Vegas, Nevada. He was born on August 17, 1930, in Kanab, Utah, and was a proud, long-time resident of the Henderson/Las Vegas community. He was the 8th of 13 children and grew up knowing the value of hard work. At age 17 he enlisted in the U.S. Navy where he served as a cook from 1947 – 1951. Shortly after his return to Kanab he met his future wife and the love of his life Helen Palmer. The two were married March 7, 1952 and they moved shortly after to Henderson NV to start his new employment at Timet. He worked hard there for over 40 years and dedicated his life to providing for their family of 6 children; 2 girls and 4 boys. 

Bill was a lover of all things sweet and was known to share them freely with his grandchildren no matter their age, He loved root beer floats and spending time working on his yard. He and his wife shared a passion for baseball and could often be found watching a game together. Bill was a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints for almost 85 years and was known as “the candy man” in his ward. His faith in our Lord Jesus Christ gave him strength and enabled him to overcome many trials in his life. He gave freely of his time, talents, and resources to those in need, had a great sense of humor, was loved dearly, and will be missed deeply by his family. 

William was preceded in death by his wife Helen; his son Brian J. Mackelprang; parents, William and Hazel Mackelprang; brothers Jet, Gayneld, Francis, Kent, Don, Evan, and Tony Mackelprang; sisters Marguerite Mackelprang, Anna Elaine Click, Arcola Judd, Luana Campbell and his daughter-in-law Gina Mackelprang. He is survived by his brother Romel Mackelprang; daughter, Connie (Rod) Hicken; daughter, Deanna (Timothy) Melton; son, Gary (Jeanetta) Mackelprang; son, Craig (Dawn) Mackelprang; and son, Eric (Sheila) Mackelprang; as well as 22 grandchildren, 58 great-grandchildren, and 5 great-great-grandchildren. A memorial service will be held at the Southern Nevada Veterans Memorial Cemetery (1900 Veterans Memorial Dr.) on Monday July 31st, at 12 p.m. A private graveside service will take place proceeding the memorial.