Willem Hendrik Marda

Willem Hendrik Marda, aged 88, peacefully passed away on April 8, 2026, in Layton, Utah. Born on January 11, 1938, in The Hague, Netherlands, to Elisabeth Bakker and Willem Marda, he led a life filled with dedication, faith, and family.

Will immigrated from the Netherlands to the United States of America as a teenager and had a great love for his adopted country. He married Ruby Colleen Pope, with whom he had six children, they later divorced. On September 8, 1990, he married Edith Linda Lamb in the Salt Lake City LDS Temple. Linda preceded him in death on February 5, 2024.

A committed scholar, Will earned his bachelor's degree from the University of Utah and went on to obtain his master's degree from the University of Pittsburgh. He devoted much of his career to JC Penney Corporation, where he ultimately retired.

An accomplished artist, Will had a deep love for painting and the outdoors. His passion for camping was well-known among family and friends. As a young man, he served a mission for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in the Netherlands and Belgium, and later, he shared his time serving a mission with his beloved Linda at the Family History Center in Salt Lake City. His enthusiasm for family history and genealogy was a testament to his love of heritage.

A faithful member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Will was devoted to God and his family. He was also an avid scoutmaster, guiding and mentoring many young men through the years.

Will is lovingly remembered by his children Robert, Lia (Tony), Karen (Jim), Jennifer (Barry), Jonathan (Bridgette), and Melissa; his sister Lia Clark; three nieces, one nephew; 25 grandchildren; and 14 great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his wife Linda and his parents, Willem and Elisabeth Marda.

Funeral services will be held on Friday, April 17, 2026, at 11:00 A.M., following a viewing from 9:45 to 10:45 A.M. All services will take place at the church located at 261 East Center Street, North Salt Lake City, Utah. Burial will follow at Plymouth Cemetery in Plymouth, Utah, at approximately 2:30 P.M.

Will’s life was a remarkable journey of faith, family, and creativity, leaving behind a legacy cherished by all who knew him.