Adrian Peter Van Mondfrans

Dr. Adrian Peter Van Mondfrans

November 12, 1937 – April 14, 2026

With heavy but joyful hearts we announce the peaceful passing of our beloved husband, father, grandfather, and friend to all, Adrian Peter Van Mondfrans, on April 14, 2026, at the age of 88.

Adrian was born on November 12, 1937, in Salt Lake City, Utah, to Cornelia Slotboom and Pieter Van Mondfrans. He enjoyed a happy and adventurous childhood alongside his brother Jerry and sister Joyce, exploring downtown Salt Lake City and the area surrounding the state capital. He became acquainted with hardship early when his father passed away when Adrian was just three years old. This loss shaped his lifelong admiration for his mother’s strength, faith, and resilience as she raised her three children. In his final moments, he called out for her, and we are comforted in the assurance that he has experienced a joyful reunion with his parents, his brother Jerry, his daughter Janice, and dear friends who preceded him in death.

From a young age, Adrian worked diligently and developed a strong character. As a teenager, he survived a serious car accident that left him hospitalized for weeks, an experience that never diminished his determination to work, serve, and excel.

His devotion to the Lord also shaped the course of his life. As a young man, he was called to serve as a missionary in the Netherlands, a mission that would change his life in more ways than one. While serving, he met Maisie Kiddy, who was traveling from England with a group visiting Holland. When Adrian saw Maisie coming off the boat, he had an inspired thought that he should “mind himself” with her because “she was to be a special person in his life.” Following his mission, he extended a bold proposal for Maisie to leave her home, her country, and her family to come to America and begin dating. With courage and an unmistakable spiritual confirmation, Maisie came to Utah. After dating for a time, they were sealed in the Salt Lake Temple on October 6, 1961. Together, they shared 64 years of marriage marked by deep love, devotion, and unwavering partnership. Adrian treasured Maisie and considered himself the luckiest man alive to be her husband.

Adrian’s commitment to learning and teaching was a defining part of his life. He earned both his bachelor’s and master’s degrees from the University of Utah, where he distinguished himself to such an extent that his professors strongly encouraged him to pursue doctoral studies and helped make it possible. He went on to earn his doctorate degree from the University of Wisconsin, where he quickly became known as one of the most gifted teachers in the program. His academic excellence led to an appointment as an associate professor at Purdue University, and later a full professorship at Brigham Young University. At BYU, he enjoyed a remarkable career, including serving as Associate Dean of the College of Education and mentoring and influencing hundreds of graduate students whose lives were shaped by his wisdom, integrity, and genuine care.

Adrian was a devoted disciple of Jesus Christ and gave a lifetime of consecrated service in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. His many callings included serving in the presidency of the Missionary Training Center, as a Young Single Adult bishop, a member of the General Sunday School Board, Director of the Evaluation Correlation Committee, and the David O. McKay Institute at Brigham Young University, as well as numerous roles such as high councilor and Primary teacher. He also served nine missions throughout his life. He treasured opportunities to associate with and learn from prophets and apostles, including Dallin H. Oaks, Russell M. Nelson, and Jeffrey R. Holland. His influence extended far and wide, touching countless lives through his testimony, his example, and his Christlike love.

Adrian’s legacy is profound, not only in his service but in the way he loved. He loved freely and without judgment, never speaking ill of others and teaching those around him how to love simply by the way he lived. He was a constant, monumental presence. He was always willing to play basketball, toss a ball, go for a bike ride, or simply be together. His children and grandchildren never doubted his love. He made each person feel seen, valued, and cherished.

He was also a teacher in the truest sense, whether explaining the geology of the desert on family hikes, offering sage counsel during life’s important decisions, or demonstrating through his marriage what enduring love looks like. He formed deep friendships with his children and delighted in his grandchildren, creating memories they will carry forever. He also had a passion for golf and loved playing at least nine holes each week with his friends. We like to imagine he is now enjoying a glorious round on a heavenly course with those friends who have gone before him.

Adrian also had a joyful spirit. He loved to create humorous songs and poems, especially for Maisie, bringing laughter and warmth into the home he built with such care.

Above all, Adrian lived his life in harmony with the gospel of Jesus Christ. He was prepared to meet his Savior, having spent a lifetime striving to follow Him. His life stands as a testament of faith, service, and Christlike love, a legacy that will continue to bless generations.

On the occasion of Adrian’s last birthday, each of his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren were asked to choose a single word to describe him as a tribute to him. In what felt like a small miracle, no two words were the same. Each reflected a unique and personal experience with the man we loved. Together, they form a beautiful mosaic of his life and character. These are the words chosen that stand as a testament to a life well-lived: steadfast, soulful, positive, righteous, grace, strong, humble, monumental, faithful, example, leader, kind, loving, selfless, incomparable, compassionate, brave, noble, amazing, forgiving, true, and wise. This is the legacy he leaves behind for all to cherish.

Adrian is survived by his beloved wife of 64 years, Maisie; his cherished children, Jennifer Kleinman (Brent), Julia Brandt, Peter Van Mondfrans (Stacey), Jacquelyn Van Mondfrans, and Jeanette Baum (BJ); as well as his grandchildren and great-grandchildren, who will forever honor his memory.

An evening viewing will be held on Thursday, April 23, 2026, from 6-8 pm at Wheeler-Sundberg Funeral Home, 495 South State Street, Orem. 

Funeral services will be on Friday, April 24, 2026, at 11:00 at the LDS Church, 1260 South 400 West, Orem, with a viewing held that morning at the church from 9:00-10:30 a.m. prior to the service. Interment will be in the Orem City Cemetery, 1520 North 800 East, Orem.

Condolences for the family may be expressed on this page.

For those unable to attend the services in person, you may view the Livestream HERE