Ted Robert Engberg

Ted Robert Engberg Obituary

Ted Robert Engberg passed away July 12, 2026 at his home in Escalante, Utah from complications of pulmonary hypertension heart and lung disease. He was born on July 31, 1961 in Bakersfield, California to James & Lora Mae Rutherford Mcfarland. They were later divorced and Lora married Flint Engberg who raised Ted as his own. He had an unbreakable bond with both of his parents.

Ted spent his growing up years in Valdez and Gakona, Alaska graduating from high school in 1979 where he enjoyed track, boxing, bowling, music and singing. Part of his education included missing school for numerous hunting trips in the mountains of Alaska where he helped his Dad, Flint run Flint’s Guide Service. He attended Alaska Vocational Technical Center and graduated with his certificate in welding in 1983. He moved with his parents to Nevada when he was in his late twenties to help them run an ATV business and then they moved on to Escalante, Utah where Ted worked for Utah Forest Products and then Turnabout Ranch for eighteen years helping troubled youth.

It was after moving to Escalante in the 1990’s that Ted and his Mom, Lora joined the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. Soon afterwards he met the love of his life, Laura Davis. They were married in Escalante, Utah on October 10, 2005 and sealed for time and all eternity in the St. George Temple on August 2, 2006. They were very close and weren’t afraid to show their affection. They laughed and loved and had many happy years together and supported each other completely through all the good times and the hard times. They raised Laura’s three children, Paul, Leeland, and Shilo through all the thick and thin. They remember him playing games with them like Bucking Bronc through the house and Shoot the Cougar where everyone including Ted wore Pepsi boxes on their heads for protection. Ted always put his kids first before his own needs. He was a very fun Dad and as they got older he gave them wonderful advice and by example showed them how to be men. They were the Four Musketeers and all their antics were about teasing their wife and Mom. As Paul put it, he caused a lot of positive chaos. Their home was filled with love and laughter and he always greeted you coming and going. “I Love You Son”, and “I Love You Sweetheart”, were said frequently throughout the day. Ted was known for being a hoot. He was quick witted, always bubbly and cracking jokes, laughing, smiling, using funny voices and looking at the brighter side of things. He was the type of guy that looked at the cup half full rather than half empty. He was always there for everyone and loved to help people out.

Music was a big part of Ted’s life. In his younger years, he and his Mom did a lot of singing together. He had a beautiful tenor voice and was always willing to share it for numerous programs, funerals and events. He and his singing partner, Brent Griffin entertained the Senior Citizens and bus tours for several years and had a lot of fun doing it. His voice was a big part of the Escalante Christmas Cantata for many years. Even when he started using oxygen, he still continued to sing and he did it well. Ted’s other hobbies included hunting, fishing, reloading, tinkering on vehicles, cooking, writing poetry, teasing and joking around.

It was very difficult for Ted as his health started to fail and he became limited on the things he once was able to do. He tried to stay positive and in the process became closer to his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. He went through a refiner’s fire and he did it with grace.

Ted, the talents, music and laughter you have shared with all of us will never be forgotten along with your many teachings. We will love and miss you forever.

Ted is preceded in death by his parents, Flint and Lora Engberg, James Mcfarland and Delroy Davis.

He is survived by his sweetheart, Laura Engberg, Escalante, UT; his sons, Paul Allen Sorensen, Escalante, UT; Leeland Dell Sorensen (Amber Campbell), Enterprise, UT; and Shilo Wayne Sorensen (Astrid Lothbrok), Escalante, UT; and his beloved dog, Rambo; Debbie (Dave) Travers, Anchorage, AK; Lee Mcfarland, Salt Lake City, UT; Mother in law, Jeanie Davis, Escalante, UT, Lee (Cindy) Davis; Mesquite, NV; Terry Davis, Escalante, UT; Verl (JoAnna) Davis, Escalante, UT; and Doug (Lorraine) Davis, Escalante, UT; and two step grandchildren.

Funeral Services will be held Thursday, July 16, 2026 at 11:00 am in the Escalante Ward Chapel. There will be a viewing prior to services from 9:00 to 10:30 am at the church. Interment will be in the Escalante Cemetery.

Funeral Directors: Magleby Mortuary, Richfield, Salina and Manti. Online guestbook www.maglebymortuary.com