Lawrence Stephen Fuja

Lawrence Stephen Fuja, 91, a devoted patriarch of his family and faithful member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, passed away on February 16, 2026, in Provo, Utah.

He was born October 28, 1934, in Chicago, Illinois, Lawrence was the eldest son of Steven Stanley and Genevieve Magierski Fuja. He spent his youth in Chicago before relocating to Utah, after embracing the restored gospel in Indiana. On October 28, 1958, he was sealed for time and all eternity to his beloved companion, Doris Irene Bell, in the Logan Utah Temple.

Lawrence’s life was defined by an unwavering commitment to his covenants and his posterity. He is survived by his wife, Irene; their five children: Randy (Christine) Fuja, LaNel (Richard) Bowns, Danette (Paul) Horton, Tannin (Megan) Fuja, and Daniel (Wendy) Fuja; 31 grandchildren and 34 great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents; his brother, Clarence Fuja; and daughter-in-law Sharlene Hunt Fuja.

Funeral services will be held Monday, February 23, 2026, at 1:00 pm in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints located at 1555 North 1350 West, Provo, Utah. A visitation will precede the service from 10:30 am - 12:30 pm. Interment will follow at the Lehi City Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, Lawrence asked that you perform a quiet act of service for someone in need.

Condolences may be sent to the family at www.olpinmortuary.com.

The Life and Legacy of Lawrence Stephen Fuja (1934 – 2026)

*The Chicago Beginnings*

Lawrence Stephen Fuja was born on October 28, 1934, in Chicago, Illinois, the firstborn son of Steven Stanley and Genevieve Magierski Fuja. His early years were defined by the grit and industry of a family navigating the post-Depression era. From the humble beginnings of a basement apartment, Lawrence witnessed the quiet heroism of his parents: a father dedicated to International Harvester and a mother who contributed to the war effort as a riveter. By age eight, through their collective sacrifice, the family secured the brick home that would serve as the anchor of Lawrence’s youth.

*The Athlete, Artist and Independent*

There were ten boys in the neighborhood. They all hung out together, and they all had nicknames like “Eddie Spaghetti the Soup Bone Head” and “A-Bomb.” Lawrence was affectionately known in his neighborhood as "Big Fuj”. He was a young man of remarkable depth and untapped brilliance. While he found great joy in powdering the baseball over the fence or throwing a football very deep with remarkable precision, he also loved sitting on the front porch, captivated by the classical piano melodies drifting from a neighbor’s home, cultivating a lifelong admiration for the arts. His innate artistic ability could not be obscured. His talent was so profound that a single landscape—a forest scene—earned him a prestigious four-year scholarship to the Art Institute of Chicago where his painting was displayed with distinction for many years. Though he chose a different path out of respect for his father’s practical counsel, that artistic precision remained his hallmark, later manifesting in a distinguished career as a draftsman in engineering design where he combined his love for math with his artistic abilities. His independent spirit was further evidenced when, as a young man, he earned the means to travel alone to Florida, demonstrating a curiosity for the world that would define his nearly century-long journey.

*A Spiritual Awakening in Indiana*

The defining pivot of Lawrence’s life occurred while he was a student at Indiana Tech in Fort Wayne, Indiana. What began as a skeptical inquiry into the "restored gospel" transformed into a profound spiritual conviction. Despite the initial mockery of peers, Lawrence sought the truth with characteristic directness, eventually meeting with mission president, Stephen L. Richards, who later became a member of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Lawrence’s baptism in Fort Wayne was a testament to his courage; he famously stood firm in his new faith even when faced with the heartfelt pleas of his mother to return to his roots. Years later, that same mother would find a place of honor and care within Lawrence’s own home in Provo—a beautiful testament to his capacity for love and reconciliation.

*The Architect of Legacy*

In pursuit of his faith, Lawrence relocated to Utah, where he applied his formidable talents at Sperry Rand Utah Engineering Labs. It was in Salt Lake City that he met his eternal companion, Irene Bell. They were sealed for time and all eternity in the Logan Utah Temple on October 28, 1958. Together, they established a household in Provo that became a sanctuary of learning and devotion.

Lawrence’s professional life spanned significant contributions to Brigham Young University, Dynix Library Systems, and Midstate Consulting, but his true vocation was the stewardship of his family and his faith. Lawrence was a man who believed in the sanctity of a finished task. In a powerful demonstration of his conviction that one should always finish what they start, he returned to his university studies in his twilight years. At the age of 81, he successfully completed his degree from Brigham Young University, leaving his posterity a profound example of the lifelong importance of education and the integrity of a completed goal.

*The Refined Legacy of Service*

Parallel to his professional and academic pursuits, Lawrence served with distinction in numerous ecclesiastical capacities. Whether presiding as a Stake Mission President, providing counsel in the Bishopric, or meticulously attending to the records as a Branch, Ward, or Stake Clerk, he viewed every assignment as a sacred trust.

He possessed a unique and enduring affinity for the rising generation. Through his service in the MIA, Young Men, and Scouting programs, Lawrence became a natural magnet for youth and young adults, who were drawn to his genuine interest and mentorship. He met every call to service with a sincere desire to reach out and lift others through his gregarious joy, leaving a legacy of warmth and inclusion that defined his life’s work.

*The Final Commemoration*

Lawrence passed away on February 16, 2026, leaving behind a vibrant legacy: five children, 31 grandchildren, and 34 great-grandchildren who call him "Grandpa."

Throughout his 91 years, Lawrence moved through the world with the discerning eye of an artist and the consecrated heart of a disciple. He possessed a rare and remarkable gift—the ability to bridge any distance through conversation, turning strangers into lifelong friends with ease. Having successfully completed his mortal probation with unwavering courage, he truly endured to the end in faith.

Central to his identity was his profound testimony of the Restored Gospel of Jesus Christ, a conviction not merely spoken, but demonstrated through a life of service and devotion. His journey—stretching from the streets of Chicago to the temples of the West—stands as a masterwork of faith, an example to all his posterity who follow in his footsteps.