Michel L. Call

---

Michel L. Call, age 82, passed away peacefully in his sleep on Tuesday, August 19, 2025, at the University of Utah Hospital in Salt Lake City. He was born December 30, 1942, in Afton, Wyoming, to Reita Leavitt Call and Stayner White Call, the eldest of thirteen children. As a youth, he loved hiking in the mountains of Star Valley and enjoyed basketball and music. Michel earned the rank of Eagle Scout and excelled in school, graduating from Star Valley High School in 1961.

He served for two years in the Alberta Canada Mission for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. After returning home, he graduated from Brigham Young University with a bachelor’s degree in mathematics and later earned a master’s degree in political science.

Michel married Margaret Ann Simmons in 1968, and during their 22 years together they had ten children and currently have 40 grandchildren and 12 great-grandchildren. In 1992, Michel married Maryellen Adams Thornton and expanded his family to include her four living children. During their 32 years of marriage, they welcomed seven additional grandchildren. 

A dedicated scholar, Michel devoted much of his life to genealogical research, with particular focus on royal, Mayflower, and Mormon pioneer ancestry. He also developed a passion for running and ran multiple marathons. He taught high school mathematics in Wyoming and California before returning to Utah upon his retirement.

He is survived by his children Rachel Hokanson (Robert), Annette Jasperson (‘Jon), Walden Call (Michelle), Liesl Johnson, Rebecca Baggett (Phil), Holbrook Call (Irene), Christina Butler (Jared), Forest Call (Grace), Afton Call (Jared), and Kimberly Perkins (Jon); his stepchildren Wren Thornton, Rachel Thornton Smith, Corbin Thornton (Carolina), Josh Thornton; his grandchildren and great-grandchildren; his siblings Cara Clark (Sam), Kevin Call (Lorie), David Call (Janet), Justin Call (Umelia), Frieda Garrett (James, dec.), Freya Turner (Scott), Ethan Call (Christine), and Alyssa Owens (Matthew).

Michel was preceded in death by his parents, Stayner and Reita Call; siblings Kim Call, Brett Call, Shann Call, and Nancy Fennern; Maryellen’s son, Isaac Thornton, and daughter-in-law Soledad Thornton; and grandchild Dan Mower.

A private family memorial service will be held at a later date.