Rulon Eric Hartvigsen

Rulon Eric Hartvigsen of Tucson, Arizona passed away on November 9th, 2025, surrounded by his loving family. Born on June 4, 1946, he was 79 years old at the time of his passing.

Eric was many things: a wheat farmer, an Army veteran, a genealogist, a dentist. But most importantly, he was a loving husband, father to three children, grandfather to seven, and friend to many. He will be deeply missed.

Born to Lester and Evelyn Hartvigsen in Pocatello, Idaho, Eric grew up working on the family wheat farm in nearby Cherry Creek. He spent his summers working the farm and the school years at the family's home in Malad. He was a gifted athlete, lettering in all school sports and being awarded the Student Athlete of the Year. He also played tenor sax in the school marching band. He played a year of college basketball at Colorado State University. After two years at CSU, he transferred to the University of Utah. There he met Anna Eastman and married her in the Salt Lake Temple during his first year of dental school at Northwestern University in Chicago.

Eric started his career as a dentist in the Army, which sent him to Bremerhaven, Germany. They loved their time in Germany and established many family traditions there.

Eric eventually settled in Tucson and started his private dental practice. There, he and Anna raised their three children while he served in the Army reserves, retiring as a lieutenant colonel. He practiced dentistry for decades and enjoyed building relationships with his many loyal patients and dedicated staff.

He continued to farm the family wheat fields throughout his life, spending many summer months working in Idaho and managing the farm alongside his brothers.

Eric was a faithful member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints with a passion for serving others and assisting them in exploring their family history.

He will be remembered for his dry sense of humor, the twinkle in his eye, and his natural curiosity. He was a dedicated journal writer, often using his notes from decades past to recall events and reconnect with family and friends.

Preceded in death by his parents, Eric is survived by his wife, Anna; his three children: Nathan (Kimberly), Amy Rasmussen (Brian), and Christie Moulton (Nathan); two brothers: James (Rebecca) and Kim (Laurie); and his seven grandchildren.

Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. on Thursday, November 20th at the LDS chapel at 939 West Chapala Drive in Tucson, with a viewing prior to the service at 10 a.m. Eric will be interred in the Malad, Idaho cemetery.

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