Where Precision Meets Passion
A Gentleman is Defined by Respect, Integrity and Consideration
Dear Reader,
Reflecting on the theme for this month, I am grateful for those strong men in my life who have mentored, nurtured and protected me in my sojourn on this earth. My mind also turns to the young men that my husband and I have had the privilege of nurturing from children to adults. In each of their stories are wins and losses, joys and pain. The men we are surrounded by often have bur dens that they bear silently and with great dignity as they press forward. I often question, How can we support the men in our lives, young and old? To me the answer is to let each of them know that they are seen and appreciated for their caring, giving and sacrifice. Encouragement bolsters confidence in these men we care so deeply about.
In this issue we learn about Zachary Foster from Desert Haus Custom Homes and the previous generations that helped to build a quality individual, as he builds quality homes.
Rob Alleman tells his touching story of helping his father find comfort and dignity on his final journey home.
If you are looking for a Father’s day gift, consider the St. George Medspa gift certificate. They may not purchase it for themselves, however, they will love it. For more information, take a look at the article from the St. George Medspa about treatments for men.
Trying to build a relationship with another generation? Give building with Legos a try. Zac and Michelle Erekson, owner of Bricks and Minifigs, tell their story of building their business along with the relationships with their family.
(Pro-tip that I learned from my brother, lay down a sheet when you pull out the Lego box, making clean up a breeze as well as saving you from stepping on a Lego.)
As we build boys into men let us never forget those who came before us, who built this beautiful world that we live in. Honoring the sacrifice and fortitude of the men who came before us will nurture future generations to have the mental and emotional strength, courage and resilience required to endure any difficulty.
Best,
RACHEL KIDMAN, EDITOR @STGEORGECITYLIFESTYLE
June 2026
PUBLISHER
Joe Morris | joe.morris@citylifestyle.com
CO-PUBLISHER
Holly Morris | holly.morris@citylifestyle.com
EDITOR
Rachel Kidman | rachel.kidman@citylifestyle.com
CONTRIBUTING WRITERS
Rob Alleman, Michelle and Zac Erekson, Kim Hill, Rachel Kidman, Joe Morris, Pauli Reep, Bella Shipley,
CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS
AFCU, The Alleman Family, City of St. George, Michelle Erekson, Jarom Price/Empire Strategies, Zachary Foster, Hoof It Creative, Rachel Kidman, Joe Morris, Brittany Dawn Short, St. George Chamber of Commerce, St. George Medspa, Jailyn Suarez
Corporate Team
CEO Steven Schowengerdt
President Matthew Perry
COO David Stetler
CRO Jamie Pentz
CoS Janeane Thompson
AD DESIGNER Josh Govero
LAYOUT DESIGNER Emily Lisenbee
QUALITY CONTROL SPECIALIST Megan Cagle Learn
Proverbs 3:5-6
Garage Door Opener
city scene
WHERE NEIGHBORS CAN SEE AND BE SEEN
1: Participants and supporters at the Red Rock Center for Independence Donut Dash 5k starting line 2: Skye being awarded her medal by RRCI Board President George Gehling at the Donut Dash 3: Officer Lona Trombley was named EOM by St. George City for her dedication & leadership 4: Art Around the Corner artist Jonathan Morgan with his installation, "Ascension", more info- www.artaroundthecorner.org 5: Mayor Jimmie Hughes speaking at the new City Hall Plaza Grand Opening 6: Congresswoman Celeste Maloy addresses the crowd at the unveiling of "Just One Beautiful Thing" sculpture 7: The Burgess Family celebrating their heritage at the sculpture of "Just One Beautiful Thing"
JAILYN SUAREZ
JOE MORRIS
JOE MORRIS
JOE
8: Krystal Van Voorhis and Julia Reynolds with Simple Autism Solutions at Walk With Autism event 9: Brett&Bobbi John, Nola Hatch, Lynnette&Jack Loughton, Farrelyn Miller- at the United We Pledge Fundraiser event 10: Washington Wheels Park opened with something for everyone, located at 3730 S. Rolling Rock Dr.
business monthly
A ROUNDUP OF NEWS FROM LOCAL BUSINESSES
Bricks and Minifigs Grand Opening and Ribbon Cutting
Congratulations to Bricks and Minifigs St. George, who broke the record for one of the biggest grand openings in the store's history! Some folks waited in line for almost 2 hours. Need to trade or sell your bricks? The trade desk is open during store hours, no appointment necessary. Store hours are Mon-Fri: 11 am to 8 pm and Sat: 10 am to 8 pm. Located at 210 N 1000 E, St. George.
Scan to read more
America First Credit Union Opened Branch in Desert Color
America First Credit Union (AFCU) marked the opening of its Desert Color Branch in St. George. As part of the celebration, AFCU announced $10,000 in donations to local organizations supporting children and families, including $5,000 to Root for Kids and $5,000 to the Washington County School District Foundation. Located at 952 W. Black Mountain Drive, the Desert Color Branch provides convenient access to the credit union’s full range of financial services. Learn more at americafirst.com.
Dreammaker Bath & Kitchen Grand Opening
The new Remodeling Design Center is now open and serving the Southern Utah area. From concept to completion, they manage every detail with thoughtful design, expert craftsmanship and seamless execution. Find them at 740 W. Telegraph St, Suite 2, in Washington.
Photography by St. George Chamber of Commerce
Photography by AFCU
Photography by Joe Morris
BONDING Brick by BRICK
"Fatherhood is not about being perfect. It's about being present." -Unknown
ARTICLE BY ZAC AND MICHELLE EREKSON PHOTOGRAPHY BY MICHELLE EREKSON AND HOOF IT CREATIVE
For over 75 years Legos have been a staple in the playroom, and now Legos have evolved to be a multi-generational pastime. Thanks to Zac and Michelle Erekson we have our own store located right here in Southern Utah.
WHAT INSPIRED YOU TO OPEN BRICKS AND MINIFIGS?
A lot of things contributed to our inspiration to open Bricks and Minifigs. Of course, all the fun we have with LEGO as a family is a big part of it. Before moving to St. George, we lived near a small shop with a similar feel to Bricks and Minifigs. We often talked about how we would love to open up our own shop if we didn’t already live so near one.
When we moved to St. George, we immediately thought, “This town needs a fun place for LEGO.” Literally weeks before moving, we had made a contact with Bricks and Minifigs, which felt serendipitous to us. What really got us to finally commit, though, was the opportunity to accomplish something as big as opening a business as a family. In particular, one of our high school-aged sons is very business-minded, and we realized what an amazing opportunity it would be for him at this age to be involved with starting a business. He now manages our inventory, and we honestly couldn’t have opened without him.
HOW HAVE LEGO HELPED YOU BOND WITH YOUR CHILDREN AS PARENTS?
Our family has always loved LEGO, from Duplo on up. Our love of LEGO as a family really heated up when our sons were young, and the Ninjago series started. For young boys, nothing is cooler than LEGO plus ninja. Zac used the boys’ love of LEGO as an excuse to indulge himself, unwind from his medical training, and
Zac spending quality time with his children.
Birthday brick building
spend time having fun with the family. We set up elaborate birthday parties with LEGO themes and games. We bought and built sets together. And like most families, we had a “bin o’ LEGO” full of miscellaneous parts to make our own creations. We even developed family traditions involving LEGO, like our Elf on the Shelf bringing a set for each child on the morning of Christmas Eve, giving them something fun to occupy them while mom and dad finished our preparations for the big day.
WHAT
IMPACT DO YOU HOPE TO HAVE ON SOUTHERN
UTAH,
AND HOW DO YOU PLAN TO GIVE BACK TO THE COMMUNITY?
One thing that has really hit us already is the impact of just having a fun and welcoming environment at the store. The people who visit become our friends, and that really means something. Sometimes you can tell a person feels like they don’t really belong in some settings, and when they come into the store, they’re in their element; they come alive and feel like they’re at home. Plans are underway to build a party room, where we plan to hold a lot of events to build that sense of belonging and community. As a toy store, we’ll also have a lot of focus on children. We’ve become a sponsor of Boys and Girls Club, and we’re excited about that. LEGO are a well-known tool to get kids excited about STEM and the arts, and we plan to be very involved with school programs. We’re also passionate about emotional wellness. Zac is a physician, and his days can feel pretty heavy at times. LEGO has been a way for him to recharge his batteries. We’re looking to partner with others in the community to foster emotional wellness for both teens and adults.
DO YOU HOST ANY ACTIVITIES FOR PARENTS AND CHILDREN TO DO TOGETHER?
So far, we’ve hosted an in-store scavenger hunt and have partnered for a community scavenger hunt. We’ve also done some “make and take” builds. The Minifig Maker tables and bulk tables are always open, and we watch parents and children create together at those tables every day. In the future, we plan to hold workshops, “my own creation” (MOC) events, and more make and takes and scavenger hunts. When our party room is complete, it will also be available to community members for parties, family gatherings, and much more.
We all love that satisfying click when two Legos come together. These pieces come together to build a complex structure. Just like Legos, people are unique on our own but we are designed to connect with others. Building and working together builds these strong bonds and lasting memories. Build something lasting today.
Photo by Hoof It Creative
AN EXCERPT FROM EPISODE 6 OF SHARE THE LIFESTYLE, A CITY LIFESTYLE PODCAST
Photographer: Brittany Dawn Short
Creative Director: Jen Birn
Stylist: Stephanie Coultress O’Neill
Location: Hotel Saint Cecilia, Austin, TX
MIKE JOHNSON HAS BUILT HIS LIFE AROUND ONE QUIETLY RADICAL IDEA: THE STANDARD YOU SET PRIVATELY IS THE ONLY ONE THAT MATTERS.
After eight years in the Air Force, a celebrated run on national television, and a health crisis abroad that sent him deep into supply chains and ingredient certifications most founders never touch, the result is Oshun — a luxury ritual brand built on provenance you can trace and integrity you can verify. In an exclusive conversation for the Share the Lifestyle podcast, Mike shares what it actually takes to build something worth putting your name on. Read the highlights below, then scan the QR code for the full episode.
Q: YOU BECAME A FAN FAVORITE ON THE BACHELORETTE AND THEN LEFT THE SPOTLIGHT. YOU MOVED TO MEXICO, LEARNED SPANISH, THEN COSTA RICA, AND BUILT A COMPANY. WHAT DID THAT EXPERIENCE TEACH YOU ABOUT HUMAN BEHAVIOR?
A: “If you’re a good person going in, that shows. If you’re not, that shows too. I also learned that people form this parasocial relationship with you — they assume things about you. When all actuality, different circumstances bring out different parts of who you are. I was on TV trying to find love. The kindness people were showing after felt a bit fake, because they wanted to be a part of something that isn’t who I am individually, but a part of what they saw on TV. And so I had to get away from everybody and everything and the noise.”
THE QUIET STANDARD:
MIKE JOHNSON
“Too many people have prayed for me. So I’ve got to get up and do the walking.”
— Mike Johnson
Q: YOU JOINED THE AIR FORCE RIGHT OUT OF COMMUNITY COLLEGE. WHAT WERE YOU ACTUALLY RUNNING TOWARD?
A: “There was something in me that was saying: I’m not living up to my full potential. I was being a follower. My uncle said, ‘What’s going to make you become an adult the fastest?’ I said, obviously, the military. The Air Force broadened my thought process more than anything. We’re so caught up in our own perception — when you learn to understand different people’s perspectives, it adds to you in so many ways.”
Q: WITH OSHUN, YOU OWN YOUR MANUFACTURING, YOU EMPLOY A CHEMIST, EVERY PRODUCT HAS A BATCH NUMBER TRACEABLE TO ITS ORIGIN DATE. WHY DID YOU DECIDE TO GO THAT DEEP WITH THE BRAND?
A: “The EU bans 1,100 ingredients in personal care products. The U.S. bans nine. That’s my starting point. Oftentimes, it might be the same ingredient, but it comes from a place where it doesn’t have the highest purity. And 60% of what we put on our skin is absorbed. Every product Oshun makes carries a batch number that goes back to the exact day it was created — I can show you every single supplier, the date, the origin. I own more than one part of the supply chain because that’s the only way I can stand behind what’s in the bottle.”
This conversation is just the beginning. Mike goes deeper into why he’s buying land up north, the family in the Philippines who prayed over his factory floor, and what he’d tell every person ready to stop performing and start building. Scan the QR code for the full, exclusive City Lifestyle interview on the Share the Lifestyle podcast.
MIKE JOHNSON
Generational Wisdom BUILDING ON
An Introduction to Local Builder Zachary Foster of Desert Haus Custom Homes
ARTICLE BY JOE MORRIS | PHOTOGRAPHY PROVIDED BY DESERT HAUS CONSTRUCTION
Growing up in Southern Utah, Zachary Foster was surrounded by home builders, four generations on both sides of his family, to be exact. With a father who worked as a general contractor and a mother in real estate, he gained a unique perspective of the construction industry throughout his youth. As a teenager, he felt as though his strengths were in problem solving and in building relationships with people. Zachary also gained a core understanding of how homes are built, and how they’re experienced by the people who live in them.
Nowadays, it seems as though an unintended consequence of our information age is that fewer people follow in the footsteps of the previous generation. Apprenticeship professions, where the techniques of experienced experts would be shared, is becoming more rare. A basic knowledge to get licensed in a professional field can be gained through watching a few hours of online videos. Not as many of our current professionals are being schooled directly in hands-on craftsmanship and business from experienced mentors.
For Zachary Foster of Desert Haus, the opposite is true. Building homes is his passion and profession and his expertise is uniquely generational. “I have a strong desire to be the best at what I do…I won’t stop until each one of my projects, and my company, reflects that,” says Zachary. He continues, “there is a fine line to walk when considering taking on work…and not over committing myself to where I cannot perform at my best.”
In 2017, he officially stepped into the field as a carpenter. His experience in carpentry became the foundation for everything that followed. Learning trades from the ground up also gave him a deep respect for craftsmanship and a clear understanding of what it actually takes to construct a building that can stand the test of time. Two years later, Zachary was doing project management, overseeing both speculative and fully custom homes throughout Washington County. Each phase of that journey reinforced a belief that continues to guide his work today: “Quality should never be sacrificed for volume.”
That belief ultimately led to the creation of his own company, Desert Haus Construction.
Desert Haus is built around three defining elements: People, Product, and Process.
People come first. Building a home requires continuous coordination between clients, designers, architects, and tradesmen—each playing a critical role. Zachary also places a strong emphasis on
relationships and collaboration. The best results come from teams who communicate well and stay aligned throughout the process. Exceeding client expectations is a top priority.
His beautiful dwellings are a direct reflection of those standards. Inspired by the meaning behind the word “Haus”—a structure built with intention and precision—every home is approached with a focus on durability, craftsmanship, and long-term performance.
And finally, the process. From early planning to final completion, every step is designed to be clear, organized, and intentional. The goal is not just to build a home, but to create an experience where clients feel confident, informed, and supported along every step of the build.
For Zachary, success isn’t measured by how many homes are built each year. Success for him is measured by how well each one is built—and how the client felt throughout the journey. “I do intend to knock the ball out of the park on every project I take on.” - Zachary Foster
ZACHARY FOSTER OF DESERT HAUS
Zachary loves hanging out with his younger brother who is special needs and is an absolute angel. The very little time Zachary isn't working, he also enjoys spending time at the gym, playing pickleball and playing golf. "I also love to cook. I’d say I have a passion for living a healthy lifestyleexercise and healthy food," he shares.
GUYS’ GUYS’ GETAWAYS GETAWAYS
Has it been too long since your tribe gathered to rib and one-up each other as only guys can do? To help plan a getaway for just the guys, City Lifestyle gathered an eclectic list of locations offering tons of things to see, do and experience. Here’s hoping the only ribs one will get on this guys’ getaway are the kind to hold in hands while barbecue sauce drips onto shirts.
ARTICLE BY KIM HILL
FOUR GREAT PLACES FOR GROOVES, GRUB AND GAWKING WITH BEST BROS
Scottsdale/Phoenix
There’s no other tournament on the PGA Tour like the Waste Management Phoenix Open and no hole like the legendary 16th, where 20,000 boisterous fans boo the tee shots that miss the green. The other 51 weeks of the year, golfers can play TPC Scottsdale or try one of more than 200 courses in the Scottsdale area, a top golf destination. Another winter event is the Barrett-Jackson Collector Car Auction. Even if one’s only collector car was a Hot Wheels, it’s a blast to peruse the acres of autos for sale before heading inside to watch the unique or renowned cars crossing the auction block. When it’s time to get moving, the strenuous hike up Camelback Mountain in nearby Phoenix is a bucket-list item. Need a more moderate trail? Experience the same magic of the majestic saguaro cactus in the McDowell Sonoran Preserve.
New Orleans
It’s always a party in New Orleans (NOLA), especially when it comes to festivals, many of them centered around music. Folk to funk, gospel to jazz, zydeco, blues, African and other musical styles are celebrated on the Jazz and Heritage Festival’s 12 stages. If free admission is more desired, don’t miss the French Quarter Festival featuring local musicians and food vendors representing dozens of New Orleans restaurants. Part of the fun of Mid-City Bayou Boogaloo is admiring revelers’ watercraft, some of them homemade just for this festival on the banks of Bayou Saint John. If one of the festivals can’t be attended, there’s still plenty of NOLA live music, particularly the jazz clubs on Frenchmen Street. And when a break from crowds is needed, take a guided swamp tour. Kitschy, yes, but it’s a hoot to cruise around on a swamp buggy while looking for alligators.
THEY WON’T SAY THEY DO PILATES, BUT THERE WILL BE SIGNS.
Bowling Green, Kentucky
“America’s Sports Car” is produced at the Bowling Green Assembly Plant, where visitors can join guided tours to observe Corvettes being built and learn the fascinating history of these sexy autos. See examples of all Corvette generations at the National Corvette Museum. And if the need for speed is still felt, a few times a year Xtreme Experience offers driving or ride-along events in exotics like Ferraris or Lamborghinis at the National Corvette Museum Motorsports Park. After getting all revved up, cool down at Mammoth Cave National Park, the longest known cave system in the world and a World Heritage Site, where guided tours take participants through tunnels humans have used for thousands of years. And after all this touring, the Bowling Green area is the southernmost point in the Kentucky Bourbon Trail of distilleries.
Austin
Live music rules here, with iconic venues such as Antone’s, The Continental Club, the White Horse and hundreds of other locations, from dive bars to big stages. From rock and blues to country and urban, music is heard every night of the week (and many afternoons as well). When guys are hungry, there are tons of barbeque and Tex-Mex joints. Unique food trucks are truly a thing here, with nearly 2,000 food trailers in town. Burn some calories biking or running the Southern Walnut Creek Trail or one of many paved paths. Get out on the water in a kayak, canoe or stand-up paddleboard on Lake Travis or Lady Bird Lake. Take a dip in the historic Barton Springs Pool, where the underground springs keep the water around 68 degrees all year.
Sun-Ready Styles for Every Splash
Step Sun, Sandals, and Swim—Styled to Perfection
Make a splash this season with fresh arrivals at Mimi & Coco. Our curated swimwear for boys and girls—from newborn to 12 years—blends comfort, quality, and standout style for every sunny adventure. Whether it’s poolside, beach days, or everyday play, we’ve got them covered in style.
Shop in-store or online today before styles sell out!
Maintenance Tools for the Modern Man
HOW MEN ARE APPROACHING THEIR APPEARANCE DIFFERENTLY IN 2026
Before-Untreated
After-Treated with Chin Filler
Before-Untreated
After-Treated with Hair Restoration
ARTICLE BY BELLA SHIPLEY | PHOTOGRAPHY BY ST. GEORGE MEDSPA
Gentlemen, we know that you are interested in looking good. You invest in yourself all the time with gym memberships, supplements, grooming, hobbies and taking care of your health. Now it is time to take the next step in your evolution with medspa treatments that fit into the same category of personal maintenance and performance. Through the hundreds of men we see regularly at St. George MedSpa, we know that you want to look like yourself… just a little bit more put together, and that’s exactly what modern aesthetic treatments are designed to do for you.
There’s an outdated stigma that medspa treatments are unnatural or may look overdone. If your only reference is what you’ve seen online or heard in passing, it is easy to assume everything is too extreme or not relevant to you. In reality, most treatments are quite simple and are much more tailored to your specific needs than most people think. There is not a one-size-fits-all approach, and treatments today are quick, require little to no downtime, and are built around long-term maintenance rather than a dramatic, obvious change.
Over the past decade, male aesthetic treatments have grown significantly in popularity. According to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, men have increased their use of cosmetic procedures by over 20%, with wrinkle relaxers like Botox leading the way. This isn’t just something that’s “coming,” it is already happening all around you.
Once you understand the variety of available options, it becomes much more practical to consider
for yourself. That’s a big part of why more men are becoming open to, and changing their approach to an enhancement or to maintaining their appearance. It might be to improve skin quality, soften wrinkles, address hair loss, reduce sun damage, or even help with excessive sweating, these things are straightforward, effective, and make sense for everyone.
Realistically, most men aren’t sitting around chatting about skincare or the aesthetic treatments they’ve had recently, which makes it easy to assume no one is doing it. But that is definitely not the case. Men are paying more attention to how they show up in their daily lives, taking an intentional approach to maintaining it, and choosing options that actually fit their lifestyle. You wouldn’t be the first man to enter the medspa and you definitely won’t be the last, either. We see all kinds of people in our space: blue-collar men, business owners, gym bros and some of the roughest, toughest cowboys in Southern Utah. Different lifestyles, same idea: taking a practical approach to maintaining how you show up in your life. Whether we want to admit it or not, how you present yourself plays a big role in your career, your confidence, and how you show up day to day.
Men are paying more attention to themselves, taking an intentional approach to maintaining their looks, and choosing options that actually fit their lifestyle. Consultations at St. George Medspa are FREE (scan the code in our ad on page 11 to claim). If you’re ready to see what options are available to you, come chat with us! We will see you soon.
“We see all kinds of people at the St. George Medspa: blue-collar men, male business owners, gym bros and some of the roughest, toughest cowboys in Southern Utah.”
In A
ARTICLE BY PAULI REEP
PICKLE-BRINED CHICKEN WINGS SOAR TO THE NEXT LEVEL WITH ALABAMA WHITE SAUCE.
Pickle
Pickle Juice Brined Wings
INGREDIENTS
• 2 pounds chicken wings (flats and drummettes)
• Pickle juice - enough to cover wings
• 1 – 2 teaspoons garlic salt
• ¼ teaspoon pepper
• 6 tablespoons butter
• A few dashes of hot sauce
• 2 tablespoons fresh dill, chopped
INSTRUCTIONS
I’ve spent years searching for the perfect wing flavor, never quite satisfied, until I heard a podcast suggestion: brining chicken wings in pickle juice. It sounded strange at first, but it yields incredibly tender and flavorful wings! Since then, I save pickle juice from every jar I buy just to recreate these beloved wings. If I run out of pickle juice, olive juice works too. I air fry mine, but if you don’t have an air fryer, cook them as you normally would. Don’t forget to toss them in a buttery dill sauce and try the Alabama white BBQ sauce for an extra layer of goodness!
1. Place chicken wings in a non-reactive container and pour pickle juice over chicken wings until completely covered.
2. Place it in the fridge and let it marinate, covered, for at least 8 hours.
3. Drain wings, discard pickle juice, and completely pat wings dry.
4. Put dried wings in a bowl and sprinkle with garlic salt and pepper. Mix well.
5. Place wings in an air fryer basket, being careful not to crowd. Cook at 400 degrees for 28 minutes, turning every 8 minutes until crispy. If you don’t have an air fryer, bake them in the oven for 35 - 40 minutes at 400 degrees, flipping halfway through.
6. Melt the butter and add a few splashes of hot sauce of your choice and mix in a bowl. Add wings and completely cover with butter mixture. Sprinkle with fresh dill and toss a few times, and serve with my white barbeque sauce.
Alabama White BBQ Sauce
INGREDIENTS
• 1 ½ cups mayonnaise (I prefer Duke’s)
• ¼ cup water
• ¼ cup white wine vinegar
• 1 tablespoon pepper, coarsely ground
• 1 tablespoon Creole mustard
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon sugar
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 2 teaspoons prepared horseradish
INSTRUCTIONS
Whisk all ingredients together until blended. Dip your pickle juice-brined wings in this sauce and taste the joy! Store in the refrigerator for 1 - 2 weeks.
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The Journey Home
ARTICLE BY ROB ALLEMAN
PHOTOGRAPHY PROVIDED BY THE ALLEMAN FAMILY
A Southern Utah Story of Community, Comfort, and Dignity
Frank and Ann Alleman
Helping my father on his final journey taught me that "home" is a verb—it is something we do for one another. He didn't just pass away in his house; he went home with the support of a community that treated his final needs not as a chore, but as a collective mission of love.
For nearly half a century, the red rock horizon of southern Utah wasn’t just a landscape to my father; it was a blueprint of his life. He was a man shaped by the slow, deliberate pace of rural Utah—a place where you knew your neighbors by their trucks, and where "home" meant something far deeper than the physical walls of a house. It was a sense of belonging carved out of the desert heat and maintained through shared hardships and quiet community support.
When my father was diagnosed with a terminal illness, the immediate, overwhelming desire was not for the sterile, bustling halls of the hospital, but for the quiet, familiar comfort of his own home. He wanted to watch the shadows stretch across the Pine Valley Mountains visible from his room one last time. He wanted to be home.
In a world that often prioritizes efficiency over humanity, we braced ourselves as a family for a struggle — the exhausting logistics of end-of-life care in a rural setting. But I was wrong. I quickly learned that "going home" is not merely a transition back to the house. For my father, it was a profound loving, and community-supported experience that turned his final journey into a dignified celebration of life.
THE SANCTUARY OF HOME
There is a specific kind of magic in a home that holds longstanding family memories. The creak of the wooden floor, the aroma of home baked bread and
Father and son, Frank and Rob Alleman
Frank's favorite view from his home
“He
wanted to watch the shadows stretch across the Pine Valley Mountains visible from his
room one last time. He wanted to be home.”
cookies, the specific scent of desert sage filtering through the windows, and the worn armchair that perfectly fit my dad’s shoulders. These are not just things; they are anchors. When someone has a history of life in a community, home is a repository for the spirit. But bringing a terminal patient home requires intense support. It requires a village. In our case, that village was comprised of neighbors, parishioners, and local Southern Utah businesses that stepped in not just as service providers, but as partners in care.
COMPASSION IN THE DESERT: DIXIE HOSPICE CARE
The foundation of our journey began with Dixie Hospice Care by family doctor, Joseph Woolley. It means something to live in a place where your local medical practitioner will text with you personally, and is grateful for the basket of fresh eggs you gathered that morning, and who in the worst of times, can provide gentle guidance to nurses and aides who did more than manage my father’s symptoms; they managed the emotional and physical weight of the situation with remarkable grace. We were grateful to rely on a local 5-star Medicare-rated hospice agency who brought a level of professional, compassionate, candid personalized care directly to our living room. From our first meeting, the team at Dixie Hospice addressed not only the physical pain from my father’s terminal illness, but also the mental and emotional needs of
my father, allowing him to stay in his beloved home. They handled all of his medication, equipment, and most importantly, provided reassurance to our family during that most difficult time, allowing my dad to maintain control, dignity, and independence in his final days.
SENIORS HELPING SENIORS: A GENTLE HAND
As my dad’s illness progressed, daily tasks became too strenuous for my father to manage, even with family present. The caregivers from Seniors Helping Seniors were not just there to monitor, they were genuine companions. There is something incredibly comforting about having fellow seniors providing in-home care with their own life experience and perspective, who listened to and shared stories about the "old days" in southern Utah. Mary, Charisa, Kelly, Joanie and Ron became loving family companions, allowing my father to feel seen and honored. Their tender personal care and support also allowed our family to focus on just being family.
NOURISHING THE SPIRIT: BEEHIVE MEALS
Perhaps the most overlooked, yet vital part of end-of-life care is nutrition—not just for our dad, but for the family and caregivers who often forget to eat. Our friends and neighbors lovingly stopped by with meals and snack foods in my dad’s final days, and we were also fortunate to utilize Beehive
Meals that we were proud to support as a remarkable local, woman-owned business specializing in simple, delicious, homestyle, slow-cooker freezer meals. Being stocked with comfort foods allowed us to avoid the stress of grocery shopping and cooking, especially during the final days when we didn’t risk leaving the house or my dad. Beehive meals was a warm, comforting reminder of the community support that allowed us to sit down together, share a meal, and connect during a time that could have easily been defined by isolation.
THE FINAL DETAIL: MOSDELL MORTUARY
As the end drew near and the time finally came to say goodbye, the local support didn't stop at the doorstep. Christian Mosdell in Kanab took our call no matter the time and journeyed the nearly one-hundred miles in a moment’s notice when my father passed. Our family has known the Mosdell’s for over 20 years, and Mosdell Mortuary treated my father with gentle respect while providing comfort to our family for my dad’s final journey. The Mosdells guided us through the process of what was next, and shared family-to-family advice and grace that can always be found in our Southern Utah home premised community.
THE TRUE MEANING OF "GOING HOME"
My father passed away in his own home, surrounded by the loving support of his family and the seamless care of local, dedicated businesses. In hindsight I realize that my dad hadn't just gone home to his house. He had been cradled by a community that understood the sanctity of life’s final chapter. Going home is not just about the physical place. It is about the reassurance that your community will step in. It’s about the profound loving care that family and neighbors bring, as well as the support of local community businesses.
My father didn't just pass away; he lived until the very last breath, supported by the very community he had loved for so long. His journey was a testament to the fact that end of life can be a time of peace, love, and comfort.
For more information on the services mentioned in this article, please visit the following websites: dixiecare.com, seniorshelpingseniors.com, beehivemeals.com, and mosdellmortuary.com
JUNE 12TH - 13TH
“Voices of Freedom” Performed by The Southern Utah Heritage
Choir
St. George Tabernacle
The Southern Utah Heritage Choir has become a showcase of musical excellence and performance inspiration. Join them for their Flag Day Concert- "Voices of Freedom" on Friday, June 12th at 7 pm and Saturday, June 13th at 2 pm. Visit HeritageChoir.org for event details, season highlights, and updates throughout the year. Free to the public.
JUNE 19TH - 20TH
Tread Off-Road Expo
Dixie Convention Center | 11:00 AM
New products, real tech talk and hands-on action for the Off-Road enthusiasts. If it matters in off-road, it will be there, and if you are serious about building, this is where you need to be. Get face to face with top industry brands, builders, and influencers who actually live this lifestyle.
JUNE 20TH
Rally for Hope - GRANDfamilies
Little Valley Park, St. George | 9:00 AM
Come support kinship families at their Pickleball Tournament Fundraiser! Register now through May 29th. Tickets are $150 per 2 person team. Children’s Service Society of Utah is dedicated to ensuring children grow up in loving, nurturing environments by empowering families, parents, and caregivers. 9 am - 12 pm. Info at cssutah.org
