Karl Tilleman

A Beautiful story

1. January 1985

   How We Met

   

   We met at the 17th Avenue chapel in Calgary, Alberta, Canada where Karl was speaking at a missionary fireside just a few days before he left to serve his first mission to Los Angeles, California, Spanish-speaking. Grandma Walker introduced us. I still remember that Karl spoke powerfully about the power of prayer.

2. December 27, 1986

   Our Temple Wedding

   

   We married on December 27th, 1986 in the Salt Lake Temple. Grandpa Ezra Taft Benson, the Prophet of the Church, sealed us twice that morning! He looked truly angelic on that holy day. I thought our hearts would burst with joy and love that day.

3. 1987-present

   Our family

   

   We have been richly blessed with a beautiful family of 5 children and 13 grandchildren with thousands of joyful memories swimming, barbecuing, celebrating all the holidays & birthdays, hiking, fishing, hunting, horse-back riding, working, serving others, playing basketball, skiing, swimming with dolphins, spending time with our parents, & grandparents, playing with our animals, watching movies, playing games, video games, learning music (singing, piano, choirs, bands, orchestras) scouting, playing many sports, doing missionary and church work etc. etc. in places such as our beloved Arizona, Alberta, Montana, Utah, Virginia, Hawaii and British Columbia throughout our life’s journey.

4. 1980-1988

   The Basketball Years

   

   Karl played on Canada’s National team for 8 years, and played in the 1984 and 1988 Olympics with his full-time mission in between! After his mission, he broke the Olympic record and has kept the record for the most 3-point shots made in an Olympic game—10—for almost 40 years now (along with achieving many other National and International records.) He helped his team win the Gold Medal at the World Student Games in 1983. He is a 5-time Hall of Famer! His favorite basketball memories are playing against Michael Jordan and many other greats, also playing with his kids, coaching and refereeing their games, and playing in some unforgettable church games over the years!

5. February 2012

   The Catastrophic Accident

   

   Karl had a catastrophic fall on our mission in Vancouver, Canada near the beginning of his service as mission president. He was left paralyzed as a quadriplegic. Absolutely no movement from his neck down! Through Priesthood blessings, determination, faithful prayers of our family, missionaries, friends and our Church leaders, Karl was miraculously healed. His mobility returned and we were able to stay on our mission. Our mission truly became a mission of miracles after that. He suffers with effects from the fall to the present day, but he has decided to be determined to not let it discourage him. He is so strong and faithful through all his difficult trials of mortality and he instead focuses on the miracles and blessings that the Lord has indeed given him.

6. Since The beginning Of Our Marriage…

   Church Service

   

   We believe in serving the Lord. Our family has received countless blessings because of Karl’s willingness to serve. We all were blessed because of his service as a Bishop, stake president, mission president and Seventy and many callings for us both, in between and since. Teaching, missionary work and anonymous service still bring great joy. Karl is the most generous man I have ever known. He loves to give!!!

7. 1987-present

   Karl’s legal profession

   

   Karl decided to become a lawyer to satisfy his future father-in-law’s request in order for us to marry. Really! But it ended up being an awesome profession and Karl was exceptional at it. He clerked for Justice Clarence Thomas of the Supreme Court and Chief Justice Warren Burger at the same time! He had unbelievable experiences learning from them. He went on to enjoy his law practice for many years. He was the Managing Partner at Steptoe’s Phoenix office before becoming a mission president. One of his favorite memories practicing law was representing the Harlem Globetrotters! He also really excelled as a trial attorney for Western Union, University of Southern California and several large Insurance companies.

8. 1986-present

   Our love story continues with each day and each added family member.

   

   We have a special kind of love and loyalty to each other. And it keeps growing with each passing year. We are blessed with a growing posterity which is the best reward of all. We are so incredibly grateful for each one of them. We are so blessed because of them and their unique strengths! We also greatly cherish our roots and where we came from. We honor our parents, families and grandparents and all their sacrifices. Our love and our marriage are so precious, beautiful and eternal. Our faith in our Savior has made all the difference.

Memories

Karl’s First Mission

Our Three-year Mission Together

Karl and the Supreme Court

Our Temple Wedding

The Catastrophic Fall

Karl and Michael Jordan

Our Precious Family

Guestbook

Leave a note for Karl Tilleman.

• M

  Moiya Pilling’s & David Wood9/14/2026

  Sweet memories - I played for U of C while you played at UofA. Our parents were friends with Bob & Barbara when there was only one steak in Calgary. Then we were in 17th Ward with Jean & Bill. Fuji Vrba, May Way & I always got together for lunch on our Birthdays. Such sweet memories as we caught up with each others families. Happy 40th you two! That was a beautiful tribute to Karl, Holly💕

• A

  Ann Howard9/8/2026

  This is an amazing tribute from a wonderful woman to her equally wonderful husband to celebrate 40 years of marriage. Gary and I were blessed to experience your love, joy and kindness for many years! The world is a much better place because of the example you continue to set for all to cherish their spouse, their family, and their faith. Your willingness to commit to a lifetime of service to others is commendable. It is an honor to know and love you!

• R

  Richard Hausen9/8/2026

  This is a wonderful tribute to one of the finest men I have ever known. I will be forever grateful for knowing you and your family and for how much you blessed our family.

• K

  Kelly Jones9/8/2026

  Two future heros that began their monumental journeys on 17th Avenue. Beautiful words and music!

• J

  Jalyn & Neldon Cobbley9/7/2026

  Even thought this 40 year milestone isn’t till December we will be forever grateful we could share that day with you. To be in the spirit of a prophet of God, his counselors and laugh after he sealed you twice. To witness your eternity love be with our family especially my special Aunt Jean, was a true joy. We love you both and your beautiful journey to Eternity 🩷

• N

  Nola K Baker9/7/2026

  Congratulations and Happy Birthday to an amazing husband to Holly, cousin to us. You certainly have achieved so much!! May the Lord continue to bless you in all the good that you do for your family, your country and your church callings. Much love!