Kyle A Gulbransen

Kyle Andrew Gulbransen, 31, passed away December 26, 2006 from complications of diabetes. Born May 27, 1975 to Frank and Dorothy Gulbransen. He grew up in Salt Lake City, graduated from Highland High School and served an honorable LDS mission to Milwaukee, WI. He married Jennifer Forster, they later divorced.
After his mission, Kyle lost his eyesight, however that didn't slow him down. He embraced his blindness by learning braille and getting around with his guide dog, and best friend, Toledo. Kyle wanted to be a diabetes counselor and enrolled in college to get his degree. It was difficult for him since his text books weren't available in braille, requiring him to scan each book into his computer so that his voice program could read it back to him. It required extra work, but he enjoyed it. At this same time, he worked at the Blind Center as a receptionist where he made many great and wonderful friends whom he missed dearly when he could no longer work due to problems with his health.
Kyle was an exceptionally strong person. He went through more trials in his short 31 years than most people encounter in an entire lifetime. Although diabetes won the battle with his body, it never did take his spirit. He never complained and always had a positive attitude. He had a contagious laugh and a funny sense of humor. He was often the focus of his own jokes. Kyle had many friends and left a positive impression with everyone he met.
Kyle will forever be missed but we are comforted knowing he is no longer suffering and has been released from his tired body. He is now free to accomplish the many things he couldn't accomplish in this life. We are confident that Kyle's work has just begun, and the Lord has many great and wonderful things in store for him.
Kyle is survived by his parents Frank and Dorothy Gulbransen (SLC, UT), Brother and sister-in-law Keith and Kim Gulbransen (Bountiful, UT), Sister and brother-in-law Kathy and Clint Cooper (Sierra Vista, AZ), 11 nieces and nephews, and his constant companion and seeing-eye dog, Toledo. Kyle was preceded in death by his brother Kevin, his nephew Maxwell and grandparents Thomas Yardley, Frank Gulbransen Sr. and Lila Jensen.
We want to thank the members and staff of the transplant team, Wasatch Dialysis, Blind Center, LDS Hospital and all those involved in helping Kyle's life be more comfortable and bearable.
Services will be held 11:00 am, Saturday, December 30, 2006 at the Edgehill 1st Ward Chapel, 1750 South 1500 East, Salt Lake City, Utah. There will be a viewing Friday from 6 to 8 pm at the church and prior to services on Saturday from 9:45 to 10:45 am. Interment at Wasatch Lawn Memorial Park.