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SALT LAKE CITY — The man made famous for sculpting the Angel Moroni statues that sit atop most temples of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints passed away over the Thanksgiving holiday. Karl Quilter was 84 years old.
Quilter's death was unexpected, according to a statement sent Saturday to Utah media outlets. He was diagnosed with a brain tumor in 2010, which was surgically removed, the statement said. While the ailment affected his work for a time, he was able to resume sculpting and did so until the day of his death.
According to the statement, Quilter became involved with the LDS Church after his experimentation with fiberglass sculpting. The practice created much lighter sculptures, making the Moroni statues easier to hoist atop the temples.
Quilter also sculpted several other pieces for the Church, including many of the oxen that surround the baptismal font inside LDS temples.
Quilter is survived by his wife, Verna, their eight children and 80 grandchildren.
Email: jormond@ksl.com
