GUNVOR HAUGEN

Gunvor Rebekka Jorgensen Haugen 1930 ~ 2011 Our beautiful wife, mother, grandmother, and great grandmother passed with grace and dignity from this life on August 11, 2011 surrounded by her adoring family.Gunvor was born on January 30, 1930 to Birger Mikal Jorgensen and Rebekka Oliva Solberg in Bergen, Norway. Gunvor was an adventurous girl who explored the mountains of Norway, swam the icy fjords, and developed a reverence and love for all living things. Her life and country were ravaged by World War II as she and her country were held in the throngs of destruction for many years. At a young age she experienced tragedy and heart ache, including the untimely loss of her father; his ship being torpedoed in the Atlantic Ocean. Her spirit endured unbroken. She bravely immigrated to the United States of America with her mother and was always proud to be a citizen of "the greatest country on earth." She left everything including the boy she loved to live and give back to the country that saved her life. Miraculously, she was reunited with her young love as he too immigrated to "the country of hero's." Their timeless love story is the best novel yet to be written as they enjoyed 61 years of unconditional love in marriage. They were married September 23, 1950 and later solemnized in the Salt Lake Temple. Their union brought forth five children, but their home was always full of more. Gunvor had an open door policy; everyone was always welcome and always fed. She raised our Navajo sister, Landie for nine years and loved her as one of her own. Gunvor was much loved in her neighborhood and community. Her many acts of charity and service was a pivotal component to the running of any area in which she lived. She was always willing to serve in her church and held many callings. Her favorite was serving as a teacher. She had an incredible knowledge and deep testimony of the gospel of Jesus Christ which she willingly shared. Her service extended to returning to Norway where she served with her husband as a mission president. She loved her missionaries as her own and touched many lives. Gunvor was a classic, breathtaking beauty. Her laugh was contagious and inclusive. She included and easily loved everyone. She always stood strong for the underdog. She loved a great, spirited debate, and she loved to win. She was articulate, intelligent, well informed and had a gentle listening ear. We deeply love our mom and Mormor. Our hearts are broken as we say good-bye for now. We are sure that she is talking (non-stop), laughing, singing, back flipping, and if possible skiing. Gunvor is survived by her husband Per, and their children Harold, the favorite child, (Becky Jo) Haugen, Becky, the favorite child, (Jim) Allred, Kari, the favorite child, (Brian) Nielson, and Heidi, the real favorite child (Todd) Templeton. She is also survived by 17 grandchildren and 11 great-grand children. Gunvor was preceded in death by her parents, her only sibling Bibi Aune, and another favorite child, Perry. Funeral services will be held Monday August 15, 2011 at 11:00 a.m. at the Lone Hollow Ward Building 2195 East Pepperwood Drive (west gate). A viewing will be held Sunday August 14, 2011 from 6:00-8:00 p.m. at the Larkin Sunset Gardens Mortuary, 1950 East 10600 South, Sandy, Utah, and on Monday August 15, 2011 at 9:30 a.m. prior to the formal service. Online condolences: www.larkincares.com We would like to thank our dad for showing us what true love really looks like. We have watched him take care of our mom with such loving tenderness and patience for more than eight years, after suffering the debilitating effects of several strokes and stroke related Alzheimer's disease. We extend a heartfelt thank you to her many friends and neighbors. Your endless acts of service and love have not gone unnoticed. It is a rare gift for a family to be supported for so many years. We would also like to thank the staff at the Alta Ridge Alzheimer's Community and Millcreek Hospice for their special care and treatment of our mother for the last three months. Special thanks to her nurse Lisa for her love, concern, and consideration for us all.