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FUNERAL HOME

Wasatch Lawn Memorial Park and Mortuary

3401 South Highland Drive

Millcreek, Utah

GARY BENGTZEN Obituary

Gary Bengtzen 1947 ~ 2011 RAISE THE BANNER HIGH! GARY LYNN BENGTZEN HAS FINISHED HIS EARTHLY WORK AND IS BEGINNING HIS NEW MISSION OF SERVICE TO THE SAVIOR!!! Gary was born on February 18, 1947 to Robert Walker and Betty Jo Kartchner Bengtzen in Salt Lake City, Utah. He passed away Sunday afternoon, February 20, 2011, just two days after his 64th birthday, after a short, but heroic battle with cancer. At 19, Gary served an LDS mission to the British Isles where he made many friendships he still cherishes today. Shortly after returning from his mission, Gary married the love of his life and next door neighbor, Raynee Chidester, in the Salt Lake Temple on October 23, 1968. Through the years they had the honor of raising five beautiful children. Gary treasured his family above all. He was happiest when he was in a Hawaiian shirt barbequing for his family by the pool. Service has ever been Gary's watchword and his mission here on earth. He spent his life serving the Lord and held many callings in the LDS church including Bishop, Councilor in the Stake Presidency, Stake and Ward Young Men's President, Missionary, and for the last eight years serving the young adults across the Salt Lake Valley. While in his 50's, Gary had the opportunity to serve the Lord with Raynee in France for 18 glorious months. Gary loved France! His plan for the future was to serve another mission with Raynee. No calling was insignificant to Gary. Early in his life he was called to be Stake Librarian and never had the stake and ward libraries been so well-staffed, organized and efficient. Gary LOVED the Lord and His church! Gary spent a great deal of time serving others in different communities including many trips to Mexico to distribute eyeglasses, years of help with The Christmas Wish, and many years in Rotary and Kiwanis. He and Raynee even organized hygiene and school kits to be sent to an orphanage in Morocco! This legacy of service he has passed on to his children as they all are service-oriented in their lives! Gary knew how to relax! He loved the sunshine, convertibles, the beach, and relaxing by the pool. He loved a good game of pool soccer with his kids and grandchildren! Gary spent much of his life in the printing industry where he made many lifelong friends. He still considers all his friends at Rocky Mountain Printing as his second family! Gary is survived by his eternal wife Raynee Chidester Bengtzen; children: Teague (Jennifer), Kirk (Brandi), Alicia (Rick) Finlayson, Cory (Spring), and Chris (Cassie); 14 grandchildren; parents: Robert and Betty Jo Bengtzen; Raynee's parents: Ken and Rene Chidester; siblings: Myke Branch, Tim (Barbara) and Suzie Turner, Kelly (Ginny) Chidester, and Kathy (Jeff) Kjar. Gary was preceded in death by his brother Kay. There will be two viewings: one on Wednesday, February 23rd from 6:30 - 8:30 p.m. at Wasatch Lawn (3401 S. Highland Dr.), and on Thursday, February 24th from 10:00 - 11:45 a.m. at the S.L. Highland Stake Center (2738 S. Filmore St.-1550 East). Funeral Services will be held Thursday, February 24th at noon at the S.L. Highland Stake Center (2738 S. Filmore St. -1550 East). In lieu of flowers, please send donations to www.bacausa.com (St. George chapter). Dad, thank you for your amazing example! We love you!

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Published by The Salt Lake Tribune from Feb. 22 to Feb. 23, 2011.

Memories and Condolences
for GARY BENGTZEN

36 Entries

March 14, 2011

Dear Raynee, Sorry it has taken me so long to respond to the news of Gary's death. I was hopeful that we could get together with Evie while I was in Salt Lake this past weekend, but She was busy and said she hadn't been able to get ahold of you anyway. I am still hoping that we can work that out very soon.
I appreciated being able to see the website that was created by your family and to read about Gary's illness and death as sad as it was and as sorry as I am for your loss. You are a strong lady and you will be able to carry on.
I tried to break away from Moab to get to Gary's funeral, but one of our dental assistants was sick so it meant I couldn't leave. That is the way it is most of the time.
Just want you to know I love you and I am proud of your family. You could tell they loved their dad. My phone number is 801-694-5259. Vicki Slighting Barber

ron miller

March 1, 2011

We are so sorry to hear of Gary's passing. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all.
Ron and Peggy Miller

Barbara Gilbert

February 28, 2011

I am shocked to see Gary's name in the obituaries. I grew up with him. We had some fun times in High School - he was the best. I am so sorry you have to go through the sorrow of his death. My prayers are for you Raynee and your family. I know he will be with you in your time of need. A dear friend Barbara (Magna, Utah)

Paul & Cathy Ehlert

February 27, 2011

Dear Raynee and family,

We were saddened to hear of Gary's passing. What a loss it is for you and your beautiful family. Yet, we all have reason to celebrate his life and feel grateful that he influenced so many of our lives for good. We will never forget his enthusiasm for life and love of the Gospel that he so freely shared with others. He had a beautiful smile and ready laugh always with that twinkle in his eye! His interest in others and empathy that he showed for those in need around him was evidence of his Christ-like love for others. We felt that from him when our baby Samuel passed away. He showed genuine interest and concern and we felt great love and support from you both at the time. So, know that we are both grieving and celebrating his life with you and your family. We are thankful that we know and love Gary Bengtzen!

Paul and Cathy Ehlert & family

February 24, 2011

May God bless and comfort your sweet family. We are honored to have known and associated with Gary, and were enriched by his life.

Marilyn and Jeff Stowe

Janice and Brian Anderl

February 24, 2011

Dear Raynee and family; We are so sorry to hear Gary passed away. We loved serving with you and him. His optimistic attitude and love for The Lord was evident.. You are in our prayers. Lots of love, Anderls

Amy (Stevens) Reed

February 24, 2011

My thoughts and prayers are with you all. Gary was an amazing man and I was honored to have known him for the short time that I did. Hugs to all of you and lots of love. You are an incredible family!

Eric Noyes

February 24, 2011

Thank you for your example, friendship and concerns for me and my family! May God be with and bless the Bengtzen family in their loss.

Much Love

Kathi (Tribe) Jensen

February 24, 2011

Raynee and family,
I was so shocked to hear of Gary's passing. I want to send warmest sympathies in this time of trial. May the comforter be near and bring you the peace you need to get through this. Your family has always been a good example to me and my family. Thank you for all that you have done.

Melody Pope

February 23, 2011

Gary was an angel here on earth and will continue to touch lives by his amazing example. We love The Bengtzen Family!

Cathleen Sutton

February 23, 2011

Raynee and Family,
Sorry to hear of your loss, My thoughts and prayers are with, May God Bless You

Alan Eastman

February 23, 2011

We who play in the Stratford Street Big Band will really miss Gary. Not only was his solid bari sax playing an anchor to the band, but it's obvious that as a person, he gave strength and stability in a lot of other places as well. We'll miss him!

Don Beutler & Wendy Beutler Holmes

February 23, 2011

Please accept our deepest sympathy and heartfelt condolences. We have wonderful memories of Gary and the whole Bengtzen family from our years spent in Imperial Ward. May your memories comfort you in the difficult days ahead and bring you peace.
Love,

February 23, 2011

Bette, Rene and Raynee, I am so sorry to hear of Gary's death....and Bette, losing two sons is so hard. I lived across the street from you on Hudson Avenue....my thoughts and prayers are with you...Judy,Grant and Bob also send their love.
Bess Short Eads

Stephen & Judy Gleason

February 23, 2011

We are so saddened to hear of Gary's passing. We have very fond memories of the Bengtzen family. Gary was instrumental in my early printing days in Salt Lake City. Raynee and Teague, our prayers are with you at this most difficult time.
Much love,

Frankie Hall

February 23, 2011

Dear Raynee, I was so sorry to read of Gary's passing. My heart goes out to you and your family. I will always have wonderful memories of time spent with you and Gary in Paris and Campus. You were incerdible examples to Charles and I. Charles died on 15 Mar 2010, so he is going on with his mission also. Isn't the gospel wonderful...we can see those two valiant men smiling and sharing the Good News. Love, Frankie Hall

February 23, 2011

Raynee and family, We were so sorry to hear of Gary's passing. He was such a wonderful man--full of optimism and zest for life and always showed love and concern for others. We were just at the cabin and are so glad the picture of the "dinner group" is there reminding us of exceptional people who gave their all to others---even lots of firewood for us to enjoy! He leaves an extraordinary wife and children and our prayers go out to all of you. We send our love and condolences. Lee and Connie Brundage

Celina Jones

February 23, 2011

Chris and family...I am so sorry for you loss! My prayers are with you and your family. You have a great family! God bless you!

Roy& Asta Austin

February 23, 2011

As the days and weeks pass, and as you return to life's routine, may you continue to feel comforted by the love and support of family and friends.

Joe Hoggan

February 23, 2011

Raynee & Kelly; some of my fondest memories are playing music with Gary at Highland; always a gentleman and friend, my deepest condolences to you and your family.

Dave and Becky Nelson

February 23, 2011

We were so sad to hear of Gary's passing. What wonderful memories we have of serving with you both Raynee, for the Sesquicentennial Celebration in 1997. We feel so blessed to know you both and pray that you will be encircled about in the arms of great love, peace and understanding at this time. Love, Dave and Becky Nelson

Lezli Burt

February 22, 2011

For my beloved uncle Gary: "What the caterpillar calls the end of the world, the Master calls the butterfly." (Richard Bach)

I am so grateful for the life you lived and know without a doubt that you are already working on your next big adventure. I miss you and love you and your precious family, of which I am honored to be a part. Je t'aime pour toujours, mon oncle! See you later...

Gina Masarone

February 22, 2011

I am so sorry for your loss! Gary hired me at FC Printing it seemed just a few months ago. He was a very kind and caring man and I regret not being able to work with him longer. I know how hard it is to lose a parent and I feel for all you kids but I am sure it is not an easier for a spouse. You are all in my prayers!!

Rich and Jenni Israelsen

February 22, 2011

Raynee,

We were so blessed to serve under your direction for the Highland Stake youth trek. We consider it one of the great events of our married life. Thank you so much for your example of love and dedication.

Jeff Judd

February 22, 2011

Gary was a good man. He will be missed. I know he will be up in the heavens cheering for the UTES! His smile was always infectious and always will be. God Speed!

Joseph Anzalone

February 22, 2011

Kirk,,,,,Sorry for your loss..I know you will continue your fathers work in service to others...all my prayers to you and your family....Best Regards.. Joseph M. Anzalone...Hurricane, Utah

Evan & Carol Allred

February 22, 2011

Gary always was excited for the next mission. We'll always remember study group, the great "coke" debates, trying to figure out where Kolob was, etc. Our thoughts and prayers are with you at this time. Too soon though!

McCall Nelson

February 22, 2011

What a beautiful celebration of Gary's life! Oh how we love this sweet man and his family. We will all "raise the banner high" is his honor! All our love to the Bengtzen family,

McCall, Jon & Huck Nelson

Shane Moreno

February 22, 2011

Dear Bengtzen Family,

I am sorry about your loss. Your father was a great man who led by example.

Desiree Jolley

February 22, 2011

Thanks for being a wonderful example of Christ like love. Even though I met you just seven years ago, you have changed my life for the better. Je vous aime!

Pace & Gaia Mannion

February 22, 2011

Kirk and family, we are so sorry for your loss. I know how hard this was for you because I could hear it in your voice everytime we talked. I've admired your strength through all of this and I'm sure God will bless and comfort you and your family through this difficult time. Please know that your friends are always here for you and all of you will be in our prayers. We love you....

Carl & Susan Voyles

February 22, 2011

We have the fondest memories of the times we have been together dicussing children,life and church over many dinners.Gary was a great teacher and support to us when we lived in the Imperial Second Ward. We have been blessed to have known Gary. Our love goes out to Raynee and the family.

Philippe SIMONET

February 22, 2011

We will never forget the light that you brought into the French Young Single adults life during your mission. Your example and devotion made a difference that will last forever.
The Lyon France Institute Center

Kirk Bengtzen

February 22, 2011

Dad,

As I read this obituary this morning, it makes me see the reality of our situation. The last 36 hours have been filled with taking care of Mom, planning the funeral, picking out a casket, writting this obituary, etc. etc. I still wait for my phone to ring with the caller id showing your picture, I keep waiting for you to walk in the door, I just keep waiting.
But now I sit on the edge of my bed, reading this and have to accept you are gone. The speed that your illness took your sweet life has left me in total shock. I miss you Dad so much and it has only been hours since you left my arms. I LOVE YOU DAD!!!!

Kirk Bengtzen

February 22, 2011

Dad, This obituary is so hard to see. I keep waiting for you to walk in or call me. I've saved your last 2 voicemails and I listen to them almost every hour. The speed of your illness that took your life has left me speachless and in total shock. The last 36 hours has been filled with planing your funeral, taking care of Mom, talking with family members, picking out a casket, writing this stupid obituary, etc. etc. Now I sit on the edge of my bed reading your obituary realizing you will not be walking in, you won't be calling me today, you won't be at Tyson's birthday, you just aren't coming back... I LOVE YOU SO MUCH DAD, THIS HURTS TOO MUCH!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Matt Bengtzen

February 22, 2011

Uncle Gary: you were taken from this earth far too soon for many of us to like. But we understand why. Thank you for leading the family by your loving example. Until we meet again...

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