Eric David Wardell

Eric David Wardell, age 55, passed away on January 27, 2026, in West Jordan, Utah, after a two-year fight with End-Stage Kidney Disease and after having been married for only three-and-a-half years.

Eric was born on July 12, 1970, in Eugene, Oregon, to David Keith Wardell and Carolyn Diane Wallace Wardell. Eric married Jennifer Klenk Wardell at the Millennial Falls Event Center in Draper, Utah, on April 6, 2022. They were sealed together for Eternity On October 12, 2022, at the Jordan River Temple in South Jordan, Utah.

He has lived in several places throughout Oregon, Alaska, Idaho, and finally Utah. After obtaining a Bachelor's Degree, he worked hard and proficiently as a Voice Engineer, setting up communications for several large companies.
Eric had many gifts and talents. He played the viola beautifully. He loved to sing, and in high school, he acted in school musicals, including a part where he lent his deep voice to a character previously only played by adult men.

Eric was a patriot, was interested in survival skills, dabbled in martial arts, and owned a few swords. He loved nature and was calmed and fascinated by thunderstorms. He loved to sit outside under a gazebo or an awning, to more fully experience the storm.

Eric was proud to tap into his inner nerd. He loved Star Wars, Star Trek, Anime, and Dr. Who. He liked a wide variety of movies, including the classics. His wife, Jen, often teased him about his choice of media and about his often-outdated vocabulary. They had a very special friendship, where they could talk about everything and nothing, with conversations and stare-offs saturated with inside jokes.

When Eric met his wife, Jen, he pursued her patiently and persistently. He had decided right away that she was the one for him. When he was finally allowed to meet her family, he immediately loved them. They liked him right away, too. After some very difficult life experiences, Eric and Jen worked to fill each other’s hearts. Eric accepted and loved Jen's two children from her 1st marriage. Jen was welcomed into his family, whom she also loves, and she has enjoyed taking on Eric's kids from his 1st marriage.

Eric loved the Gospel of Jesus Christ, and he held firmly to his conviction that he and Jen would be reunited. We know that he is happy now, and he is enjoying a wonderful reunion with his family. He has especially missed his brother, Brian, and must be overwhelmed now with joy. Eric had a deep love for and devotion to his family. He did not really expand his social circle, being content to just be with his family most of the time. Unfortunately for them, one of his favorite pastimes was telling the most horrible "Dad-Jokes" ever conceived! All the kids concur (inside joke)!

Eric is survived by his wife, Jennifer Klenk Wardell; sons, Braden Wardell and Alexander Wardell; daughter, Brynnlee Wardell; stepchildren, Luna Leavitt and Chase Leavitt; his father, David Wardell; his mother, Carolyn Wardell; brother, Marc Wardell (Janeil); three nieces and nephews; father-in-law, Terry Klenk; mother-in-law, Diane Klenk; seven siblings-in-law; and seven nieces and nephews-in-law.

Eric is preceded in death by his brother, Brian Wardell; paternal grandparents, Keith and Shirley Wardell; maternal grandparents, Richard and Beverly Wallace; and brother-in-law, David Klenk.

A viewing will be held on Friday, February 6, 2026, from 9:00–10:45 a.m., with funeral services to follow at 11:00 a.m. at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, located at 4825 West 7000 South, West Jordan, Utah 84084.

Interment will follow the services at Elysian Burial Gardens, 1075 East 4580 South, Salt Lake City, Utah 84117.