Guri Grindberg Wright

Guri Grindberg Wright 

May 31, 1942 - December 14, 2025

Guri Grindberg Wright, a woman whose life was defined by adventurous courage, a nurturing heart, and an unbreakable bond to her Norwegian heritage, passed away peacefully on December 14, 2025. She was a woman of "Uff-da" moments, endless smiles, and a love for her family and friends that knew no bounds.

A Childhood in the North

Guri’s story began on May 31, 1942, in Steinkjer, Norway, born to Even Mortinus and Gunvor Dyrstad Grindberg. She was raised on the expansive family farm, Midjo, alongside her siblings Johan Magnus, Ingeborg (Litamor), Even Gunnar, and Berit. Her childhood was the stuff of storybooks; she often spoke of Christmas Eves when her father would harness the horses—her favorite being David—to a sleigh adorned with a large Christmas Bell. Tucked under heavy sheepskin blankets, the family would glide through the snowy countryside and town, a memory of togetherness she carried in her heart forever.

Though she attended Fagerheim (meaning "Beautiful Home") Elementary, Guri possessed a spirited independence. At 13, she famously told her parents she was finished with school. Her father, testing her resolve, put her to work as a milkmaid on the farm. A year of early mornings was enough to convince Guri that her path lay elsewhere, leading her to further her education at Sund Folkehøyskole and later Nord-Trøndelag Husmor Skole, where she discovered her lifelong passion for caring for infants.

A Leap of Faith

Guri’s life took a monumental turn in 1964. While working in Oslo as a hospital tech and nanny, she met missionaries from The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Following her baptism, she bravely immigrated to Salt Lake City alone, armed only with her luggage and a set of Norwegian-English translation books. Though she nearly disembarked the plane too early in Denver, she eventually found her way to Utah and her first American job at Primary Children’s Hospital.

Motherhood and Adventure

In 1969, she married Darrell Stout Wright, embracing the role of stepmother to Derrek, David, and Russell. Her journey then took her across the United States—from Dallas, where her daughter Monika was born, to Southern California, where she welcomed Darrell Grant and Tone Marie. Whether in California or during a brief year in Crystal Lake, Illinois, Guri made sure her home was filled with the aroma of Norwegian pancakes and the joy of summer beach days.

Guri was deeply proud of her roots, serving as President of the local Sons of Norway chapter. Her devotion to family was perhaps most evident in 1989 when she moved back to Norway with her two youngest children to care for her father in his final years. She remained in Steinkjer for a decade, working in her sister Litamor’s flower shops, where her creativity and warmth flourished among the blooms.

A Legacy of Love and "Norsk Pride"

In 2000, Guri returned to Utah to be near her children and grandchildren. She eventually returned to her "calling" in the Labor and Delivery unit at Dixie Regional Medical Center, tending to newborns until her retirement in 2012 following a diagnosis of Parkinson’s Disease.

Even in her later years, Guri’s spirit remained vibrant. For her last three years she was cared for by the staff at Beehive Assisted Living. She was a formidable board game player with a competitive streak, a talented knitter, a woodworker, and a hiker who loved the Utah trails. Her "Norsk Pride" reached its peak during the Winter Olympics, and she was rarely seen without a smile or heard without a gentle hum.

Guri is survived by a large, loving family of children, stepchildren, grandchildren and great grandchildren who will forever miss her humming, her creative spirit, and the way she made every "Uff-da" moment feel like home.

A graveside memorial will be held: January 10th 1:00PM Hurricane City Cemetery 225 E 600 N Hurricane, UT 84737

A reception will be held with light refreshments for those that wish to visit after the service at Darrell & Trina Wright's home.