John Howard Bangerter, 80, beloved husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, brother, uncle and friend passed away Sunday, April 9, 2000 in Bountiful, Utah after a long and courageous battle with Parkinson's disease.
He was born July 30, 1919 to Frederick Lorenzo Bangerter and Mary Bathsheba Bawden in Granger, Utah. He graduated with High Honors from Granite High School where he was valedictorian and awarded the G medal for scholarship. John attended the U of U, majoring in chemistry. John married his eternal sweetheart of 58 years, Mildred (Millie) P. Jones, on July 9, 1941 in the Salt Lake Temple.His family legacy includes three surviving sons: Gene (Carol), Bountiful; Gary (Kathy), West Bountiful; Rick (Sheryl), Centerville; 11 grandchildren; two great-grandchildren and two coming; brother, F. Alden, Bountiful; Vern W. (Linda), Salem Utah, sister, Nola (Parley) Hansen, Boulder Colorado; numerous cousins, nieces, nephews and friends. Preceded in death by his parents, two infant brothers; sister, Rowena B. Lauritzen.
An active member of the LDS Church, Johnny served faithfully and diligently in three bishoprics, as a priest advisor, Sunday School teacher and a Scoutmaster three times totaling 13 years. He helped build the character of countless young men and assisted many in receiving their Eagle. He received his own Eagle Badge at the earliest age possible - the same night as his father and older brother. He learned the building trade from his father and worked in the construction trade his entire life. He constructed over 28 homes, designing most of them himself. A master of his trade, John specialized in roofing the last 40 years, where his reputation of honesty, hard work, sincerity and kindness in all his business and social dealings will forever be remembered. Shortly after his marriage, Johnny proudly served his country in World War II. Upon graduation from Officers Candidate School with High Honors, his Air Force career culminated in his being awarded his wings as a navigator on a B-17 bomber. He flew 25 combat missions over Germany and Austria protecting the freedoms he cherished.
Johnny loved the outdoors- camping, fishing, hunting with his sons and family; especially trips to Yellowstone Park, the Uintahs, and Willard Bay. Family fish fries and picnics are treasured memories. His love and concern for the family always came first. Seeking his council and advice were priorities to his loved ones. Each year his beautiful garden of vegetables, berries and fruits were generously shared with family and friends.
The family would like to express our deepest heartfelt thanks to all the staff at the Bountiful House Assisted Living Center and Hospice for their exceptional loving care.
Funeral services will be held Thursday, April 13, 2000 at 11 a.m. at Orchard 12th Ward, 3707 South 800 West, Bountiful, Utah. Friends may call Wednesday evening from 6-8 p.m. at the Russon Brothers Bountiful Mortuary, 295 North Main, and again Thursday morning from 9:30-10:30 a.m. at the Ward.
Interment, Bountiful City Cemetery.