1911 ~ 2004
George Walter Gasser, 92, our beloved father, grandfather, great-grandfather, doctor and friend passed away January 29, 2004 in Bountiful, Utah following a sudden stroke.
George has left a legacy of hard work and determination. He was born April 3, 1911 to Samuel Gasser and Margareta Barbara Rueckert in Salt Lake City, UT. Early in life George held many jobs to help support his family, including selling newspapers on street corners at age five and working for the Utah Light and Traction Company at age 14. George attended Salt Lake schools, graduating from West High School. He served a three year LDS mission to Texas and Louisiana and was recognized by his peers as the 'Book of Mormon Lecturer'.
George married Amy Ilene Bigelow on June 6, 1938 for time and all eternity in the Salt Lake Temple. Encouraged and supported by Amy, George pursued a career in medicine. After attending the University of Utah for a two year medical degree, after which he completed his medical studies and graduated from Rush Medical College (University of Chicago) in Chicago, IL and later became Board Certified in Obstetrics and Gynecology. He was a member of the American College of Surgeons. Together, George and Amy were able to support themselves financially without borrowing money by working numerous jobs through their years of schooling.
After medical school, the couple lived in Louisville, KY where George was appointed Chief of Pathology for the US Army at Fort Knox. They eventually settled in Logan, Utah where George became a prominent OB/GYN in the community practicing medicine for 27 years. He retired in 1975 and in 1984 moved to his current home in Bountiful, UT.
George was an active member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. He served in many callings including Bishop of a Utah State University student ward where he developed lasting friendships with many of the students that he served. In addition to being a devoted husband and father, George enjoyed camping, fishing and traveling with his family.
He is survived by his daughter Ilene G. Olsen (Gary, deceased), Rexburg, ID, sons G. Walter (Katie) Gasser, Bountiful, Stephen B. (Kathleen) Gasser, Redmond, WA. and Craig R. Gasser, Bountiful, 17 grandchildren and 23 great-grandchildren. The family would like to offer special thanks and recognition to Dean and Bonnie Ihler and Robyn Silverstein who provided exceptional care and loving support.
He was preceded in death by his dear wife, Amy, his parents, and older siblings Anna, Fred, Joseph, and Francis and a son-in-law, Gary R. Olsen.
Funeral Services will be held at 12:00 p.m. Tuesday, February 3, 2004 at the Bountiful 7th Ward church, 1250 South Main Bountiful, UT. The family will meet with friends Monday evening from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at Russon Brothers Bountiful Mortuary, 295 North Main St., at 10:45 a.m. to 11:45 a.m. prior to the services. Burial will be in the Salt Lake City Cemetery.