Obituary: Marianne Elsa Langheinrich Wagner

Marianne Elsa Langheinrich Wagner 1921 ~ 2007 Mercifully ending a decline in health and the independence she so cherished, Marianne Elsa Wagner passed away the evening of June 14, 2007. She was born in Planitz, Saxony, Germany March 5, 1921 to Paul and Elsa Langheinrich, early converts of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Marianne learned throughout her life to live well even when faced with hardship. In 1943 she married her faithful husband of 64 years, Erhard Martin Wagner. After living in Berlin and Annaberg Saxony for 18 years, under two dictatorships, her desire to live in peace and freedom became increasingly strong. Even before World War II, she valued her spiritual freedom. They were separated during much of the war, later rejoining and crossing the heavily guarded border from East to West Berlin, before the wall was built. In 1953, they were able to immigrate with their three small children to Gunnison, Utah. Freedom never tasted so sweet. They were sealed in the Manti Temple for time and all eternity in 1954. The family moved to Salt Lake City in 1956. As new citizens in this adopted country, never forsaking their homeland, and with grateful hearts and remarkable work ethic, they added two more children to their family. Marianne worked as a dental assistant for 20 years. In later years, she served three missions with her husband in Munich, Germany, the Frankfurt, Germany Temple, and the Salt Lake City, Utah name locating mission. Survived by husband; sons, Klaus, Salt Lake City, Christian, North Carolina; daughters, Gerhild (Tyler) Smith, California, and Joan (Gale) Francis, Sandy; 14 grandchildren; and 12 great-grandchildren; brother Armin (Ruth) Langheinrech and sister-in-law Alice (John) Flade. Preceded in death by son, Steven; parents; and great-granddaughter, Raegan Rawlings. Viewing, Tuesday June 19, 2007 at Larkin Mortuary, 260 East South Temple, Salt Lake City, 6-8 p.m. Private graveside service will be held. Special thanks to Hearts of Hospice, and Crosslands Care Center, Sandy, for extended loving and compassionate care. Online condolences at larkinmortuary.com "Auf Wiedersehen in a better world."