Erwin Degen
1929 ~ 2008
Our loving husband, father, grandfather, and brother passed away suddenly at home on Jan. 25, 2008.He was born on July 1, 1929 in Salt Lake City, Utah to Ernst Degen and Elisabeth Schulz Degen. He grew up in Murray, Utah on a farm. He graduated from Murray High School.
Erwin formed his own dance band at 17 years old, playing jobs from Ogden to Provo, Utah. He worked for Hi-Land Dairy.
Erwin was drafted into the US
Army during the Korean War, serving in the 224th Infantry Division. After an honorable discharge, he attended the University of Utah where he played percussion in the marching and concert bands and was a member of the Kappa Kappa Psi fraternity. During that time, he also played with the Utah Symphony.
He married Joyce L. Stewart on May 24, 1957 in the Salt Lake Temple. He worked for Western and Delta Airlines as a customer service agent for 37 years. He loved dancing, gardening, woodworking, hiking and horses.
Erwin was a faithful member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. He loved singing in the ward choir and served in many callings, including leadership in the Young Men, Elders and High Priest group, scouting, and chorister.
He is survived by his wife of over 50 years, Joyce; his five children, Tamara, Jeffrey (Laurie), Sherrie (Bob) Dimond, Chris (Deborah), Brendon (Melissa); 13 grand-children; two brothers, George (Janis), and Ron (Donnette); and sister-in-law, Jean (Louis) Degen. He was preceded in death by his parents and brother, Louis.
The funeral will be held on Friday, Feb. 1, 2008 at 11 a.m. at the LDS Cottonwood 3rd Ward Chapel at 6301 S. 2300 E. Holladay, Utah. A viewing will be held Thursday, Jan. 31, 2008, from 6-8 p.m. at Jenkins-Soffe Mortuary, 4760 S. State Street, Murray, Utah and from 10-10:45 a.m. at the church on Fri. prior to services. Interment: Murray City Cemetery.
Online condolences may be shared with the family at www.jenkins-soffe.com