Obituary: AAGARD, ROBERT

Robert Gordon Aagard1936 ~ 2012Robert Gordon Aagard, 76, passed away at his home in American Fork on November 9th, 2012 of natural causes incident to Parkinson's Disease. He was born September 20th, 1936, in Burlington, Wyoming to Neils Orlando Aagard and Beatrice Thrine Dalley. He spent his early childhood on a farm in Burlington until the age of 18 at which time he enrolled at the University of Wyoming. After his Freshman year, he married his lifelong sweetheart GaeLee Orr in the Idaho Falls Temple on December 7th, 1956. A month later he left to serve a 2 year LDS mission in the Great Lakes Mission where he served with distinction. Upon returning from his mission, he enlisted in the United States Army, where he served for 6 months in the Army Reserves. He then moved to Billings, Montana, where he completed his BA at Eastern Montana College. Upon graduation, he held teaching assignments in Roundup, Montana and Seattle, Washington before settling in Billings, where he taught American History and served as a guidance counselor at Billings Senior High School. During this time, he was an active member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints and held various callings, including Branch President, Bishop, counselor in the Stake Presidency, and Stake Patriarch. He also served as a Seminary and Institute teacher. He enjoyed gardening, fishing, hiking, and camping. His greatest joy, however, was spending time with his wife and children. Upon retirement, he moved to Utah to be closer to his children. He is survived by his wife of 56 years, GaeLee; sons Robert (Camille) and Darin (Lisa); and daughter Makell Stepp (Jim) as well as 10 grandchildren and 1 great grandchild. Funeral services will be held Friday, November 16th, 2012 at 1 pm in the American Fork 38th branch, 2433 West, 450 South, Pleasant Grove, Utah. Family and friends may attend a viewing Thursday evening from 6:30 to 8 pm as well as 1 hour prior to the funeral service at the same location. Interment will be in the Pleasant Grove city cemetery. The family would like to express their sincere and deep gratitude for the loving care rendered by the angels working for Hearts for Hospice during Robert's final weeks, allowing him to spend this time at home with his dear wife and children.