Deanna J Wiseman

Deanna Joy Malzahn Wiseman was born June 15, 1937 in Salt Lake City, Utah, to Elfriede and Ewald Malzahn. She passed away on September 15, 2024 at the age of 87. On June 28, 1957, she married Robert L. Wiseman in Salt Lake City, and their marriage was later solemnized in the Salt Lake LDS Temple. Together, they built a life full of love, family, and faith.

Deanna, the fourth of eight children, grew up in a modest home where resources were often stretched thin. She often reminisced about her mother sending her to the butcher shop to get a bone for their soup, laughing as she shared how her little German Mama would sometimes send her back to the shop to ask for a bone with a little more meat on it. These were times of hardship, but Deanna’s sense of humor and resilience always shone through.

Deanna’s work ethic started young, selling chocolate bars door to door for a neighbor who made them at home. If she sold enough, she earned a chocolate bar of her own, a small but meaningful reward that she might (or might not) share with her family.

One of the favorite chapters in her life was the summer she spent working at a restaurant in Yellowstone as a teenager. She often shared stories of her adventures there, the beauty of the park, and the interesting people she met. Her love for Yellowstone was so strong that she and Bob spent their honeymoon there and returned over the years with their children and grandchildren. For her 80th birthday, her family took her back to Yellowstone, where they laughed over old stories and cherished memories of a place that had always been special to her. She loved the outdoors—as long as she had a warm place to sleep at night.

Though she held many jobs throughout her life, Deanna’s most fulfilling work was the service she gave to her church. She cherished her time working in the Jordan River and Draper Temples, and after Bob’s passing in 2003, she continued her service as a guide at the Church Office Building in Salt Lake City. There, she found joy in meeting and connecting with people from all around the world, bringing her warmth and love to each interaction.

Deanna’s devotion to her family and faith was the cornerstone of her life. As an active member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, she spent her years serving others in various callings within the Primary, Young Women, and Relief Society. Her selfless service left a lasting impact on everyone she touched.

Deanna had a passion for reading, especially books on LDS Church history and fiction. She especially loved reading to her grandchildren and great-grandchildren when they were still small enough to cuddle on her lap. She was also an avid journal keeper, and when she moved from her home of nearly 50 years, her family discovered countless journals and notepads which capture everything from conference notes to the simple moments of her day, preserving her spirit for generations to come.

Though she loved her children deeply, Deanna adored her grandchildren and great-grandchildren, who lovingly called her "GG." She brought immeasurable joy to their lives. We will miss her a lot. 

Deanna was preceded in death by her beloved husband Bob, her parents, son Thomas, daughter-in-law LeAnn, and her brothers Marvin and David, and sisters Ruth, Dolores, Loretta, and Jeannette. She is survived by her children, Tracy (Robert) Shannon and Robert T. Wiseman, her seven grandchildren, six great-grandchildren, and her sister Carol (William) Jarvis.

Special thanks to Deanna’s caregivers and the staff at Cedarwood Assisted Living in Sandy.

Funeral services will be held at 11:00 am on Friday, September 27, 2024, at the Mount Jordan 6th Ward, 9331 S 300 E, Sandy. Friends and family may visit on Thursday, September 26, 2024, from 6:30 to 8:00 pm at Lake Hills Memorial Mortuary, 10055 S State Street, Sandy, or at the Mount Jordan 6th Ward on Friday, from 10:00 to 10:45 am prior to the services. Burial will follow at Elysian Burial Gardens, 1075 E 4580 S, Millcreek.

In lieu of flowers, please donate to the charity of your choice in Deanna's name.