Eugene Essen

Eugene Gustav Essen, 92, dear husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, brother and friend, passed away early Monday, September 14, 2015 at his home in Sandy, Utah next to his sweetheart.
Gene was born November 6, 1922 in Pargas, Finland to Gustav Johannes Essen Elizabeth Soderholm.
While serving in the military in Finland during WWII Gene suffered a serious illness and was hospitalized. His attending physician was a member of the LDS Church. After lengthy discussions, Gene was baptized shortly after his release. After his conversion, Gene immigrated to the United States. He met Shirley Alice Allred in church and they were sealed in the LDS Temple.
Gene loved the gospel, his family and genealogy. He served tirelessly in the church in a variety of positions and on several temple and genealogical missions. Survived by his wife, Shirley; brother, Egil Essen; son, Roger Essen (Gerri); 6 daughters, Kimberly Saul (John), Constance Niehaus (Ron), Pamela Essen, Cynthia Essen, Rebecca Passey (Glen), and Pauline Ford (Tracy), and 10 grandchildren and 8 great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by their son Randall James Essen.
A viewing and funeral services will be held at 10:00 and 11:00 respectively, on Saturday, September 19 at the Eastridge 4th Ward, 11777 South Willow Wood Drive, Draper, Utah. Interment will follow at Holladay Memorial Park, 4900 South Memory Lane (1990 East), Holladay, Utah.