Roger Warren Wangerin

Roger spent his early years in Minneapolis and Chicago where he first developed his love of music, playing guitar in the Chicago Boys Club Band.  As a teenager he and his mother moved to Ogden, Utah where he attended and graduated from Ogden High School.  It was during his high school years that he met the love of his life, Shirley Sorensen, in band class.  They married on May 19, 1949, and shared 52 years together until Shirley’s passing in 2001. 

Roger and Shirley were the parents of five children, Robert, Richard, Sandra, Steven and Randall.  He is survived by his son Robert Wangerin (Debbie), daughter Sandra Holm (Floyd), son Steven Wangerin (June), and sister-in-law Afton Andrews (Doug).  As of the date of his passing Roger has 9 grandchildren and 14 great grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his father Walter Wangerin, mother, Bernice Talbot and stepfather Glen Talbot.  He was also preceded in death by his beloved wife Shirley, son Richard Wangerin, son Randall Wangerin, grandson Bradley Frantz and great-granddaughter Teresa Frantz.   

Roger had three special loves in his life.  First, his high school sweetheart Shirley, whom he adored and missed to his final breath.  Second was music which resonated to the core of his soul. He was an accomplished musician and performer playing many instruments, but the oboe was his passion.  He was also known among the jazz and swing players for his abilities on the saxophone and bass guitar. His third love was teaching music.  He spent his career teaching elementary, junior high and high school students’ band and orchestra.  He especially enjoyed his years at Cyprus High School, where he worked with Kelly Pearce (vocal music) and Charlie Brown (theater).  They brought excellence in the Performing Arts and were known as the “Three Amigos.”  Through his teaching, he touched many lives.  

Roger graduated from Weber College with an Associates Degree, then went on to get a B.S. Degree from the University of Utah in Music Education.  Later he earned a Master's Degree (M. Ed.) from Utah State University.  He paid his way through college by receiving scholarships as well as playing professional "gigs" nights and weekends as a member of the Local Musician's Union.  

As his family grew, Roger enjoyed many outdoor activities with them.  Roger, Shirley, and the kids could often be found boating, camping, and hiking.  One family ritual was to drive to Ogden each Sunday to visit grandparents and cousins which helped develop deep connections with their extended family members.

One special person, who we would like to recognize and thank is Kristin Jenson, (Roger’s Step-Granddaughter), who spent so many hours providing one-on-one care during Roger’s final weeks.  Kris gave so much of herself by offering compassionate and comforting care.  During Roger’s final weeks they developed a deep and very special bond with each other.

Roger’s family would like to acknowledge the wonderful care and services received from Symbii Home Health and Hospice.  We would like to thank his Symbii care team, especially Joan (nurse), Steve (nurse), Angie (on-call nurse), Teresa (Social Worker), Anke (Massage Therapist), Trisha (Music Therapist), Marina (aide), and Dr. Dressen (physician). 

We would also like to thank the Memorial Mountain View Mortuary and Cemetery for their caring, prompt, and kind service.

Services for Roger will be held on Saturday December 16, 2023, at the Memorial Mountain View Mortuary and Cemetery located at 3115 East 7800 South (Bengal Blvd) Cottonwood Heights.  A viewing will be held from 2:00pm until 3:00pm. Funeral services will then proceed from 3:00pm until 4:00pm.  Burial will follow immediately afterwards.

We love you, Roger! Until we meet again.