Lee A. Wagenaar, born July 9, 1931, passed away peacefully early Saturday morning, March 4, 2017, while in the loving care of his family and the excellent caregivers at Sandy Health and Rehab. Lee lived in the Salt Lake City and Sandy, Utah areas most of his life except when he served in the United States Air Force during the Korean Conflict. While serving in the Air Force, he witnessed an atomic bomb test in the Nevada desert with orders to march to ground zero immediately after the blast. Later he was stationed at the Air Force Base in Clovis, New Mexico, where he was severely injured. The effects of radiation from the bomb test, along with his injury, left him as a disabled veteran. After many difficult months learning to walk again, he began his life with his eternal sweetheart, Lareene Clayson.
Lee and Lareene were married in the Salt Lake Temple and welcomed three loving daughters into their family. Lee is a devoted member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. He served in many callings including Veil Worker at the Jordan River Utah Temple, Missionary at Temple Square, and was a dedicated Home Teacher. He was known for his quick wit, humor, and positive attitude. Whenever anyone asked him how he was doing he always replied, \"Never better\". Lee had a love for big band music, classic cars, golf, and BYU sports. Most of all, he loved spending time with his family.
We express our sincerest gratitude to everyone at Sandy Health and Rehab and to his many friends who live there. We also wish to thank his many devoted friends and neighbors for their love and support.
Lee is preceded in death by his parents Leo and Dora Meyer Wagenaar and his sister Leonor Iverson. Lee is survived by his wife Lareene; daughters Karen, Diane, Susan Watson (Loren); four grandchildren Angela Watson, Lisa Watson, Ryan Watson, Renae Plumb (Kyle); and one great-granddaughter.
Funeral services will be held at 12:00 PM Saturday, March 11, 2017, at the LDS meetinghouse located at 2130 East 10000 South, Sandy, Utah. A viewing will also be held that morning at 11:00 AM. Interment will be at the Larkin Sunset Lawn Cemetery, 2350 East 1300 South, Salt Lake City, Utah. Condolences may be shared at https://www.larkinmortuary.com/obituaries/
