Kent H. Ogaard, while surrounded by his family, peacefully returned to his Heavenly Father, Friday, September 14, 2018, at his home in Sandy, Utah.
Kent was born July 01, 1941 in Salt Lake City, Utah to Harry A. Ogaard and Leah Wood Ogaard. He married the love of his life, Nieshia L. Empey on November 16, 1963 in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints Los Angles Temple for time and all eternity. Kent and Nieshia had 4 children, Faith, Niecia, Eralee, Kent S. and 1 foster daughter Charlene. Kent's love for his God, his Family and his Country was always very clear.
Kent joined the United States Marine Corps in 1959 as a seventeen-year-old. Kent found that he was well suited to the Marine Corps values, training, and life. He served active duty for more then 26 years and 4 years in the inactive reserves. During the 26 plus years Kent and his family were stationed in many different areas of the country. Kent served two tours in Vietnam, being severely wounded the first tour requiring 9 months in a hospital in Japan. Almost 2 years to the day Kent returned to Vietnam, he was put into the Civil Affairs S-5 unit where he was tasked with providing not only medical assistance but also food, shelter, and clothing for more than 5,000 Vietnamese who had been relocated into new life hamlets. It was stated in writing that "He through an enduring effort provided this assistance as well as his friendship. He has in turn received the friendship of the people which has greater aided in the pacification goals of the free world personnel. His unfaltering enthusiasm toward his work and his ability to maintain good personal relations with both Americans and Vietnamese have made SSgt Ogaard into a common denominator for two different cultures. He has used his knowledge wisely and proven his dedication to both sides by making himself available day or night in order to prevent any misunderstanding and possible mishap, between two different cultures." Kent has been stationed in many places from North Carolina to California, Hawaii to Salt Lake City, UT and many foreign countries. Always serving his family, church and the Marine Corps. He made many friends around the world both military and civilian alike. He retired as a Sergeant Major (E9) the highest enlisted rank possible.
Kent was an active and dedicated member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. He has served in many positions always giving 110%. He served in the Baptistry in the Jordan River Temple for 10 years. He served at the Wentworth Assisted Living 10th Branch for over 6 years caring for the wonderful people there. He loved Genealogy and family history work and served with Nieshia as Missionaries in the Records Operation Center, Sandy, Utah until his health started to fail. He also served as a Community Coordinator for Sandy City for 20 plus years as a Volunteer in Police Service (VIPS) again until his health started failing. He served as President of the Manorlands Property Owners Association, where he had built his family cabin. But most of all he loved to help and serve his family.
Kent is survived by his wife, Nieshia Lee Empey Ogaard, his children, Niecia (Mike) Renckert, Eralee (Steve) Fowkes, Kent S. (Judy) Ogaard, and Charlene McDonald his foster daughter, his sister Sherron Sheen, 11 Grandchildren, Kody Ogaard, Sgt Tucker Renckert (McKayla), Trae Fowkes (Beth), Aubree Ogaard, Taylor Ogaard, Tiara Fowkes Abbott, Nieshia Renckert Sutherland, Tate Renckert, Lexi Ogaard, Rhett Renckert, and Remi Renckert. Two Great-Granddaughters, and one more on the way.
Kent was preceded in death by his father Harry A. Ogaard, mother Leah Wood Ogaard, stepmother Delila Mae Beckstead, brother Norman Ogaard, and daughter Faith Ogaard Fredgren.
Funeral services will be held on Saturday, September 22nd at 11:00 AM at Draper Eastridge Stake Center, 1187 E. Draper Parkway, Draper. Friends are welcome to greet the family during the viewings on Friday, September 21st from 6:00 to 8:00 PM at Larkin Sunset Gardens, 1950 E. Dimple Dell Rd. (10600 S.), Sandy and again on Saturday from 10:00 to 10:45 AM at the Stake Center.
