Dwight James Bogenrief Sr.

1950 ~ 2019

Dwight James Bogenrief Sr., a beloved son, brother, a loving husband, father, grandfather, and friend, passed away peacefully on March 5, 2019 with his angel on earth by his side, his loving and devoted wife. Dwight was born on September 5, 1950 in Fargo, North Dakota to Harold E. Bogenrief and Evelyn E. Ellis Bogenrief, he was the oldest of four children. Being the oldest child, and the only boy, he found his mischievous side very early in life. He laughed with his entire body when he felt that he was getting away with something. At the age of nine he and his family moved from Fargo, North Dakota to Sandy, Utah.

Once in Utah, Dwight fell in love with the mountainous landscape. He quickly developed a love of the outdoors, this was a love that later in life he would instill in each of his children. He went on to graduate from Jordan High School in 1968, his Beetdigger pride was something he always carried with him. After high school he attended Southern Utah State College, Rick's College, and the University of Utah. Dwight was an active and faithful member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints where he served in many callings throughout his life. He served a mission at the age of nineteen in the Alaska-British Columbia Mission. It was there that he discovered his passion for teaching. Dwight loved talking and getting to know people. He was well-known for his highly detailed stories and precise date recollections. While this was something he was often teased about by his children, his sharp memory came to be a great gift to him in his later years after suffering the loss of his vision.

It was in March of 1972 that he first crossed paths with whom would become his most faithful companion. He met a beautiful young southern woman, one that he was certain would never go out with him, at a church activity. Luckily, she had other plans for them. In July of 1972 she asked him out on their first date. It was from this point forward that they became the inseparable duo, Dwight and Shirley. Even though they were born and raised on opposite sides of the country, their connected hearts found each other. On February 2, 1973 he married the love of his life, Shirley Ann Harris, for time and all in eternity in the Salt Lake Temple.

It was with great pride and joy that they welcomed seven children into their hearts and home together. Dwight was a devoted husband and father. A strong work ethic, integrity, dedication, and strength were all taught to his family through his example. Dwight's everlasting love for his family and overwhelming endurance were so clear to those closest to him during his final weeks on earth. While his deteriorating health left him feeling so weak at times, his mental and spiritual strength was an inspiration to all those beside him. Through his challenges he learned to find joy and peace in the "small" things. His grandchildren brought him immense joy, they lifted his spirits and filled his heart with love. He was a proud "Papa" and treasured his "angels on earth."

Dwight was an avid sports fan and loved listening to a great football game. He smiled with pride listening to the weekly updates of each of his grandson's football games this past season. He was a devoted and passionate BYU fan. That is, when they were winning. This love-hate relationship was the topic of many jokes in our divided family of college football. In Dwight's healthier years he loved the outdoors. Fishing trips are among the many favorite memories Dwight shared with his children. He deeply rooted an appreciation of God's creations within the minds of his children. This is a love and appreciation that is being passed on to his posterity.

Dwight's love of his family and testimony of the Gospel pulled him from the depths of despair so many times. His faith in God and desire to be with those closest to him breathed new life into him and gave him the strength he needed to endure and persevere. He was a hero to his family, a spiritual giant, and a warrior with unmatched strength. His legacy will live on in the family he created alongside his loving wife of forty-six years. Shirley was not only the love of his life and most loyal companion, she was his full-time caregiver for the last ten years of his life. She lovingly cared for and protected her sweetie through all his challenges. She lived by his side and served him diligently. Her selfless acts of love, compassion and kindness were no doubt a part of his life being spared so many times. Their love for each other was among the most pure and sacred. This example of love and devotion is a treasured gift being left for their children and grandchildren.

Dwight will forever be remembered by his care and compassion for others, his contagious laughter, his tenderness towards children, his humor, his mischief, his big hugs, his storytelling, and his gift of sharing the Gospel he so loved and cherished.

Dwight is survived by his wife and eternal companion, Shirley; his seven children; Angela (Brady); James (Deborah); Amy; David (Kathy); Jana; Jessica (Jason); Michael (Chelsey); his eighteen grandchildren; his sisters Carol (Tom); Susie (Mike); his sisters and brothers-in-law Betty (Leon); Kenny (Donna); Keith (Donna); Denny (Darlene), and many nieces and nephews. He is preceded in death by his parents, his mother and father-in-law, Frank and Lula, his sister Barbara, his brother and sister-in-law, Buddy and Carolyn, his grandparents, and many aunts and uncles.

Funeral services will be held Monday, March 11th at 11:00 am with a viewing prior beginning at 9:30am at the Sandy Utah Central Stake Center, 1050 East Galena Drive Sandy, UT 84094. A viewing will be held Sunday March 10th from 6:00 - 8:00 pm at Larkin Mortuary, 1950 East Dimple Dell Road (10600 South) Sandy, UT 84092.

We send our love and appreciation to the countless individuals that were among the elite healthcare professionals that cared for Dwight. He was so appreciative of all the help and guidance he has received over the years. We thank you from the bottom of our hearts for having a hand in gifting us so many additional years with the man we love so dearly.