Montess Pehrson Van Wagenen Obituary (1923 - 2018)

1923-2018 Montess Pehrson Van Wagenen, the quintessential example of a loving, caring, and dedicated wife, mother, grandmother and great-grandmother, quietly slipped away from us on November 23, 2018. Despite her 95 years, her passing came quickly and leaves us with heavy hearts and a profound emptiness. She was born in Salt Lake into the loving home of Agnes Victoria Ahleen and John Pehrson, where she was the youngest of three children. There, she learned to sing the Swedish language, bake Swedish bread and perfected the art of the Swedish pancake. She lovingly prepared those pancakes thousands and thousands of times feeding her 8 children, 42 grandchildren, and 95 great-grandchildren. She was amazing. Her competitive spirit was unmatched, and the only thing she loved more than winning was the joy of playing the game. She proudly attended Granite High and loved the school song. During WWII, she served her country as a talented welder in the shipyards of San Francisco. Tess married Norman Van Wagenen, the love of her life, on August 4, 1947; and they were sealed later in the Salt Lake Temple. They loved and laughed their way through life for 65 years, before Norman passed away in 2012. She longed for his companionship and always said how lucky she was to spend their lives together. She was never afraid to try anything, build anything, or fix anything. She worked as a waitress, billing clerk, elevator operator, receptionist, and bookkeeper at the Norman Co., but her obsession and full-time occupation was her family. She loved being a mother. She devoted all her energy to providing us with an immaculate and organized home, delicious homemade meals and a place to lose at Dr. Mario. She loved to play games. She taught us that life isn’t always fair, so deal with it, laugh, love it, and win when you can. Tess had a brilliant memory and she was determined to stay sharp. In the long lonely nights since Norm’s passing, she recited the name of every child, grandchild and great-grandchild, and only once left her bed to look up a name. She was a faithful member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and served wherever she was asked; but her favorite was as the primary chorister where she served for 19 years. We love you Mom and miss you already. She is survived by her children: Vicky (Ken) Fox, Ginger (Clay) Lantz, Susan (Randy) Fitts, Peggy (Brad) Brown, Sherri Gregory Van Wagenen, Tammy (Stephen) Lemperle, Julie (Mike) Dibble, and Mont (Amy) Van Wagenen. Preceded in death by her sweetheart, Norman Van Wagenen, and her oldest son, Lamar Van Wagenen. Funeral Services for Montess will be held on Monday, November 26, 2018, at 12:00 pm in the Kimball Ward Chapel, 2280 South 300 East, Salt Lake City, Utah. A viewing will be held on Sunday, November 25, from 6:00-8:00 pm and 11:00-11:45 am preceding the services at the same location. Interment at Wasatch Lawn Memorial Park, 3401 South Highland Drive, Salt Lake City, Utah. Online condolences may be shared at www.jenkins-soffe.com