Ronald LaMar Bangerter

Our loving father, husband, and grandpa returned home on January 17, 2023, when his mortal journey came to an end shortly before his 94^th birthday. He will be greatly missed, but the memory of him will continue to influence and inspire current and future generations.

Ronald Lamar Bangerter was born on February 13, 1929, in Salt Lake City, Utah to Omer and Lydia Bangerter. His early years during the Great Depression brought scarcity and hard times, but he learned to love and enjoy life regardless of challenges that came his way. His infectious smile, boundless energy, love of family, and desire to serve were easily identifiable characteristics. Ron had a great sense of humor and lived by the motto—work hard and play hard. The attributes of hard work and dedication were permanent features of the physical and spiritual aspects of his life.  

Ron began working at the young age of 14 when he had his first milk delivery route for Bountiful Dairy. He worked there for many years, doing delivery and filling the position of manager. He loved the dairy, but also had a passion for construction and building and took advantage of every opportunity to learn the trade. Working as a contractor was rewarding, but with a growing family and a goal to provide his children with an opportunity to learn and work together, he purchased Bountiful Cleaners in 1967. He found satisfaction in each of his careers and truly cherished the relationships he formed with the people he worked with.

Ron loved the Lord, and this love guided his life’s decisions. He served in the Eastern Canadian Mission from 1948-1950. On the day he was released from his mission, September 26, he received special permission and was married to his sweetheart, Jean Winegar, by his mission president. Upon returning to Utah, they were sealed in the Salt Lake Temple. Ron and Jean were blessed to have thirteen beautiful years and six wonderful children together before Jean was suddenly called home to her Heavenly Father.

Family always came first for Ron and keeping his young family together was a priority. His earnest desire to again find love and a mother for his children was fulfilled when he and Carol Gapinski kindled their friendship, fell in love, and were married in the Salt Lake Temple on October 11, 1963. Together they added six more beautiful children to their family— for a total of twelve. Family was Ron’s greatest joy, and he was never shy to share this fact with others.

Ron strived to be an influence for good wherever he was. He was grateful to be raised in West Bountiful, Utah, but in 1984, he and Carol ventured to Hawaii with their five youngest children. Ron loved the Polynesian people and felt their love in return. A short time after arriving in Hawaii, Ron and Carol were called as missionaries and served in the Laie Hawaii Temple Visitors’ Center. They loved sharing their testimony of the gospel of Jesus Christ. In 1988, Ron, Carol and family moved to Central Utah where their three youngest children graduated from high school. The following years brought additional opportunities for Ron and Carol to serve the Lord around the world, including in the Slovenia Ljubljana Mission 1998-2000, Korea Seoul West Mission 2002-2004, New Jersey Morristown 2007-2008, and the California Santa Rosa Mission 2013-2014. Together they personified the directive to “go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature.”

Ron looked for opportunities to help others—always striving to be an example and a true disciple of our Savior, Jesus Christ. He happily served in various capacities in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, and his willingness to do so was a blessing that touched many lives. In all his responsibilities, he felt that being a husband and father were the most important.

Ron leaves a legacy of being a kindhearted, loving, hardworking father who loved life and lived it to the fullest. His testimony was evident in every aspect of his life and the joy he felt when his family got together always reflected in his smile and demeanor. 

He is survived by his wife, Carol; his children, Jay R. (Kathi) Bangerter, Sheila (Dave) McSwain, Jim (Sherrie) Bangerter,, Vonnie (Mark) McSwain, Cheryl (Fred) Hale, LaMar (Sue) Bangerter, Tim (Alisa) Bangerter, Bryce (Jolinne) Bangerter, Brandon (April) Bangerter, Jill (Keith) Curtis, Kim (CeCe) Bangerter, John (Jen) Bangerter; his fifty-three grandchildren; his ninety-eight great-grandchildren; and five great-great-grandchildren; and his sister, Beverly Lee. He is preceded in death by his wife, Jean; his mother and father, Lydia and Omer; his brothers, Junior and Del; and his granddaughter, Angela Jean. His family will miss him dearly. Until we meet again, Aloha ‘Oe.

A viewing will be held at the West Bountiful Ward building at 311 North 800 West, West Bountiful, Utah on Thursday, January 26, 2023, from 6-8 p.m. The funeral service with a viewing will be held at the same location on Friday, January 27, 2023. The viewing will be from 9:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. and the service will begin at 11:00 a.m. Following the service, interment will be at the Bountiful City Cemetery.

Services will be streamed live on the Russon Mortuary & Crematory Facebook page. The live stream will begin about 10-15 minutes prior to the services and will be posted below.

In lieu of flowers and gifts, the family asks that you make a donation to the Ronald and Carol Bangerter Perpetual Mission Fund in his memory.

Venmo: @bangertermissionfund