Conversation with Julie and her daughters

Conversations: Episode 15 - Programs - Mormon Channel


Episode 15:  Sister Julie B. Beck and her daughters Gerilyn and Heidi
Listen to Episode 15http://radio.lds.org/eng/programs/conversations-episode-15
 
Sister Julie B. Beck has served as the Church’s General Relief Society President since March 31, 2007. The Relief Society is the worldwide organization of the Church specifically for women. Sister Beck is joined in this interview by her two daughters, Gerilyn and Heidi, who add an unusual dimension to the discussion that only close family members could provide. Host Sheri Dew guides the discussion through some excellent advice on raising a family and living a happy life, coupled with some unique insight into the Beck family home life. Learn some of the early influences that shaped Sister Beck’s life, as well as some insight into the worldwide Relief Society organization today.   Join us for this heartwarming and inspiring discussion!  
 

Sister Julie B. Beck in the Mormon Channel Studio with her daughters Gerilyn and Heidi

2010 Reunion

We had a delightful time together this afternoon.  Sister Geri Bangerter shared her observations of their many years in Brazil and the pioneering experiences of those years.  Her thoughts prompted others to share experiences of the development of the Church in Brazil since our days of missionary service. 
 

It has been the inspired responses to the needs of the people that have prompted the great things that have made the difference.

Back row:  Arlene Albach Tolson, Thelma Black Soares, Mary Etta Watson Parkinson, Maureen Daines Hodgen, Cleonice Carvalho Hermansen,
Glenda Bangerter Apple, Phyllis Merrell Miller, Fran Huerkens Terry, Marilyn Stanley Humpherey, Geraldine Burningham Olsen.
Front row:  LeeAnn Bangerter Lorenzon, Bev Sanders, Betha Langston Holyoak, Geraldine Hamblin Bangerter, Sarah Daines, Jackie Gatenby Thomas, Karla Allred Christensen.

 

 

Family photos from Elder Bangerter's funeral.

I am assuming that all who might read this posting have received Kim Russell's e-mail forwarding Sister Bangerter's message of appreciation and family photos from the funeral of Elder Bangerter.  If you haven't, please post a comment here and I'll forward them to you. 

Church News--Elder Bangerter

This article was sent to us by Kim Russell--
Additional photos will be posted on his web site later on.  (www.therussells.net/brazil/)

http://www.ldschurchnews.com/articles/59255/Elder-William-Grant-Bangerter-A-light-to-all-those-that-knew-him.html

Elder William Grant Bangerter: A light to all those that knew him

By Marianne Holman

Published: Sunday, April 25, 2010

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Friends and family filled the American Fork Tabernacle on Saturday, April 24, for funeral services to honor the life of Elder William Grant Bangerter, an emeritus member of the Seventy.
Representing the First Presidency and Quorum of the Twelve, Elder Richard G. Scott of the Quorum of the Twelve, spoke of the great service Elder Bangerter gave throughout his life.
"We rejoice with you in his life of devoted service," Elder Scott read from a letter from the First Presidency. "Elder Bangerter's life was a model of diligence and hard work. His example of conviction as a husband and father and stalwart servant of the Lord influenced the lives of loved ones and all with whom he came in contact."
Elder Scott also spoke of the comfort of the plan of salvation and the importance of the sealing ordinances performed in the temple.
"I rejoice in the day we’ll have the privilege of being with him again eternally," he said. "That will happen, absolutely."
All ten of Elder Bangerter’s living children were a part of the funeral services, participating in talks, prayers and musical numbers. Speakers during the funeral service included two of his sons, Cory Bangerter and Howard Bangerter, and his daughter, Julie B. Beck, Relief Society general president.
Each of the speakers said Elder Bangerter’s life was full of service and missionary work.
"His love for the Savior was manifested with his devotion to His cause, never failing, ever ready to go and do what was asked of him by his master," said Brother Cory Bangerter.
Sister Beck spoke of a recent conversation she had with her father in which he asked her what her mission in life is. He asked what his purpose was and why individuals are here on earth. She then recalled her father’s answers — responding very powerfully to his own questions.
"We are here to develop ourselves and build the kingdom of God," she recalled him saying. "A high level of employment is an interesting thing. But serving as a bishop and leaders is something very special. … I was not sent on earth to be a farmer or a carpenter, I was sent to serve and respond where I was sent and be carried around the world in the Lord’s service."
Brother Howard K. Bangerter spoke of the missionary service his father accomplished both as a young missionary and as a mission president years later. As a young missionary the number of convert baptisms weren’t high, but the lessons he learned were great, he said.
"While these faithful missionaries didn’t baptize thousands, they developed unwavering testimonies for the gospel," he said.
Returning years later as a mission president to Brazil, Elder Bangerter saw the growth of the Church in great numbers. While he was there, he focused not only on the growth of the Church, but also the integration of the new members. Just as important as the convert baptisms were his missionaries, Brother Howard Bangerter said.
"He was their friend and they knew he loved them and all else flowed from that," he said. "He saw in every new missionary the nugget of a powerful leader that was just green and raw and untapped."
Using a concept from a talk his father gave in general conference in 1977, Brother Howard Bangerter spoke of the many footprints his father left behind, focusing on the lessons that can be learned as individual’s look to his father’s example.
"Each of us, from the Primary chorister to the bishop, or in whatever calling we may be serving can seek, number one, to learn the will of the Lord through personal revelation, and number two, to move forward with faith and use our influence to bring to pass the Lord’s will. In doing so, may we become sanctified."
Elder Bangerter served as a General Authority from 1975 – 89. During that time he served as an assistant to the Quorum of the Twelve apostles, a member of the Seventy and a member of the Presidency of the Seventy.
"William Grant Bangerter was a light to all those who knew him, and his good works for many who did not know him," said Michael W. Crossley, bishop of the Alpine 5th Ward. "The greatest work that Elder Bangerter did was raise up a righteous posterity."
A graveside service was held after the conclusion of the funeral at the Elysian Memorial Gardens in Murray, Utah.

Sisters Conference Sao Paulo, Brazil, 1961

March 19-20 1961.
[The following are updated with married name and current location if known.]

Back row:  Ida Peterson Hatch, d. 1998;  Alice Bingham Harper, d. 2009; Nelly Ventura, Uraguay;  Eladir Leite, Embare, Santos; Cleonice Carvalho Hermanson, Sandy, UT; Clery Pereirra, Centro Gauru, SP; Lud Brisolla Santana, Brasilia, DF; Myrna Peterson Olsen, American Fork, UT.


Middle row:  Betha Langston Holyoak, Paonia, CO; Joanne Hollist, d. 2004; Judith Ovard Mix, Mesa, AZ; Verna Sorenson Benson, Taylorsville, UT; Frances Huerkens Terry, Long Beach, CA; Mary Etta Watson Parkinson, Midvale, UT; Beverly Crook Garlick, Long Beach, CA; Thelma Black Soares, Orem, UT; Virginia Walker Hansen, West Point, UT; Beverly Sanders, Pleasant Grove, UT.



Front row:  Maureen Daines Hodgen, Bountiful, UT; Mary Vassel Hill, American Fork, UT; Sister Geraldine Hamblin Bangerter, Alpine, UT; President W. Grant Bangerter, d. 2010; Marion K. Hamblin, AZ; Norma Mills Shiner, Bountiful, UT; Marilyn Stanley Humpherys, Midvale, UT; Jeanette Royle Monson, d. 2010.

Not pictured for some unknown reason--Sue Isenhour Van Wagoner, Taylorsville, UT.

Enjoy It Bangerter, W. Grant March 27, 1983 CES Fireside

http://speeches.byu.edu/?act=viewitem&id=1197

At this time our hearts are lifted to hear/read some of the words of President Bangerter from long ago.  They remind us of a few of the truths we have carried with us since our days in Brazil and the Bangerter family first came into our lives.

They didn't leave our lives, but continued to be an influence as we gathered with them at mission reunions.  Beyond those occasions are the letters of comfort when our own loved ones passed on or we shared difficulties that were challenging our lives.  It was their nature to reach out in small and simple ways as we continued inviting them into our lives opening the door by a letter, a Christmas card, a phone call or dropping in on short notice to their home.  We were always welcomed and greeted as if we were someone special in their lives as they were in ours.  They were always there on the other side of the door--caring about us--over 600 of us and how many, many more that crossed their paths.  With such a numerous family of their own, how did they do it.  Reading his "Collected Works . . . ." gives a glimpse and a remembering.

Published obituary--William Grant Bangerter

WILLIAM BANGERTER

William Grant Bangerter 1918 ~ 2010 William Grant Bangerter, an emeritus member of the First Quorum of The Seventy of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, of Alpine, Utah, died April 18, 2010, at age 91. Born June 8, 1918 in Granger, Utah to William Henry and Isabelle Bawden Bangerter, Elder Bangerter was the second of 11 children and grandson of Mormon pioneers and Swiss immigrants. He spent his early years working with his father on the family farm using mostly horse drawn equipment. He enjoyed farming and horses throughout his life. As a General Authority he served as a member of the Presidency of the First Quorum of the Seventy. His assignments included the Presidency of the International Mission, Executive Director of the Temple Department, and Director of various areas of the Church at different times, including Brazil, Chile, Colorado, Nevada, South Utah and the North Eastern US as well as Managing Director of the Genealogical Department. Elder Bangerter served as a missionary to Brazil, 1939-1941 speaking Portuguese and German. Soon thereafter he was called to the Bishopric but was drafted into the US Army after Pearl Harbor and became a bomber pilot, squadron commander and flying instructor. He married Mildred Lee Schwantes in the Mesa, Az. Temple on March 8, 1944, she died in 1952, one year after the death of their fourth child. In 1953 he married Geraldine Hamblin in the Salt Lake Temple. They had seven children. He worked as a building contractor with his father and brothers. Earlier church service was as a Bishop, President of two Stakes, and Assistant Chairman of the Pioneer Welfare Region. Elder Bangerter presided over three missions of the Church: Brazil (1958-63), Portugal (1974-75) and the International Mission (1975-77). He was president to more than 600 missionaries with whom he and his wife have maintained a close bond. In various assignments prior to being called as a General Authority, Elder Bangerter served as a member of the Church Home Teaching Committee, the Melchizedek Priesthood Committee, the Church Correlation Committee and as a Regional Representative from 1968-1975 in Utah, Arizona, Nevada, Wyoming, Texas and Brazil. His civic service included membership on the Board of Trustees of the LDS Hospital, the University of Utah Alumni Board and Alpine City Council. He studied two years at Brigham Young University and following the War he attended and graduated from the University of Utah with honors, with degrees in History and Languages. He had a knowledge and love of peoples around the world and a special association with the country and people of Brazil; he could often be heard speaking or singing in Portuguese, Spanish and German. As an emeritus General Authority he served as president of the Jordan River Temple from 1990-93, sealer in the Mt. Timpanogos Temple and Patriarch of the Alpine Utah West Stake until his death. His devoted wife Geri supported and accompanied him in his many Church and civic assignments throughout their 57 years together. He revered the Gospel of Jesus Christ, and was a loving and tender husband and father. He loved the mountains and his beautiful farm in Alpine. Elder Bangerter is survived by his wife; 10 children: Lee Ann Lorenzon (Richard), Cory William (Gayle), Glenda Apple (Steve), Julie Beck (Ramon), Grant Hamblin (Cleadonna), Howard Kent (Lissa), Peggy Brasilia Dowse, Glenn Paulo (JaLayne), Layne Rio (Betsy), Duella Williams (Lonnie); those of the Wosnjuk/Duffles family whom he embraced as children; sisters Pauline Jensen, Elsbeth Hansen, Marian Lindsey, and Naomi Christopherson; brother Norman H.; 65 grandchildren; and 67 great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his wife Mildred; a daughter, Mildred Elizabeth; granddaughter Katie; sisters, Sarah Hardy and Glenneth Wilson; and brothers, Samuel B., Blauer L. and David K. He is beloved and will be remembered as one of the "noble and great ones." A viewing will be held on Friday April 23rd from 6:00-8:00 p.m. at the Alpine Stake Center located at 98 East Canyon Crest Road, Alpine, Utah, and on Saturday, April 24th from 9:30-10:30 a.m. at the LDS Tabernacle, 110 East Main Street, American Fork, UT. Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m. in the Tabernacle in American Fork. Burial will be in the Elysian Gardens, 1045 East 4580 South, Murray, Utah, under the direction of Anderson & Sons Mortuary. Online condolences may be sent at andersonmortuary.com

Published in Salt Lake Tribune from April 22 to April 23, 2010

Funeral Services for Elder Bangerter

Funeral services will be held Saturday, April 24, at 11 a.m. in the American Fork Tabernacle, 110 E. Main, American Fork.
Friends may call Friday, April 23, from 6 to 8 p.m. at the Alpine Stake Center, 98 E. Canyon Crest Road, Alpine, or at the American Fork Tabernacle from 9:30 to 10:30 a.m., prior to services. Burial will be at Salt Lake's Elysian Burial Gardens.
http://www.deseretnews.com/article/700025740/Elder-William-Grant-Bangerter-dies.html?pg=2

President Bangerter Passes Away

Monday, April 19, 2010

From Brasulista #124:

This is to let you know that our father President Wm. Grant Bangerter passed away yesterday morning (Sunday, 18 April 2010) at about 5:08 a.m. two months short of his 92nd birthday.  He was very alert to the end.  All of his children were with him (although 3 were there by phone). He had been struggling with a weak heart and a bad case of pneumonia set in and took him.  A nice and brief article on the Deseret News Website today had a few facts wrong – we don’t have a date for the funeral yet.  After we had each kissed him we sang some of his beloved Brazilian songs – “Brasil”, “Encosta Tua Cabecinha” and God Be with You Till We Meet Again.  He was completely at peace and we know he is reunited with his parents, brothers and sisters, wife Mildred, daughter Elizabeth and many other loved ones. 

Paulo Bangerter

Elder William Grant Bangerter dies at 91

by Lynn Arave

Deseret News

Published: Monday, April 19, 2010 10:45 a.m. MDT

http://www.deseretnews.com/article/700025740/Elder-William-Grant-Bangerter-dies-at-91.html 

SALT LAKE CITY  — Elder William Grant Bangerter, 91, emeritus general authority and former member of the presidency of the Quorum of the Seventy of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-days Saints, died early Monday, according to a church official.

The older brother of former Utah Gov. Norm Bangerter and the father of LDS Relief Society General President Julie Bangerter Beck and 10 other children, Elder Bangerter served 14 years as a general authority of the church. He was granted emeritus status on Sept. 30, 1989.

Elder Bangerter was sustained as an assistant to the Quorum of the Twelve on April 4, 1975 at the age of 56. He was later sustained to the First Quorum of the Seventy on Oct. 1, 1975. He served in the Presidency of the Seventy from Sept. 30, 1978 to April 5, 1980 and again from Feb. 17, 1985 to Sept. 30, 1989.

He had also served as president of Brazilian international mission of the church from 1958-1963. In 1974, he was called to open the Portugal Lisbon mission of the church. He had also been First Counselor in the North American Northeast Area Presidency from 1984-1985.

Prior to his call as a general authority, he had served as the executive director of the Temple Department of the church and also as managing director of the Genealogical Department. During his tenure in the temple department, the number of operating LDS temples increased from 17 to 42, and temple enhancements included increased video presentations for temple sessions, automated computer recording systems, translation of temple instructions into additional languages and presentations for deaf members.

After his emeritus status, he also served as president of the Jordan River Temple from 1990 to 1993.
He was sometimes described as a quiet man, soft-spoken and deliberate, but one who displayed a sense of urgency.

He is also the father of Relief Society General President Julie B. Beck.

Born June 8, 1918, in Granger, he was the second of 11 children to William Henry and Isabelle Bawden Bangerter. He was called as a regional representative for the church in 1967.
He served a first mission to Brazil from 1939-1941 and also in the bishopric of the Granger Ward. He had served as bishop and also as a stake president twice and had served on the church's home teaching committee.

He also spent four years in the armed forces, becoming a U.S. Army Air Force pilot and training squadron commander.

Elder Bangerter had served as vice-chairman of Pioneer Welfare Region, a member of the executive committee of the board of trustees on LDS Hospital and also as chairman of the Magna and Granger seminary boards.

His professional career was farming and also in the building and contracting business. He was considered an excellent carpenter.

He earned a bachelor's degree from the University of Utah and had also done graduate work there, with a major in history.

He married his first wife, Mildred Lee Schwantes, in 1944 and they were the parents of four children, one of whom died at birth. His first wife died of leukemia in 1952. He married Geraldine Hamblin in 1953 and they were the parents of seven children.

Funeral services are pending. 

Bangerter Mission Reunion - June 2010

 The following notice is posted at

 Brazilian Mission - Wm. Grant Bangerter 

http://www.therussells.net/brazil/indexe.html

"Our next get-together will be in June, 2010.  It will most likely be held at the Bangerter home in Alpine, Utah, sometime around the first or second Saturday in June.  Check here as we get closer to that time for exact date and location."

Hope to see you in Alpine in June.  

The sisters are planning our annual reunion for September 18, 2010, 1 p.m.   More details to follow in August.  

Jeanette's Newspaper Obituary

Jeanette Royle Monson, 70, passed away peacefully surrounded by her loving children, ending a lifetime of devoted service to all with whom she came in contact. Mother did everything in life with the highest degree of excellence, grace and passion. Born in Moab, Utah she was the third of 4 daughters of Homer Freeman Royle and Emily Peay Royle.
She attended Forbes Elementary School, graduated from American Fork High School (1957) and Brigham Young University (1963). She loved missionary work serving in the Brazilian Mission from 1960-1962. She served faithfully in numerous church callings.
Jeanette married Alan Campbell Monson (separated) April 3, 1963 in the Logan, UT Temple. They have 5 children, 16 grandchildren and 1 grandson-in-law.
Music was an integral part of Mother’s life. Playing flute in the American Fork HS Marching Band, performing vocally, conducting numerous choirs and musical productions were among her favorite memories.
Jeanette loved this country and its history. She served in the Air Force ROTC at BYU; visited many US historical sites; visited 48 states; and loved living in New England for its rich American history.
She began her teaching career in 1963, took time off to raise her children, then returned to teaching. 2-time recipient of the Golden Apple Award; 2-time Alpine School District Teacher of the Year; taught US and World History to 5th & 6th Graders; and organized and toured Washington DC historical sites with a group of students. Mom loved each student and saw their potential. She created many lasting friendships with students and their families. During her chemotherapy, she continued teaching - one week of chemo and recovery, one week teaching - an amazing demonstration of love and devotion to her students! Cancer ultimately ended her teaching career in 2008.
Her greatest accomplishment in life is her family. She is survived by her 5 children: Grant (Robin) Monson, Sheila (Scott) Hansen, Ken (Jen) Monson, Tawni (Matt) Sumsion, Andrea (Darrin) Overson; sisters: Nadine Miller, Kathleen Rasmussen and Diane Harvey; grandchildren: Ashton (Jeff) Jensen and Kylee Monson; Jessie, Emily, Michael and Conner Hansen; Tanner, Conner and Mackenzie Monson; Taylor, Justin, Austin and Charly Sumsion; Sydney, Drew and Ethan Overson. She is preceded in death by her parents. Our Mom, Grandmother, Sister, Aunt, Teacher and Friend will be greatly missed. We appreciate the love she has given us throughout her life and we take great comfort in knowing she is enjoying a well-deserved family reunion in the eternal realms above.
The family wishes to express deep appreciation to Hospice for Utah, especially her nurse and niece, Joan Pfau, who graciously and lovingly met her needs. A special thank you to her many friends across the country for sending their expressions of love and respect for our Mother. Funeral services will be held Saturday, Feb. 13 at 12:00 pm in the American Fork East Stake Center, 825 E. 500 N, preceded by a viewing from 10 – 11:45 am. Friends and family may also call at Anderson Mortuary, 49 E 100 N, American Fork Friday evening from 6-8 pm. Interment will be in the Lehi City Cemetery. Online guestbook: andersonmortuary.com. A scholarship was established in her name. Contributions can be made to: ASDF, and sent to Alpine School District Foundation 575 N 100 E, American Fork, UT 84003. Please reference the Jeanette Royle Monson Memorial Scholarship.

http://www.legacy.com/gb2/default.aspx?bookid=3573552367290&cid=full
http://andersonmortuary.com/node/169#comments

Alice Bingham Harper

We received word today of the passing of Alice Bingham Harper on May 7, 2009 at her home in  Fillmore, UT.  She had been ill with ovarian cancer for 14 months.

Some of you will remember that Alice was one of only three experienced sister missionaries in the mission when 20 plus sisters arrived from the U.S. over a period of a couple of months. Alice was the Primary coordinator at that time.  She served also in Santos, Ribeirao Preto, Belo Horizonte, Santana, Ipiranga and Tijuca. 

After returning from her mission and her marriage to Eugene Harper, Alice was a substitute teacher and enjoyed selling Avon as she and her husband raised two boys.  Alice served well in ward and stake callings in all of the church auxiliaries.  Her latter years she and Eugene served in the Manti Temple as ordinance workers.  Alice is greatly missed by her husband, two sons, their spouses and eight grandchildren. 

Jeanette Royle Monson, an update from her family.

 

Jeanette's children have a blog that may be of interest to you and where you can post your sentiments and remembrances of Jeanette.   http://www.nosnowpatrol.blogspot.com/   

See below:

Why NOSNOW?

I (Andrea) chose "nosnow patrol" as the blog name because it is our last name upside down and backwards.



This will be a place where those who love our Mom can come for updates, to leave comments, and to keep in touch.

Jeanette Royle Monson

 

Jeanette Royle Monson, Sisters Reunion, September 2009

It is with sadness that we advise you of Jeanette Royle Monson's passing early this morning, February 5, 2010.   Many of you will remember her from our mission days and many others from our Sisters Reunions over the years.  My first memory is of her beautiful voice singing at one of our missionary meetings in Brazil.  She was a terrific missionary.  I could always count on her being at the Bangerter reunions over the years and some one I could visit with.  Last Friday, Virginia Walker Hansen and I met Jeanette at the Mount Timpanogos Temple.  She took my arm in the Celestial Room as we moved to the nearest sofa to visit a while.  The three of us lunched for a couple of hours and then visited for another couple at the Bangerter's in Alpine.  She was her typical vibrant self.  We had many lembranças to share. 

Anticipating she would be leaving this life in the near future she and her children had a wonderful week in Boston and Connecticut visiting familiar places from their twenty years there.  The last item in her "bucket list" as she called it was a Disney Cruise with all her children and grandchildren.  She did it all and faired well.

Jeanette had a great battle with cancer over the past three years.  She loved teaching in the elementary grades, especially teaching U.S. History and taking many of her students to Washington, D. C.  She was awarded Teacher of the Year.  The last two years of her teaching were facilitated by wonderful students and their parents as she rotated from chemo therapy days to teaching days in typical Jeanette class and style.  Of significance these past months has been her bishop, Bishop Paulo Bangerter and the physician on call in the emergency room one night when she arrived last summer,  Dr. Neeleman--yes, Rose and Gary's son.  These men were a timely and wonderful help to her.

Jeanette was remarkable and we'll miss her. 

Her obituary will be published in the Deseret News and Provo Herald Wednesday and can be accessed at www.legacy.com.  We send this advance notice in the event you might miss it in the papers.