Russell Bjerregaard

Russell L. Bjerregaard, age 64, passed away September 18, 2011 at his home in Wickenburg. Russ was born October 17, 1946 in Gunnison, Utah to Marlin and Gladys Louise (Petersen) Bjerregaard. He was raised in the Ephraim and Manti area and attended schools there. Following his schooling he served a mission for his church in Sweden. He later served in the Army National Guard and transferred into the U.S. Navy serving on the USS America during the Vietnam War serving for 4 years. Russ married Kathleen Rowley January 16, 1971 in Edmonds, Washington and they were later sealed in the Salt Lake City Temple. He then enlisted in the U.S. Air Force during his service he served in Turkey, Germany and Korea, serving a total of 22 1/2 years. He worked in civil service at Luke Air Force Base from 1994 until 2009 when he retired for health reasons. Russ was a member of the NCO Club and he was also an active member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. He was a high priest and had served in various capacities in the church. Russ enjoyed being of service to others. He enjoyed the outdoors and loved camping and hunting & fishing as well as leatherwork and spending time with family. Russ was preceded in death by his sister JoAnn Kerr in 1999. He is survived by his wife Kathy of Wickenburg, daughters Katie Smith and Colleen Bjerregaard both of Wickenburg, brothers Marlin Don (Gloria) Bjerregaard of Taylorsville, Ut., Perry (Ora Mae) Bjerregaard of Sandy, Ut., sisters LaRane (Elliott) Arnoldson of Moroni, Ut., Eileen Matern of Taylorsville, Ut., and grandchildren: Michael and Wanda Bjerregaard both of Wickenburg. Visitation will be Friday, September 23, 2011 from 7:00 to 9:00 PM at Wickenburg Funeral Home with services on Saturday, September 24, 2011 at the Wickenburg Ward of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints at 10:00 AM with visitation 1 hour prior to services at the Church. Interment with military honors will be held the Wickenburg Municipal Cemetery.