Elaine Waegner

Elaine Clark Waegner was born on September 15, 1944, to Elmer Lucius and LaRue Ellis Clark. She was preceded in death by her parents, her sister Janice Clark (Curt) Christensen, and her son, Michael Scott Waegner.

Elaine grew up in both Utah and Idaho and eventually made her home in Taylorsville, Utah, where she spent most of her adult life and became deeply connected to her community. As a young woman, she loved ballet and dancing, a reflection of her grace, discipline, and appreciation for beauty.

Elaine met her sweetheart, Dieter Waegner, while still in high school. Their friendship grew into a lifelong partnership grounded in faith and shared service. They were sealed in the Salt Lake Temple on January 17, 1964, beginning a marriage defined by devotion to family and community.

Faith was central to Elaine’s life, and she served in many callings throughout the years, including Regional Dance Director, Ward Roadshow producer, Young Women’s camp director, and as an Inner City Service Missionary. One of her most meaningful experiences was serving alongside Dieter in the Salt Lake City Inner City Mission, where they worked together to support individuals and families in need and formed lasting connections through quiet, consistent service.

Elaine had a gift for working with people and was especially devoted to the youth she served. Through her work with Taylorsville City, she coordinated youth council groups, parade floats, and annual city celebrations, including Taylorsville Days. She spent countless hours preparing behind the scenes, and her organization, leadership, and attention to detail were key to making these events successful. The youth she worked with loved her, and she loved them deeply in return, offering guidance, encouragement, and steady support.

Elaine attended LDS Business College and worked for many years in administrative roles. Her strong work ethic, reliability, and thoughtful preparation influenced many and left a lasting impression on those she worked alongside.

At home, Elaine found joy in the steady rhythms of everyday life. She loved watching television, reading the newspaper, and staying curious about the world around her. She was especially fascinated by archaeology and the ancient peoples of Mesoamerica, often watching documentaries or reading articles that helped her better understand civilizations connected to the Book of Mormon. This curiosity blended naturally with her love of family history and genealogy, and she delighted in sharing stories—whether of ancient peoples or her own ancestors—with anyone willing to listen.

Elaine had a natural way of connecting with people and was never a stranger to conversation. She was a devoted BYU sports fan and rarely missed a game, whether watching on television or listening on the radio. Cheering for BYU was a familiar and joyful part of her daily life.

Elaine and Dieter are the parents of four children: Michael, Janeen (Jeff) Christensen, Karen (Brian) Chidester, and Mark (Heather) Waegner. They are the proud grandparents of Ashley, Emily, Holli, and Cammi Christensen; Zachary and Hayley Chidester; and Jaxon, Kolton, Emmersyn, and Addilyn Waegner, and are also blessed with eight great-grandchildren. Elaine is also survived by her brother, Brian (Kathy) Clark, and her sisters Margaret (John) Frandsen and Miriam (Michael) O’Connor.

Elaine’s life was defined by service, connection, and love. She quietly shaped countless lives through her dedication to family, faith, and community, and her influence continues in the many people who were fortunate enough to her.