Therese Guertler Frey

Therese Betty Margarethe Guertler Frey, best known as Resa, passed away peacefully in her home on November 22, with her children by her side, holding her sweet hands.  Her one wish was that she could be in her home until she passed, and her children are immensely grateful that her wish could be granted.

Resa was born in Hamburg, Germany on November 30, 1929.  During World War II her father was drafted into the army and her mother cared for Resa and her siblings.  In 1943 they traveled by train one weekend to visit her mother’s sister.  While away, Hamburg was completely destroyed, as were all their possessions, with the exception of the suitcase her mother had packed for the trip.  They were relocated to Southern Germany where they were kept safe for the remainder of the war.  Blessedly, the family was reunited in 1947 and Resa’s parents together with her younger siblings immigrated to Salt Lake City in 1951.  She and her younger brother immigrated a year later.  The following year she met Karl Heinz Frey, also an immigrant from Germany, and they had four children, Stephen, Norman, Eveleen and Tom. 

In 1972 they separated and Resa became a single mom.  She rallied herself and her children in such an awe-inspiring way and identified a path to the happiest existence anyone could ever dream of having.  They worked hard, supported one another, loved each other and still very much do to this day.  Resa ultimately found herself working as a secretary for the East High Seminary and couldn’t have choreographed a better scenario – same school schedule as her children and working for the church.  She loved it so much she worked there for 35 years, never took a sick day, and retired at the age of 80.  During her lifetime she had many callings in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints including Cub Scout Den Mother, Young Women’s Leader and Ward and Stake Relief Society President. 

Her father introduced Resa to the Grand Teton National Park in 1952 and her soul would forever more be filled with a love for nature. She then instilled that same passion within each of her children.  In her 60’s she and her two younger sisters began backpacking in the Uintah’s, a tradition that lasted 20 years.  Resa was loving, kind, selfless, patient, forgiving and forever faithful to her testimony of Jesus Christ.  She has left an indelible impression on the hearts of so many, especially her children and grandchildren, which will be felt into the eternities.

A celebration of life will be held for family and friends on Friday, December 15, 2023 at 3:00 PM at the Imperial Ward Chapel located at 2738 Filmore Street in Salt Lake City, Utah 84106.