Weldon "Wed" Nathan Wardell

Weldon N. Wardell, passed away peacefully at home on December 18th at the age of 77, surrounded by his family. Weldon was the third of four children, born to William and Ruth Wardell on October 8th 1938 in Wanship, Summit County, Utah. He is proceeded in death by his daughter, Jessica, parents William and Ruth, brothers Joe and Butch.

Weldon was a sailor in the United States Navy. In November of 1958 he returned home on leave for two weeks to meet his pen pal Julia McGrath of Salt Lake City, Utah. They were immediately smitten with each other and were married a short time later in Boston, Massachusetts on March 3 of 1960.  Their marriage was later solemnized in the LDS Temple, Laie, Hawaii. Wed and Julie were happily married for over 55 years, and five children were born; Steven Shane (Cindy), Christopher Lee (Wendy), Anita Kaye Watts (Jason), Daniel Nathan (Shannon), and Jessica Lynne Wardell (deceased). They have 16 grandchildren and nine great grandchildren.

Weldon grew up a country boy until 1954, when the BLM disrupted the entire rural town of Rockport, Utah, to build Lake Rockport, an act which he always believed sent a large portion of the residents to early graves. Weldon's parents relocated to what was then East Millcreek, Salt Lake County. He was a complete "country bumpkin", and although he struggled, he graduated with the Class of 1956, the second graduating class of the original Olympus High School. During this time, young men not going to college or on a mission were eligible for the draft, and no employer was willing to hire those who had not satisfied their military obligation. Weldon joined the US NAVY in January 1957. He served honorably on five different ships/boats, one surface craft, and four submarines, with eight different shore duty assignments, including schools. It was an exciting career until his discharge in February 1976, as a Chief Radioman Submarine Qualified.

Weldon was born into the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and was a faithful member. He had a strong witness of Jesus Christ and the Plan of Salvation for all mankind, and tried to teach his children how precious it is in our lives. He had many assignments in his various wards, and served well in all capacities.

He loved to be in the mountains, rivers, and lakes of the outdoors where he enjoyed fishing, hunting, boating, camping, and especially the good food prepared outdoors.

Funeral services will be held Tuesday, December 22, 2015 at 11:00am at the Gardens Heights South Ward, 2220 East Fisher Lane (2935 S.). Friends and family are invited to visit Monday evening 6:00-8:00pm at the Holbrook Mortuary, 3251 South 2300 East, and at the church Tuesday morning 9:30-10:30am prior to the service. Interment will be at the Utah Veterans Memorial Park. Guestbook to post messages and tributes for the family is available at: www.HolbrookMortuary.com