Albert Milton DeGering

Albert Milton DeGering

Albert Milton DeGering was born May 7, 1914 near Hat Creek, Wyo. He died July 15, 2012 in Orem, Utah. His 98 years of life included growing up a cowboy, attending college during the depression, serving in WWII and the Korean War, living and working in Ethiopia and Thailand, raising 8 kids and a lifetime of love and service to those that knew him best.

Milton was the first born of Albert and Ethel DeGering. He was raised on the family ranch near Lusk, Wyo. He attended the University of Wyoming and graduated in 1939 as a civil engineer. He began working for the Bureau of Reclamation in 1940 until December of 1941 brought the attack on Pearl Harbor. Less than a month later he was enlisted in the U.S. Army Air Force. He served his country by overseeing the building of hospitals and barracks in the Pacific Theatre where he proudly served as a Lieutenant of an African American unit who referred to him as "Lieutenant Wrangler". He retired as a Captain and returned home to the states in 1945 and went back to work for the Bureau of Reclamation. His work with the bureau included designing and overseeing the building of the Glen Canyon dam and other dams in the western United States. He was called back into the service from 1951-52 and is a veteran of the Korean War.

In 1950, he met his sweetheart Norma Spencer and they married Sept. 29 of that same year. They were later sealed in the temple of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Milton also served in many capacities in the church and lived his life as a disciple of Christ.

Milton and Norma raised 8 active and busy children and were always supportive of their activities and endeavors. Milton's work for the Bureau of Reclamation took his family overseas as a Chief Hydrologist. He worked in Ethiopia on the Blue Nile River and in Thailand on the Mekong River Project. He retired in 1976 after a rewarding and successful career.

Milton was married to Norma for 46 years until her sudden passing in 1996. They enjoyed a lifetime together of serving their family, their community and church. They loved playing cards with friends and rarely missed a Saturday night dance. He married Rosaleen Taylor in January of 2004. Rosaleen was a loving and wonderful companion to Milton in his later years. She was at his side, holding his hand when he passed away. His family is grateful they had each other.

Milton leaves behind a legacy of family commitment and love. He will always be remembered for his wisdom, wit and cowboy roots. He is survived by two siblings, Virginia Bryant and John DeGering (Kay). He is also survived by his eight children, Tamara Boltz (Steve), David DeGering (Susan), James DeGering (Sheryl), Joyce Raeth (Steve), Bruce DeGering (Robin), Russell DeGering (Karen), Frank DeGering (Rebecca) and Brenda Bowen (Dennis). Milton proudly loved 41 grandchildren, 40 great-grandchildren and one great-great grandchild. Funeral services will take place on Thursday, July 19 at 11 a.m. at the LDS ward chapel at 225 E. 200 N. Orem, a viewing will be held Wednesday from 6-8 pm at the Sundberg-Olpin Mortuary, 495 South State Street, Orem and also 9:45 to 10:45 a.m. prior to the services at the ward chapel. Interment will be in the Orem City Cemetery. Military rites will be conducted by American Legion Post #72 Condolences may be sent to the family at www.sundbergolpinmortuary.com.

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