Margit Behn Gellersen

Margit grew up in Germany where in her childhood she enjoyed spending summer seasons in the Black Forest with her uncle’s family, her uncle managed the forest. She loved being outside in the wilderness and helping to take care of the animals especially the family dogs. In her youth she enjoyed going to the coast with her Tante Emmi. Mom loved to be outside, sight seeing and traveling on adventures.

Margit lost her father early in World War II, he was sent to Poland and never returned. Margit and her mom Frieda survived, losing everything they ever had twice in bombing raids but at least they had each other.

Margit worked in the Federal Mailing Service in Germany, she was an operator after completing her education. She enjoyed work and helped her mother who was a seamstress save money and survive. Life during and after the war was very difficult.

My mother met my father Werner Gellersen in Germany after the war. He and his two brothers and one sister survived the war, which was unheard of. It took some serious convincing and patience to get my mom to agree to get married and move to America. In the end Mom had one expectation that her mother was allowed to come along. Mom always took care of everyone. Mom and Dad were married and moved to Utah with Uncle Manfred and Tante Christa in 1960.

I came along 4 years later, life was grand! Dad has his new business running and mom was focused on keeping up with an energetic 4 year old. In 1968 my father had an industrial accident at his shop, and died several months later in the hospital. My mom found herself as a single parent having to manage a household and raise her son with help from her mother. Mom dedicated her life to providing opportunities for her family, she constantly sacrificed everything to take care of her son.

Margit was a strong, amazingly resilient woman who was absolutely fearless. She once told me of a story she was going on the fun bus to Wendover, the bus was being held up by criminals, when they came to her to steal her money she said “No! I’m not giving you my money, sit down and behave, put your Ruger away” in her thick intimidating German accent. The authorities arrived shorty after and the whole situation ended with no one hurt.

Mom loved the arts and instilled that in her family, we would always go the symphony, the opera or a live play, she loved going to Sundance in the fall. She loved going to movies with her niece Jutta. She loved to travel the world with her friend Doris and others. She loved her doggies and skied, walked and hiked with them daily. Her favorite past time was gardening, she had and amazing rose garden and her hibiscus plants were her pride and joy. Mom also loved her church, she was a member of Redeemer Lutheran church and was a very strong Christian. She raised me in those values and lived them daily.

Mom took care of her mom until her death in 1996. She was a loving and caring child, who always made sure her mom was included in everything.

In her latter days she moved to Elk Meadows in Oakley, Utah and then to Spring Hollow in Orem. We want to thank all the staff and friends who provided care for her the past 7 years.

Margit is a truly inspirational woman, she worked so hard her whole life to take care of her mother and son. She had zest for live and a never quit attitude, no matter what. She loved her mountains, her church, her doggies, friends, neighbors and relatives.

Margit is survived by her son Roger and his wife Olaya, and their two four legged children Dutton & Fox.

Mom you left nothing undone you lived your life as an example we should follow. Rest in peace! I’m so glad you are finally able to see the rest of the family, we love you dearly!!