Oct 24, 1932-April 12, 2022
Garth J Gilger, age 89, was born on Oct. 24, 1932, in Parowan, Utah, to the late Hugh Gilger and Mildred Lowe Gilger. He departed this life on April 12, 2022, at his home surrounded by his family.
Garth’s strong work ethic began at a very young age by working on his grandfather’s and uncle’s farm. By the age of 12 he was entrusted to tend the sheep herd on the Parowan mountain by himself for a week at a time. Garth was an avid hunter, outdoorsman and horseman and was known to climb up trees to wrangle cougars. Garth was known for his gardening skills, and he loved working in the yard. Garth’s garden was beautiful, and he was known for sharing his bounty with family and friends.
Garth proudly served in the U.S. Army during the Korean War. Stationed in Fort Lewis, Washington, he specialized in light weapons infantry and served with the military police.
Garth married Claudette Frei in the St. George LDS Temple on Jan. 9, 1986, and he often said that she was “the love of his life.” On the day before his death, he stated that he “would wait for her beyond the moon.”
Garth was a loving husband and father and is survived by his children: Randall Gilger, Dan Gilger, Evonne Mican and Lori Brooks, Tammy Blasengame (Jimmy), LaVerra Shaner, Rachael Connor, Toni Qualls and Tera Gilger. Garth was blessed with many grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and great-great grandchildren, all of whom he loved very much. Garth is preceded in death by his son Steven Gilger and daughter Elizabeth Qualls.
Garth was one of 11 children and is survived by his brother Basil Gilger (Audrey) and is preceded in death by his siblings Keith Gilger, Harry Gilger, Elaine Bauer, Norman Gilger, Darwin Gilger, Clinton Gilger, Barbara Ashdown, Freida Gilger and LaRay Gilger
The family would like to thank Emily from CNS Cares Hospice for her amazing support and care.
Funeral Services will be held Friday, April 15, at 1 p.m. at the Hurricane 5th Ward Chapel, 274 South 100 West, Hurricane. A visitation will be on Friday, prior to services, 11 a.m.-12:30 p.m. at the church.
Interment with military honors will be held on Monday, April 18, at 2 p.m. at the Parowan City Cemetery.
To live stream the service, click here for the obituary on the Metcalf Mortuary website, then click on broadcast at the bottom.
Arrangements entrusted to the care of Metcalf Mortuary, (435) 673-4221. Click here for condolences, complete obituary and funeral listings.