Brent Lynn Wanner's Obituary
Brent Lynn Wanner
aka Prospector
Brent Wanner, age 77, passed away on Wednesday, January 11th after an extended illness, with loved ones by his side.
Brent was born under a wandering star on March 11, 1945, in Logan, Utah – he was the youngest of six children. His parents, Joseph and Blanche Wanner raised their large family to work hard, play hard, and love one another. The Wanner family have remained close, and they adored Brent.
Growing up in Logan, Brent and his siblings loved to skate and fish in the ponds and rivers of the beautiful Cache Valley. He became an excellent skater, and an even better fisherman; one of his lifelong passions. His sister LaDean: “He was a stinker as a boy and would make us laugh until tears rolled down our cheeks! He loved the outdoors from the time he could walk. He loved catching frogs in a nearby pond, and once fried frog legs with friends on one of their outdoor adventures. He had a heart of gold, and he never grew up; he was the same crazy guy in an adult body.”
After high school Brent enlisted in the US Navy, serving as a “Machinist, Marine Engineer.” He was stationed on the USS Oak Hill during the Vietnam war. He served his country from June 1963 to July 1966; he also served for a season in the Naval Reserves. His parents and family were so proud of him! His first purchase after the Navy was a red and white Corvette, and this is where the love of cars began; Brent spent his entire career as an auto-body technician.
His employers and co-workers at Rapco Distributing Co. were like a second family to Brent. They had a blast restoring and showing antique trucks. Brent’s talent and passion for vintage car & truck restoration led to many awards at car show events. His work was featured throughout the West.
Brent was a member of the Buckskin Brigade Mountain Man Club. “Prospector” was known for his many talents; he built two cannons and made beautiful buckskin clothing, among many other creative projects. He loved throwing hatchets, trading beads, having fun around a campfire, hunting, fishing, and all aspects of mountain life. At one point he owned a teepee that once belonged to Geronimo’s grandson. Brent was happiest with a fishing pole or a black powder rifle in his hand, and he was passionate about conservation and preserving God’s creations.
Brent loved the movie “Paint Your Wagon,” and felt a kinship with Lee Marvin’s character, Ben Rumson; and you guessed it, his favorite song was “I Was Born Under a Wandering Star.” He was an avid Star Trek fan, and earlier in life he enjoyed playing the guitar. Due to his fun-loving personality, kindness, and life-long acts of quiet service, he will be missed every day by many, many people.
Most of all Brent loved his family. He was a loving and loyal son, brother, father, stepfather, grandpa, and uncle. He was especially close to his daughter Kristin, who supported and cared for her dad as his health declined in the last years of his life. Brent was a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and was proud of his pioneer heritage. His great great-grandfather, Joseph Sherlock Cantwell, was a member of the Willie Handcart Company. For the past few years, Brent worked hard to grow closer to his Savior – his prayers were fervent and frequent.
Brent is survived by former spouse Linda Louise Vitulli and their children John Scott (Stephanie) Wanner, grandson Michael Easton, and Kristin Lyne Wanner; former spouse Nancy Wanner, her children and grandchildren; brother Rodney Wanner, and sister LaDean (Larry) Yost. He was beloved by many nieces and nephews and cousins. He was preceded in death by his parents Joseph John Wanner and Blanche Olney Wanner; brothers Lawrence and Gary Wanner, and sister Joan (Richard) Miller.
Brent preferred cremation, and a simple service. A Celebration of Life for close family and friends will be held in the Spring, his favorite time of year. Thought and memories can be shared with the family at www.premierfuneral.com.
Given Brent’s love of the outdoors, and in lieu of flowers, the family suggests a living tribute by planting a tree(s) at a location of your choice or a memorial tree organization, such as The Arbor Day Foundation – https://arborday,org.
“All who wander, are not lost.” Rest in peace our sweet Brent.
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