Wilford Allen "Jess" Sturgeon's Obituary
Wilford Allen “Jess” Sturgeon, the son of Jess Benjamin Sturgeon and Colleen Tingey passed away peacefully, Saturday, December 1, 2018 in West Jordan, Utah, after a 2 ½ year battle against cancer. His wife, Cheryl Gunnell was at his side.
Jess was a hard worker and a man of high integrity. He loved working as a flatwork concrete finisher and took enormous pride in his concrete work. His friends and coworkers will remember him as the person whose legacy is his 12-pound sledgehammer. AK Masonry employed him, and Jess was grateful for the chance to continue working up until July of this year. Sincere thanks to AK, who was able to see the dedication in him, and accommodate his situation.
Jess taught us to love the mountains, the desert, camping in a tent, any type of fishing, and cooking. Jess was a great teacher, he preferred to teach by example, and his patience and guidance launched many outdoorsmen. Additionally he enjoyed working on scale models, any Sci-Fi movie or book, and Music and Theater.
Jess and his wife Cheryl Gunnell have been together for 28 years, sharing love, life, and every moment of this difficult journey. Cheryl felt it a great blessing to care for Jess throughout treatment and at the end of his life. Special thanks to Utah Cancer Specialists for kindness and dedication to Jess, and to CNS Hospice, especially to Marina and Yvonne for their tender care.
Jess was Big Brother to four sisters; Ida White, Jean Beckham, Shelley Eder and Steva Ferris (deceased), and to one brother, Ken Bockholt. He has numerous brothers and sisters in law, and he enjoyed their visits, their humor and their generosity. His stories of life experiences and memories of childhood kept everyone entertained at family events. He loved to make people laugh, telling corny jokes, and any cancer treatment nurse asking him “how do you feel?’ was promptly told “with my hands”.
Jess’s children include Hope Waldvogel, Harley Sturgeon and Max Sturgeon. He was Stepfather to Ashley Gunnell and Robert Carney. He was an amazing, wonderful Grandpa to Rhiannon, Angelica, Nicholous and Zoso. He has many nieces and nephews on both sides of the family. Thank you to all who have reached out to express their love and admiration for Uncle Jess.
Honoring Jess’s wishes, there will not be a funeral, or memorial service. In the spring, there will be a ‘celebration of his life’ where all will be welcome to share their memories of knowing and loving Jess.
If you would like to help his family, please consider making a donation.
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