Marlene Bengtzen Christman

Marlene Bengtzen Christman, 85½, returned to her Heavenly Father and other loved ones on February 17, 2024 surrounded by her family at home. 
 
 Marlene was born in Salt Lake City on August 24, 1938 to Clarence Justus & Louie Hodges Bengtzen. She grew up on the west side of Salt Lake City and proudly graduated from West High School in 1956. She met her husband several years before they started dating. In fact, their mothers had schemed about how to get the two of them together. Lynn Christman eventually asked Marlene on a date. They went on a hayride out by the Salt Lake Airport and had a memorable experience. Six months later, Lynn proposed and gave her a ring. She said she would let him know her answer in the morning, leaving Lynn in a state of suspense and anxiety throughout what he would later describe the “worst night of his life”. The next morning, Lynn arrived at church and was delighted when he saw the engagement ring on her finger, signaling her acceptance of his proposal. They were married on April 21, 1958 in the Salt Lake Temple and have celebrated nearly 66 years together. Soon after their marriage, they bought and built their first home in Granger. There they raised five children and made many lifelong friendships. 

Marlene was an accomplished pianist and organist. She learned to play the organ in the Salt Lake Assembly Hall at Temple Square. She started to play for her Ward congregation at the age of fifteen. Continuing her passion, she played the organ and piano throughout her lifetime whether at home, in church settings or for various choirs. Her home was always full of music to sing along to. She especially loved Christmas and Disney music.
 
 She held many positions in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints including Stake Young Women President, Ward Relief Society President, Chorister, Primary Teacher, and impromptu Ward Organist, as well as many other callings.

Her early professional life varied including positions at Capitol Theatre, the Church Office Building, Hickory Farms, and Roskeli. She also sold AVON for several years. Marlene spent the majority of her career working at Winder Dairy Farms and retired as a Customer Account Manager after 30 years.

Marlene was very talented in the kitchen and was a wonderful cook and baker. Marlene made and decorated cakes for all occasions including parties, for friends, and dozens of weddings. For family weddings, she and her sister Shirley would often work together. Her children have fond memories of coming home to eat the pieces of cutoff cake, saved especially for them, and licking the beaters. Marlene also made chocolates and candies. She freely gave them to everyone she encountered or to those who needed uplifting. Both these talents were passed on to her daughters and granddaughters. 

She was also a great seamstress, though she didn’t enjoy it. She made clothes for her children and Barbie clothes for their dolls.  Marlene gave freely, even when it was inconvenient or uncomfortable.

 Over the years, she enjoyed vacations with her husband, family, and friends. Her favorite destination was Hawaii. She loved riding in the family ski-boat, but always had her lifejacket nearby because she never learned how to swim. She tolerated camping for her husband and family as well. She especially loved playing card games.

She enjoyed going out to eat at the Kowloon, Bratten’s, Diamond Lil’s, The Hawaiian, Ab’s, and Scott’s Drive-In. Later in life she looked forward to her weekly McDonald’s breakfast date with her husband. 

Marlene often hosted parties for family and friends, including her perfectly orchestrated annual Easter Egg Hunt. She insisted that the house was clean, particularly for these occasions, and often enlisted the help of her children. She ensured that the cookie jar was always full for anyone, especially her grandchildren, when they came to visit. As a result, her children all know how to clean, cook, and host. 

Marlene was a mother to many and her outreach was incredibly large. Any child who walked into their home was immediately adopted into the family and referred to Marlene as ‘MOM’. Her family was always her number one priority. She was more worried about others than herself, even until the day she passed away. Her humble beginnings made her generous beyond measure.

She is survived by her husband, Lynn Allen Christman, and 5 children: Julie Lindsay (Roger), Chad Christman (Hiromi), Larry Christman (Cindy), Kurt Christman (Angie), Michelle Draney (Jeff); 31 grandchildren, 31 great-grandchildren, 1 great-great grandchild, and many nieces and nephews.
 
 She was preceded in death by her parents (Clarence Justus & Louie Hodges Bengtzen); one brother: Clyde Jack Bengtzen; 5 sisters: Beverly Workman (Bob), Elaine Bengtzen, Betty Lou Leach, Shirley Putnam (Steve), and Carol Joy Bengtzen; one grandson (Russell Larry Christman); and a great-grandchild (Jackson Roger Lindsay).

 The family would like to thank Symbii Hospice, Dr. Grey, and the many others who took care of their mother and grandmother. Her children especially appreciate the help that daughter-in-law, Angie, and granddaughters, Aubree & Breeann, gave to their mom during the final weeks of her life.

Viewing Monday February 26, 2024 from 6-8 pm

Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints Meetinghouse

4145 South 3920 West, West Valley City, Utah 84120

Viewing Tuesday February 27, 2024 from 9:30-10:30am

Funeral Tuesday February 27, 2024 at 11 am

Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints Meetinghouse

4145 South 3920 West, West Valley City, Utah 84120

Information for the online viewing of the funeral will be available on the kids’ Facebook pages. 

Internment at Valley View Memorial Park

4335 West 4100 South, West Valley City, Utah 84120