Ole Richard Gregersen

Ole Richard Gregersen peacefully passed away at home on August 16, 2023, surrounded by his loving family. He was born on November 5, 1931, in Copenhagen, Denmark, to his parents Richard V. Gregersen and Gierda E. Johansen Gregersen. Tragically, Gierda passed away two weeks after Richard's birth due to complications from childbirth. A few years later, Ole Richard’s father, Richard, found love again and married Eva M. Giertsen, creating a family that would embark on a remarkable journey together. The Gregersen family relocated to Frederiksberg, a charming town just outside Copenhagen. In this new home, Richard and Eva expanded their family, giving Richard two siblings, a brother named Roald George and a sister named Birgit Maryann. Richard's childhood in Frederiksberg was filled with a passion for academics, playing the piano and soccer. Soccer held a special place in his heart, and he and his friends would improvise with tennis balls for their games, honing their skills. Richard, as a young man was also accepted to play for the Pro Soccer team, FC Copenhagen where he played for a short time. Richard’s early years were also marked by summers spent at his Uncle and Aunt's bakery, where he learned the art of pastry-making and gained a deep appreciation for Danish cuisine. The family enjoyed beautiful days on the beaches of Jutland before making the life-changing decision to move to the United States after World War II, in October 1948. Their motivation was driven by their commitment to the LDS Church and the desire to continue their temple work in Utah. Utah became the new home for Richard’s family, where they thrived in their church community and embraced genealogy work. Richard's academic journey led him to graduate from the University of Utah in 1951. He briefly traveled and played soccer with A.C. Germania until 1953 when he embarked on a new adventure, enrolling in dentistry studies at Northwestern University in Chicago. Throughout his academic pursuits, soccer remained a constant passion, and he joined the Viking A.C. Chicago soccer club. After completing his studies, Richard returned to Utah with plans to establish a dental practice. Reuniting with old friends who had emigrated with their families from Denmark, he continued to play soccer with the Viking team. This period was a joyous one for Richard as childhood bonds rekindled, and he forged new friendships that became like family. Before settling into his practice, Richard served two years in the U.S. ARMY, stationed in the Seattle, Washington area, where he continued to play soccer with the local Seattle soccer club. Upon completing his military service, Richard returned to Salt Lake City, where he resumed playing with the Vikings and opened his dental practice. He also joined The Salt lake Men’s choir where they would tour to different LDS ward houses in the Salt Lake Valley and perform. This led to him joining the Choir at his own ward later in lifefor many years which he rather enjoyed. It was during the summer of 1964 that he had a fateful blind date with Sylvia-Ann Evans, whom he married the following year in 1965. Together, they started a family and were blessed with five wonderful children in their beloved home in Holladay Utah where they lived , belonging to the Cottonwood First ward for 54 years. Approximately 21 years after they were first married, Richard and Sylvia were married in the Salt Lake City temple. Richard and Sylvia had a great love for each other and enjoyed dancing. They would go out often to local dance halls where they were best known for dancing ballroom and the Tango. Richard and Syliva were both quite good singers and would often hear them in the house singing together while Richard played the piano. Richard's love for soccer was unmatched, and he achieved great success in the sport. He played on a Pro Team, FC Copenhagen as well as several all-star teams in both Chicago and Utah and was honored as the first inductee into the Utah Soccer Hall of Fame in 1997. His dedication to soccer, along with his childhood friends, played a vital role in shaping the sport in the United States. Beyond soccer, Richard had a deep affection for sailing. He and his best friend, Henning Jensen, fulfilled a dream by building a sailboat named the Southern Cross. Though they didn't sail it around the world as originally planned, they enjoyed four incredible summers sailing on Bear Lake, creating cherished memories with family and friends. Richard was a kind, generous, and fair individual, especially in his dental practice. He understood the financial struggles of many of his elderly patients and charged them only what they could afford for his services. His family was paramount in his life, and he imparted the values of love, compassion, and kindness to his children. Throughout his life, Richard had countless adventures, achievements, and loves. He was a devoted husband and father, a passion for travel and his love for soccer, music, family, and friends defined him. As time passed, Richard's childhood friends gradually left this world, but he found new friendships and camaraderie with the "McDonald's guys" in his later years. Richard’s memory will be cherished by all who had the privilege of knowing him. As we say goodbye to this remarkable soul, we remember seeing the Southern Cross for the first time and understanding why you came this way. Dad, we love you, until we meet again on the sailboat in the sky, you will forever remain in our hearts. Ole Richard is preceded in death by his parents, Richard V. Gregersen, Gierda E. Gregersen, and Eva M. Gregersen, as well as his brother Roald George Gregersen, sister Birgit Maryann Gregersen Baumbocher, and nephew John Christian Gregersen. He is survived by his children: Cynthia Gregersen Ludington, Richard Gregersen (Kaye), David Gregersen (LaNeace), DeAnna Gregersen (Kent), and KellyAnn Gregersen (Clive). He also leaves behind his beloved grandchildren: Korbin (Kaci), Tanner, Jemini, Kaylee, Chance, Elle, Eva, and great-granddaughter Averie Rose. Ole's legacy of love and compassion lives on through his family and the countless lives he touched. There will be a graveside service at the West Jordan City Cemetery on October 6th, 2023. Please keep in mind as you drive over to the cemetery, there is road construction at the main intersection of 78th S and 13th W. Please go on 9000 S to 1300 W and head north on 1300 W towards 7800 S South to enter the cemetery.

Ole Richard Gregersen

November 5, 1931 - August 16, 2023