George Edward Wahlen

George Edward Wahlen, loving husband, father, grandfather, great grandfather and friend passed away Friday, June 5, 2009 after a short battle with cancer.

He was born, August 8, 1924 in Ogden, Utah to Albert George Wahlen and Doris Lythgoe.

He married his eternal companion and best friend, Melba Holley of Slaterville, Utah on August 16, 1946. Their marriage was later solemnized in the Salt Lake LDS Temple. She is the love of his life and they shared 63 wonderful years together and have supported each other throughout their lives.

He was a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints where he has served in many capacities including, Home Teacher, Counselor in the bishopric, and High Priest Group Leader.

He attended Weber High School and entered the U.S. Navy June 1943 where he entered medical training and was assigned as a medical corpsman to the 5Th Marine Division and served with Fox Company on the island of Iwo Jima. It was on Iwo Jima where he was wounded on three separate occasions and was transported to the U.S. Naval Hospital at Camp Pendleton, California where he endured 10 months of recovery. On October 3, 1945 he was awarded the Medal of Honor by President Harry S. Truman and later discharged from the Navy.

He received an Associates Degree from Weber State College and then entered the U.S. Army where he served in various capacities in the medical field for 20 years including a tour of duty in Korea and Vietnam. He graduated Magna Cum Laude with a Bachelor of Science degree from the Church College of Hawaii. In 1969 he retired from the Armed Forces and was employed by the Veteran''s Administration for 12 years. At this time he completed 2 years of graduate study at the University of Utah.

His personal awards include: The Medal of Honor, Bronze Star, the Army Commendation Medal, three Purple Hearts, the Asiatic Pacific Campaign Medal with one star and the Vietnam Service Medal with four campaign stars, the Direct Service to Public Award from the Central Office of the Veterans Administration in Washington D.C. and the Weber State College Presidential Citation for service to the veteran students and many other recognitions.

Surviving are his wife, Melba Wahlen, five children and their spouses, Jolene (Alan) Rogers, Christine (Blake) Anderson, Pam (Jim) Riley, Blake (Jana) Wahlen, Brock (Pam) Wahlen, 26 grandchildren and 45 great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents, twin brothers, and three grandchildren.

The thing he treasured the most was time with his family by sharing monthly family nights, yearly vacations, Christmas and Thanksgiving dinners and New Year''s Eve parties with the entire family. He loved being involved with all his grandchildren''s various activities and made each one feel as if they were his "favorite."

Another passion of his was working for veterans and their rights. He played a vital role by lobbying for the Veteran''s Cemetery at Camp Williams, and two nursing homes. He belonged to many organizations associated with the veterans.

The family expresses thanks to the Veteran''s Hospital doctors and staff and Harmony Health Care for the loving care they have provided.

Funeral services will be held Thursday June 11th at 11:30 a.m. at the Ogden LDS Tabernacle, 2133 Washington Blvd.

Family and friends may pay respects Wednesday, June 10th from 5 to 8 p.m. at Lindquist''s Roy Mortuary, 3333 West 5600 South, Roy and Thursday from 10:00 - 11:00 a.m. at the Tabernacle.

Interment, Lindquist''s Memorial Gardens of the Wasatch, 1718 Combe Road.

The family respectfully suggests contributions be made to The Ogden Veterans Nursing Home c/o Utah Department of Veterans Affairs, 550 Foothill Drive , #202, SLC, UT 84108.

"This I will remember, when the rest of life is through: the finest thing I''ve ever done is simply loving you."

Send condolences to the family at: www.lindquistmortuary.com