We will send an invite after you submit!
In memory of
Jane Marie Gyllenskog
March 18, 1943 - June 25, 2021
Mar 18, 1943 - Jun 25, 2021
Photo
Jane's obituary
Jane was born on March 18, 1943, the third of six children, in Richland Center, Wisconsin, to Wilson and Marjorie Spangenberg. She was raised in multiple locations, including Wisconsin, Idaho and Utah.
Jane accepted the truth of the Bible by being baptized as one of Jehovah’s Witnesses on December 22, 1954.
Soon after, the Spangenbergs moved to Logan, Utah, where Jane would meet the future love of her life, Garry Gyllenskog. Their families became close friends and continued to stay in contact, even after her family moved to Ogden just a year later.
Despite being pursued by other young suitors that came through town, none really captured Jane’s interest. But one afternoon at a circuit assembly, she leaned over to her best friend Sharon and pointed at Garry from across the crowd.
“That’s the guy I’m going to marry,” she said.
Just a few months later, in November 1961, the young couple went on their first date. Jane wanted to see a movie, so Garry picked her up in his 1954 Pontiac and drove her to Salt Lake City — a 160-mile round trip. What a “first” impression!
They were engaged seven weeks later and married on April 21, 1962. Jane, who later became renowned for her skill with needle and thread, was already a talented seamstress; she made a dress for her bridesmaid and even her own wedding gown. It was, of course, a sensible knee-length dress so it could be repurposed for other occasions.
When the newlyweds returned from their honeymoon, Jane discovered her mom packing up to move yet again — this time to Phoenix. Garry and Jane soon followed the family migration to the Valley of the Sun, raising their own family of six children there across several homes and congregations.
Jane was a resourceful homemaker and managed the growing family with her trademark no-nonsense approach. She repurposed everything she could; her children often teased her for washing plastic utensils but she just ignored them and kept doing it anyways. Her kids remember, in dealing with the various scrapes, broken limbs, and cactus needles, their mom always kept a cool head.
However, sewing was Jane’s distinctive talent. She regularly made clothes for her kids and grandkids when they were growing up. In later years, she mended and hemmed clothes for others in the congregation and family members. Her sewing skills are so renowned, that there are those who have requested to be first in line for a new dress in the Paradise. We all know that will be a long line.
Jane maintained her domestic and spiritual routines throughout her life. She regularly spoke to others about her faith, and enjoyed writing letters to her neighbors over the last year. Jane hardly ever missed a meeting, attending her last the Sunday before she passed.
For many years, she would without fail start her morning with her Bible reading and the newspaper crossword puzzle (in erasable pen), an activity some of her grandchildren shared with her.
Her generosity was well-noted in the congregation, as she would regularly take friends to their appointments or run errands for them. As part of the RBC for 20 years, Jane also had the privilege of working on numerous Kingdom Halls in Arizona, right alongside Garry in the saw shop.
Jane’s phenomenal memory and organizational skills were put to good use as the family historian and archivist. Family photo albums were organized and current, and she always noted names and dates on the pictures so the rest of the family could keep them straight. She remembered the dates and details of conventions and family events, often linking them to the ages of her kids, grandkids, or with whom she was pregnant.
Jane had a keen interest in cars and could name virtually any make and model. Her kids knew if they texted her a picture of a classic car, she could identify it without hesitation. In addition, she could readily identify her family and friends’ vehicles just by their license plates, much to their annoyance.
Watching old movies, especially with Cary Grant and Doris Day, was one of her favorite ways to pass the time, but the Sound of Music was always at the top of her list. She enjoyed all kinds of music, especially Julie Andrews and Elvis Presley songs. The “Von Gyllenskog” home was often filled with the “sounds of music” as they gathered around the family piano.
She loved architecture and took every opportunity to tour historic homes. Her favorite architect was Frank Lloyd Wright—she read books on his designs, and often noted that they shared the same hometown. She enjoyed playing games with her grandchildren, doing puzzles, collecting owls and souvenirs from the places she visited.
Jane had a great love for Jehovah and a strong faith in the hope of the resurrection. When she took her grandchildren to the zoo, she would often talk to them about the coming Paradise and the animals that would be able to run free.
Jane will be greatly missed by all her family and friends. There is a hole in our hearts that only Jehovah can heal. We look forward to the time when we can hug our Jane, laugh and sing with her, and build houses with her and her mother in the Paradise soon to come.
Send to someone
Share this obituary with others
Want to stay updated?
Get notified when new photos, stories and other important updates are shared.
Memories & condolences
She was a great mom. That is what I remember about her... she was an amazing mother, not just to her children, but othe…
She was a great mom. That is what I remember about her... she was an amazing mother, not just to he…
She was a great mom. That is what I remember about her... she wa…
Our Prayers go out to the Family. May Jehovah, the God of Comfort, continue to Comfort you during this Difficult Time. …
Our Prayers go out to the Family. May Jehovah, the God of Comfort, continue to Comfort you during t…
Our Prayers go out to the Family. May Jehovah, the God of Comfor…
Two things come to mind when thinking of my friend, Jane. 1. “The salt of the earth”. Strong, trustworthy, loyal. Quali…
Two things come to mind when thinking of my friend, Jane. 1. “The salt of the earth”. Strong, trust…
Two things come to mind when thinking of my friend, Jane. 1. “Th…
One of my earliest memories about Aunt Jane was our many family reunions held at their home. She was so hospitable, rem…
One of my earliest memories about Aunt Jane was our many family reunions held at their home. She wa…
One of my earliest memories about Aunt Jane was our many family …
Share this memorial website
How you can help
Share with others
Donate in memory
Created with love by
Kirk Gyllenskog (Jane's son).
