Goodbye isn’t forever and goodbye isn’t the end. It just means until we meet again.
Karl Lee Bogataj, our forever cherished husband, father, grandfather, and friend, was called home on April 6, 2021 at the age of 66 in St. George, Utah. Karl was born on June 13, 1954 in Rock Springs, Wyoming, to Lorraine (Dena) Nigra and Joseph (GoGo) Bogataj. Karl spent most of his life in Rock Springs. After retiring from FMC, he and his wife, Barb, moved to St. George, Utah.
Karl was an avid fisherman and hunter. He spent every summer in the Flaming Gorge fishing in his beloved baby blue boat known as the Blue Sardine. During the hunting season, Karl could always be found in the mountains, enjoying the fresh air and beautiful wildlife of Wyoming. He had a keen eye for anything that moved, he said. Although hunting and fishing meant more than just filling tags or catching fish, it meant spending time with family and friends to create timeless memories.
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While Karl was here with us, we were blessed to learn many valuable things from him. Karl was a man who never cut himself short. When you have the opportunity to do something, do it. Never slam that door. Never let your children or grandchildren slam a door. If there is a bat on your porch, spray them with a hose to rinse them out. If that doesn’t work, a broom will help change your mind. Exercise is important, so go for a walk, but go ASAP. Spend time in the sun without fear of sunburn. If your car has a sunroof, hang your head out, enjoy the wind on your face, and have the best view of the road. Fiats actually fit on the sidewalk, and Karl didn’t mind proving that theory to put smiles on his family’s faces. Buy a hot tub because this is where you can watch the sunrise. Never let your friends drink alone and never let your glass get low. Go to Costco for a free lunch. Buy the black liquorice that nobody likes because that means there is more for you. “Do not look back; The dust will suffocate you. “Trust your instincts. There is always more to win when you play, but let your wife pull you out of the casino. There will always be a bigger dollar; you have to look harder. Sometimes you may be too broke to pay attention. You will always have the opportunity to make more money, but reminders can only be made once. So take this day off.
Karl married the love of his life, Barbara Jones, in 2002. He and Barb enjoyed spending their time together traveling and sightseeing, which eventually led them to buy an RV. They made every mile count and toured frequently. They always made time for a glass of wine with a good dinner. Barb was Karl’s best friend, and everyone who knew her knew they were meant to be. They cherished every memory and seized every opportunity that their life together had to offer.
Karl was the younger brother of Frank Bogataj and the brother-in-law of his wife Kathy. He had three children: Tyra Zueck, Karlee Bogataj and Kyle Bogataj. He also had two bonus daughters that he claimed to be his own: Stephanie Jasperson and Amber Knapp. He was the father-in-law of Kyle’s wife Brittany Bogataj, Stephanie’s husband Jon Jasperson, and Bernstein’s companion, Norm Knapp. He had 10 grandchildren: Jaylee Shalata, Ashtyn Jasperson, Lexi Knapp, Genessa Timmons, Gavin Jasperson, Blayson Bogataj, Haylee Jasperson, Braxton Grenier, Kybrie Bogataj and Bentley Bogataj. He also had a great-grandchild, Alaynah Householder.
Anyone lucky enough to know Karl knew him as the life of the party. As Karl would say, “Just one more.” Karl was a social butterfly and he enjoyed meeting new people. He loved everyone, and a quick trip to the Home Depot would result in an hour-long chat with someone he saw there. Karl had the biggest heart and always wanted everyone he met to feel welcome in his life. The countless laughs, the stories and the forever cherished memories of our husband, father, grandfather and friend will never be forgotten. Karl is engraved in the hearts of loved ones, and his legacy will live on forever.
The cremation has taken place and a celebration of life will take place at a later date.
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