Shauna Walkenhorst

Shauna Walkenhorst passed away peacefully in Draper, UT on October 12, 2024. She was 70 years old. She was born on February 3, 1954 in Salt Lake City, UT to William H. and Louise H. Walkenhorst. She was the third of seven children.

Shauna was born with cerebral palsy and was wheelchair bound for most of her life. She never let her physical disabilities define her as a person. She was blessed with a pleasant personality, a keen mind and a great desire to learn. She was the first of her siblings to earn a bachelor’s degree in college. She eventually found employment as a teacher for children with special needs. Her teaching career abruptly ended when she fell and suffered a severe injury while at school.

Shauna was always determined to live a normal life. She lived alone in several assisted living facilities for a period of years and was gainfully employed. She used her wheelchair and public transportation to go back and forth from her workplaces to her assisted living facilities.

As she grew older her health began to deteriorate and she required a higher level of care. Despite these physical challenges, she was always looking for ways to serve others. It was important to her to stay abreast of what was happening in the lives of her family and friends. She was a kind, thoughtful, genuine and generous person. She memorized the birth dates of many family members and friends and did her best to make sure that each person was acknowledged on their birthday.

Shauna received an outpouring of love and support throughout her life from family members and friends. These individuals showed their love for Shauna by contacting her on a regular basis and devoting their time and talents in her behalf. We would also like to thank the staff at the Draper Rehabilitation and Care Center for the kind and compassionate care they rendered to Shauna during her 10-year stay at the facility. Shauna made friendships with many staff members and residents at the care facility and they loved her and enjoyed being a part of her life.

Shauna had deep religious convictions. She was a lifelong member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. She believed in the doctrine that teaches us that families are central to God’s plan and that families can be together forever. She strived daily to be a faithful and devoted disciple of our Heavenly Father and our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.

Shauna is preceded in death by her father, William H. Walkenhorst. She is survived by her mother, Louise H. Walkenhorst; siblings Paul (Chelia) Walkenhorst, Claudia (Leon) Crump, Doug (Jeri) Walkenhorst, Nancy (Dave) Orgill, Jodi (Mike) Berrie, and Jeff (Lanna) Walkenhorst, along with numerous nieces and nephews.

A viewing will be held on Friday, October 18th, at 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm, at the Draper 12th Ward, 13112 S. 700 E., Draper, UT. The funeral will be held on Saturday, October 19th, at 12:00 pm in the same building with a viewing beforehand at 11:00 am to 11:45 am. The service will be livestreamed on the Goff Mortuary Facebook Page at the following link: 

https://www.facebook.com/pages/category/Funeral-Service---Cemetery/Goff-Mortuary-116988261695382/

(The livestream video will appear when the service starts.) Interment will be at the Elysian Burial Gardens, 1075 E. 4580 S., Salt Lake City, UT.

In lieu of flowers, we ask that you consider a donation to the Shriners Hospital for Children.