From Shafer Roots to Granger Leadership: The Life of Wayne ‘Gus’ Holmberg

Wayne “Gus” Douglas Holmberg (1910–1958)

Wayne Douglas “Gus” Holmberg was born in 1910 to George and Ethel Shafer Holmberg, part of a deeply rooted Granger family whose legacy of service extended across generations. The grandson of “Doc” Orson Shafer, Gus carried forward the Shafer family’s long tradition of hard work, faith, and community pride.

He attended the University of Utah and began his career as a mail carrier for the Salt Lake Post Office before finding his lifelong professional calling in the insurance industry. Through determination and genuine character, he rose to become a respected leader—serving as past president of the Salt Lake Underwriters, president of the Utah State Underwriters, and National Committeeman for the state of Utah to the National Underwriters Association. For fifteen years, he worked with Occidental Life Insurance Company of California, where he served as regional group supervisor.

In 1952, Gus married Jenna Fuller, and together they made their home at 2965 West 3500 South in Granger, a community deeply connected to his family’s pioneering roots. Beyond his professional accomplishments, Gus was a man of faith and service, active in the Granger Third Ward of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, where he faithfully served in many positions int he Bishopric..

Wayne “Gus” Holmberg passed away at the age of 48, leaving behind a record of leadership, integrity, and community devotion—a fitting continuation of the Shafer family’s legacy in Granger.