Natalya Anatolyevna Huisken

It is always sad when a beautiful and sweet angel like Natalya Huisken leaves this mortal existence. Yet, we have tremendous joy in knowing she is spending time with familial angels–those she shared in this life but have passed beyond the Veil. She is surely looking down on her wonderful husband, Mark, who doted on her for the last 24 years. Theirs is a unique love story–that looking back, shows God’s grace and hand in directing their wonderful union. 

Natalya was born on January 10, 1964, in the city of Mukachevo, of western Ukraine. She had one brother, Dima, which she cared for as a kind of surrogate mother since her parents both worked long hours. Her Father, Anatoly served in the Military, while her mother Lubov (which means “love”) worked as a librarian. They moved around a bit in Natalya’s childhood, but spent most of their family days in Kazakhstan, near the border of China. With her mother’s mentoring, Natalya gained a deep love and desire for learning. She was an excellent student and her propensity for excellence became a guiding principle in her life. She never did anything half-way.

As she grew older, she met and married her first husband, Vladimir, much to the chagrin of her parents, who had higher hopes for her in marriage. Together they had a son, Andrew, who became her pride and joy. She was a wonderful mother, as she had a lot of experience taking care of Dima. Unfortunately, the marriage didn’t last. Natalya worked hard to give her son a good life and security. Because she was well educated, Natalya found employment in banking; then used that business experience and confidence to start her own small company. After the collapse of the Soviet Union in the 1990’s, the former country was like the “Wild West”, where you could make your own rules. Her Investment company took off and was extremely successful. She later represented a marketing company which included a Singles Website. She was encouraged to join the Website herself in order to better understand how to recruit others to join. 

As it often happens when the Lord is in the details of our lives, Mark Huisken heard a radio advertisement for this Website, American Single.com. A divorced father of three, Mark soon came across Natalya’s profile and sent her an email, which turned into many more emails, and phone calls. Hopeful, yet understandably hesitant, they agreed to meet in California for Natalya’s 36th birthday. After a week of traveling through California, visiting Disneyland, and later Las Vegas, all hesitancy was gone. They were smitten with each other–despite some language barriers. They knew their future would be together. After a year of courtship, traveling  in places such as St. Petersburg, Moscow, and the Canary Islands, their fairytale romance culminated in marriage in August of 2001, at the Bellagio Hotel in Las Vegas. Because they were still working through some language barriers, many of which they laughed about years later, Natalya proclaimed, “You’ll never be bored with me.” Boy was she right!

Soon after Natalya came to the United States, she decided Real Estate was to be her future. Living in California, the market with all its real estate rules demanded that she study hard. Because she always gave 100% effort in all pursuits, she poured her heart and soul into this new venture, including the comprehensive Exam. Unashamedly, she was the first one to complete the exam and walk out of the room. She passed with flying colors. Such an accomplishment for someone who barely spoke English.

Being born and living her whole life in the Soviet Union, it was natural that Natalya, like most others, didn’t believe in God. Over the years, Mark told  her about his religion, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. After taking the Missionary discussions in the early years of their marriage, Mark soon realized that Natalya may never understand and embrace the gospel and its belief in God and eternal life. But, after moving to St. George, Utah, three years ago, Natalya had a personal revelation that turned her heart around. She soon had a testimony that God lived, as did his Son, Jesus Christ. Another year went by, when Natalya once again took the Missionary discussions and was baptized a member of the Church. It always amused Mark when she would reveal something new to him about the Gospel–something he taught her years before, yet it was as though she was the one who learned it first. 

Those who know Natalya, know how gifted she was–how creative she was. She painted, she sewed, and she scrapbooked. She loved designing floor-plans. Never one to waste time, she couldn’t just sit and watch TV. She was always multitasking. She had a constant need to be “in motion”. It didn’t matter if she knew where she was going. The important thing was that she was moving. 

Mark remarks that he never knew anyone who didn’t like and admire Natalya. She was kind. She was caring, as all who knew her can attest to that. She had a tender spot in her heart for the Elderly. Sometimes Mark would comment on how much he loved little children, to which she responded that her soft spot was with the elderly.

While dealing with breast cancer, Natalya met her illness with positivity. She commented on being grateful for the lessons she was learning, ever mindful of how the cancer was affecting her body. She was acutely aware and in tune with her body. She rarely complained. With her testimony of the Gospel came an understanding of life after death. It gave her great comfort knowing she would be reunited with her parents and grandparents who had gone on before her.

Natalya left this world three weeks before her 60th birthday. After Chemo treatments, her cancer came back with a vengeance. She learned in early October that her condition was rapidly invading her internal organs. As much as she wanted to fight, she was selfless in her decision to choose the comfort and peace of  family and friends. She always put others first. Sadly, her desire to make it through the wonders of the Holiday Season was not realized. She will be missed by so many that she touched over the years. This testament of her loving and selfless nature characterizes her as a precious daughter of God indeed. She is now out of pain, and reunited with her loved ones; and no doubt she is teaching them all about the Gospel of Jesus Christ. And, as Mark proclaims, “they had better pay attention because she’ll be moving fast!”

Funeral services will be held Saturday, December 23rd, at 11:00 at the Meadows Edge Chapel located at 3860 South Bentley Road. A viewing will be held from 9:30 to 10:45. A light luncheon will be held after the funeral in the adjacent Cultural Hall, hosted by the Crimson Cliffs Ward. 

The family wishes to express gratitude to McMillan Mortuary for their tender care of Natalya and of working with family plans for this special celebration of life. They would also like to thank so many who have offered condolences and provided compassion in planning services for the day. You know who you are. Thank you so very much for your contribution and support during this time.