Harvey Ray Jerman

Harvey Ray Jerman passed away peacefully on Wednesday, January 5, 2022 at age 93 surrounded by his family at the home of his daughter in Salt Lake City, Utah. Born in Salt Lake City on September 3, 1928, Harvey was the youngest child of Reid and Ruth Jenkins Jerman. He had two siblings, Daniel Reid and Reita Stella Latteier that preceded him in death.

Harv was raised in Salt Lake on Sherman Avenue, attending Unita and Wasatch Schools. He graduated from East High School in 1946. While at a high school dance, he met his eternal sweetheart, Dorothy Louise Nesheim. He proposed to her in Fairmont Park in the spring of 46, when Harv was 18 and Dotty was 17 years old. They were married July 19, 1946 and sealed in the Salt Lake Temple 3 years later. They were married for almost 74 amazing years.

Harvey began working for the Union Pacific Railroad after his marriage; he then worked at the Salt Lake Monument Company where he helped to build This is The Place Monument in 1947. He later began working as a shop operator, then salesman at Christensen Diamond Products in 1949, advancing in the company to the position of Purchasing Manager. Harv became National President of the Purchasing Managers Association in 1979 and served with distinction on the National board for many years. He retired from Christensen’s in 1985 and then began working as Procurement and Purchasing Manager for Salt Lake County. To help provide for a large family, Harv also worked at the Salt Lake Newspaper Corporation as a second job, delivering the Salt Lake Tribune during the graveyard shift, waking up to go to work at 2 am each day for 20 years. His children have fond memories of accompanying him on the early summer mornings, when they were out of school. He retired from these positions in 1993 and began devoting more time to his family, church service and hobbies.

He excelled in many interests and took great enjoyment in maintaining a beautiful yard, skiing, hiking, camping, biking, and even winning gold medals in cycling at the Huntsman Senior Games. His favorite hiking trips were in the Wind River and Uinta Mountains, Yellowstone and Zions Park, and climbing the highest mountain peaks in several states. Hiking with his family around Yellowstone Lake, across the Grand Canyon, and down the Zions Narrows were highlights of his life. Accompanying Dad on his many adventures instilled a deep love of nature, the beautiful outdoors and God’s glorious creations in each of us, his 7 children.

Harvey’s church service included many years in scouting, bishoprics, and stake callings. He served his neighbors and community volunteering in many civic programs, including Wheels on Meals and School Safety Advisory Committees, demonstrating first aid techniques. He also served with his wife Dorothy in the Michigan Lansing Mission for 18 months, 1999-2000. Then they returned to serve at the Church Headquarters at the Church Office and Joseph Smith Buildings, Harv as Vehicle Fleet Manager and Host Coordinator and Dorothy over Finances and Hostess Coordinator. Harv’s life of service was a vital part of his rock solid testimony of the Gospel of Jesus Christ. He loved the Savior and showed it by living by His precepts. Harv taught the gospel always by his actions and example. His quiet, humble, simple, yet powerful manner of serving his neighbors and family was visibly demonstrated by example through his love and devotion to Jesus Christ.

Harvey is survived by his 7 children, Nancy (Tel Perez), David (Anne), Dianne (Glen Park), Steven (Teri), Roger (Kaleen), Tricia, and Annette (Scott Turville). Harv and Dorothy also have 38 grandchildren, 3 of which preceded him in death, almost 90 great-grandchildren and several great, great grandchildren that will miss their Granddad dearly. He has two living sister-in-laws, Darlene Jerman and Kathy Nesheim, several loving nieces and nephews, and many caring close friends. His life has touched many. Harvey taught his kids and grandkids to be active in many facets of life. He exemplified positive thinking and developed many talents through hard work and self education.

With love we remember the small farm we grew up on in Murray, learning about responsibility with chores for the horses, cows, pigs, chickens, dogs, cats, and the large garden we all weeded weekly in the summer. Harv spent countless quality hours with his children helping them to learn the value of work. Thank you Dad for your shining example and a life well-lived! Your stalwart, generous spirit will always be a part of our lives. We love you! Mom has welcomed you home, just like you used to call us home for dinner. We know there is joy and celebration in heaven with all the ancestors!