Ireta Jackson Gatzemeier

Our beloved mother, grandmother and great grandmother, sister and aunt, Ireta Jackson Gatzemeier passed through the veil to meet her eternal companion, Kurt, on November 12, 2022. She was 97 years young. Born February 13, 1925, she was the eldest daughter of 10 children born to Harvey and Pansy Jackson in Fremont, Utah. Ireta described herself as a tomboy and spent her childhood hiking, fishing, and climbing trees in the great outdoors. She valued education and moved to the Salt Lake area in order to attend Jordan High School.

Ireta married Kurt, the love of her life, in 1946 and they were married 64 years before he passed in 2010. They were fabulous dancers and people would clear the floor to watch them. In their retirement they loved to travel with friends and family. Kurt and Ireta taught their kids the value of hard work and saving for the future. Ireta was a savvy real estate investor who maintained an active broker license until she was 90.

Ireta was a faithful member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and served in many capacities. She particularly enjoyed writing and directing road shows and she was always a top contender, frequently taking first place. One of the great joys of her life was serving together with Kurt for 17 years as an ordinance worker in the Salt Lake Temple.

Ireta loved holidays, especially Christmas and Easter, and always invited the whole family to celebrate with her, even as the family grew to several generations. She loved God, her family, her neighbors, her yard, and serving others. She will be remembered as intelligent, kind, full of fun, hard-working, and witty to the very end.

Ireta joked that we each have an appointed time to pass from this life, and that she must have missed hers as other people kept jumping her place in line. She has finally reached what she referred to as her “Graduation Day.”

Ireta had no fear of dying, having survived a vivid near-death experience when she was young. She had an unwavering knowledge of her Father in Heaven’s love for her and the eternal plan of salvation. Ireta strengthened those around her with her powerful testimony, which she loved to share often. We will miss you mom, until we meet again.

Ireta is survived by her children, Steven (Elsie) Gatzemeier, ReNay Camp, Sandy (Jackson) Ewing, Mark (Cindy) Gatzemeier, Flora Alice Gatzemeier and three sisters, Beatrice White, Viola Buchanan, and Eileen Taylor, as well as 21 grandchildren, 39 great grandchildren, and 2 great-great grandchildren. She was proceeded in death by her husband, Kurt, and sons, John, Duane, and grandson, Brent, as well as 5 brothers and 1 sister. The family would like to thank ReNay for the devotion, loving care and companionship she provided to mom during the last years of her life. We would also like to thank Tender Care Hospice, and particularly to nurse Tammy, who were so helpful providing care and support for mom during her last days.

A viewing will be held from 6-8 pm, Monday, November 28, 2022 in the Brookshire Ward, 3487 S 1300 E., Salt Lake City. A funeral will be held Tuesday, November 29 at 11:00 am at the same location, with a one hour viewing prior to the funeral. Interment to follow at Sunset Lawn Memorial Park, 2350 E. 1300 S., Salt Lake City.