Mingle
Larkin Sunset Gardens (1950 E Dimple Dell Rd, Sandy, Utah, 84092)Sunday Aug 10, 2025: 4:00 PM - 6:00 PM
1950 ~ 2025
Sunday Aug 10, 2025: 4:00 PM - 6:00 PM
Our beloved husband, father, grandfather and friend Jaren “Jerry” Kent Baxter passed away on July 28, 2025, at the age of 74 in Sandy UT. He is survived by his loving wife, Joni Jensen Baxter.
Jerry was born November 25, 1950, in Salt Lake City to Raymond Wright Baxter and Maxine Kaufman VanPatten. He was raised in Salt Lake City and graduated from Olympus High School.
As a young man, Jerry became a successful entrepreneur. He built a career marked by hard work, determination and drive. He worked at Fleming Foods and many stores within the Grocery Market. He was highly skilled and the best Produce Specialist of his time. He was a master at coming up ideas to help retailers succeed.
Though he stood tall in stature, Jerry had a soft, loving and thoughtful heart. He had a great sense of humor and loved to tease - always quick with a clever remark or playful grin. His laughter and lighthearted spirit brought joy to those around him.
In 1973, Jerry married Joanne Boulter. Together they raised four children in South Jordan, UT. After their divorce, he found a peaceful home with welcoming friends in Sandy, UT. Several years later, he met and married Joni Jensen. Their marriage was filled with love and devotion. Together they happily spent the remainder of his life.
Jerry had a deep love for nature and found peace in scenic drives and time in the mountains and countryside. These quiet adventures reflected his appreciation for the beauty of the world and the time spent with those he loved.
He is also survived by his children, Adam (Natasha), Dane, Nathan (Jordie), and Candice (Sean); and 11 cherished grandchildren, along with nieces and nephews and many extended family and friends who will miss him deeply.
He is preceded in death by his mother, Maxine Kaufman VanPatten; Father, Raymond Baxter; stepfather, Eldon VanPatten; brother, Dale Baxter; and granddaughter, Trinady Baxter.
Jerry’s life was filled with laughter, love and devotion to his family. He will be deeply missed and fondly remembered by all who knew him.
A Mingle will be held on Sunday, August 10, 2025, from 4:00-6:00 p.m. at Larkin Sunset Gardens, 1950 E Dimple Dell Rd, Sandy, UT. The family invite you to come visit and mingle with happy memories of Jerry.
Jerry was a great neighbor and friend. I loved chatting with him, he always made me laugh, I can still hear him tease through the back doorway. I gave a wave and honk from my scooter as I passed by the window. I will miss him deeply. Rest in peace my friend. Love always. Dee.
I never got to meet Jerry, as I have only been part of the Altaview Estates community for a few months. However, I feel like I know him through the stories from community members. Joni has become a friend in a very short time. Her love and devotion for Jerry is evident in everything she does. I know he will be missed terribly by her and the extended family and friends. Rest in peace, Jerry. You are loved. Sending prayers and comforting thoughts to all who knew you.
So sorry to hear of his passing. He will be missed, that friendly smile goes a long way
Jerry will be missed by all of us. He had a smile and a joke for everyone. He was a very caring and thoughtful man. His smile would light up the room. He was always cheerful and funny every time we met. You couldn’t help but feel happy after being around him. Our hearts and prayers go out to Joni and the rest of his family.
Jerry was a gentle giant with a heart of gold. Jerry and I work side by side at NPS. It was always an adventure with him in the produce and grocery part of the store. He always gave 110% in his job. I will miss his smile and his dry humor.
Daniel Farmer
My sincere condolences to the Baxter family.
I first met Jaren my junior year at Olympus. I had just moved to Salt Lake City from Ft. Wayne Indiana and Jaren was so kind and made me feel so welcome as a newcomer. Jaren had a wonderful sense of humor and quickly became one of my closest friends at Olympus. Although I lost touch with Jaren after graduation, I've thought about him many times over the years and am saddened to hear of his passing. May you rest In peace my friend.
Jerry was a great guy. And a wonderful neighbor. We were neighbors for several years. Only with Rolly Adair and myself we have tried to stay in contact for the past 20 years or so. Last file rolling Jerry and I all met at Jerry’s house and spent about four hours just Hashing about old times. Laughing and having fun. We are going to miss him. Stan Searle.
I was Jaren's girlfriend in high school. I really adored him. He was tall, dark and handsome. We went to several proms together. I never saw him after high school but it sounds like the great boy I knew turned into a wonderful life and family.. I love you Jaren
Our hearts go out to the family for their loss. My brief acquaintance with Jerry led to a warm caring relationship. I am so sorry we lost him but our hope is in unitimg with him in God's heavenly kingdom.
Joni, we are so sorry for your loss. Please know you're in our thoughts.
I'm so sorry for the loss of Jerry. It was a pleasure to know him.
We were sorry to hear of Jerry's passing. You are in our thoughts & prayers.