Loving Husband, Father, Brother, Grandfather, Great Grandfather and a wonderful friend to all who know him. And an okay golfer. Jerry's positive outlook on life and gregarious personality was a great example to all.
Third grade is one of his first memories with Rachael, the love of his life and eternal companion of over 58 years. As a relationship builder, he started in Mrs. Hampshire's third-grade class, where they both remember being taught to "share." They are both very proud of their entire family.
Jerry worked hard, played hard, and made lifelong friends. Some of his best memories centered around his family and being with friends on the golf course. Jerry is a former "The Tradition" Champion and scored a hole-in-one on #7 - Par 3 at Alpine Country Club.
He had a successful career in the Steel Industry, was a longtime member of Cottonwood Presbyterian Church and Alpine Country Club. He resided in Salt Lake City and Sandy, Utah, finally settling in Taylorsville at Summit Vista-Senior Independent Living Center.
Jerry was called home by his Lord and Savior on November 30, where he died peacefully following an incredibly brave 4 1/2 year battle with cancer. Rachael never left his side.
Jerry is survived by his wife Rachael Stephens; his brother Steve Stephens, his sister Fran (Duane) Peterson; his sons, Jeffery L. (Isabel) Stephens, David F. (Darlene) Stephens; 10 Grandchildren, and three great-grandchildren.
Jerry was preceded in death by his parents Frances and Franklin Emmerson Stephens.
Service details - Friday, December 3, 2021:
10:15 AM - Graveside Services at Salt Lake Cemetery, 4th Avenue and N Street, Salt Lake City, 84013. Enter on the corner of the intersection (Main), Take Main to Hillside (Right Fork) to Uintah (465 North) and then head West. An location pin for the graveside can be viewed at https://maps.apple.com/?ll=40.780211,-111.862298&q=Dropped%20Pin&_ext=EiYpLeSuHUJjREAxUAm0EpH3W8A5q7nUeWhkREBBBsOFtM72W8BQBA%3D%3D&t=m
Noon - Memorial Services at Cottonwood Presbyterian, 1580 East Vine Street, Murray, Utah, 84121. Memorial will be in-person and live at Stephens
Memorial Service - YouTube (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GuqR9gIwjmY&authuser=0)
Following the Memorial Services will be a luncheon provided by Cottonwood Presbyterian.
Condolences and Flowers to Larkin Mortuary, 260 East South Temple, Salt Lake City, Utah, 84111. In place of flowers, please donate to Cottonwood Presbyterian Church, see In Lieu of Flowers button above to donate.
Jerry possessed a light that could brighten any room! After speaking with Jerry, one felt smarter, always more appreciated, and with a more positive outlook. He had a way of making people feel they were the most important in the room. Even when he felt horrible, he knew how to shine a spotlight on his friends. I feel so fortunate that he was part of my world and he will be greatly missed! I'm comforted to know that he's no longer in pain. I can just hear him saying, "If I were any better, I'd have to be twins"!
What a great man! Words cannot describe how he helped me personally and my growth in the steel industry. He brought a great deal of energy and positivity to the office and life everyday. He will be truly missed. Fairways and greens in your next journey my friend..
How we wish we could be there in person for the services, but are grateful we can watch them online. Jerry was truly one of a kind and we will miss him. He holds a very special place in our hearts!! Love, Judy and Garth
I didn’t knew him but may he Rest In Peace ♥️Heaven received another angel there and may the family be consoled by love and peace .
My Dearest Family
I love and appreciate all of you. (Uncle) Jerry was a North star and such a wonderful part of our family...his sweet and loving disposition made him someone you gravitated to and wanted to be with. I feel so very lucky to have had him in my life. He always made me feel special and very loved. His humor was contagious, and he just made people comfortable and at home. I truly feel like the world lost its best friend. He will live in my heart always and make me smile with every memory of him.
Blessed be.
I consider Jerry one of my closest friends. I first met him as my customer in 1985. We became colleagues in 1988 at Geneva Steel until their closure in 2001 and remained close friends for over 36 years. Jerry always spoke lovingly of his family. Family, friends, customers and anyone crossing his path were impacted by his abundant charm and sincerity. I will miss you dear friend, may you rest in peace.
Dearest Rachael,
Jerry was one of the “Great Guys”. I will miss his smile and the happiness I felt just being around him. I can’t imagine the depth of your sorrow. Please except my deepest condolences and sympathy, and know that I’m thinking of you. If I can do anything to help you, I am just down the hall. We all have been so very blessed to know you both and become such good friends. We will all miss him so greatly.
With heart felt wishes,
Sharon Cortese
Dear Rachel
I just heard today about Jerry I am so sorry he was a dear friend and a hell of a good guy
My sicerest and deepest condolences
Bill