John Albert Vunder

John Albert Vunder, 85, beloved husband, father, and grandfather passed away peacefully at his home in South Jordan on Sunday, May 2, 2021, surrounded by family. He was born in Murray, UT, on January 26, 1936, youngest child of Albert Vunder and Alice Muriel Bush, brother to Gilbert and Joyce. He grew up loving the outdoors, fishing, shooting, and hunting. He also learned to work on cars at an early age (a proud card-carrying member of The Jokers Car Club!) and was, absolutely, our Mr. Fixit. He loved to sing, as well as play the trumpet and harmonica. He moved to San Diego, CA, during high school and made it his home for the next 40+ years. This is where he discovered his love of boating and waterskiing. After high school, Dad served honorably as Military Police in the United States Air Force. Following discharge, he met and married our mother, Sue Smith, and their marriage was later solemnized in the Los Angeles temple of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. They have been married for 59 years and will always be eternal dance partners. He was our family Patriarch, an exemplary husband to Sue, and a kind, wise, and patient father to Linda (Chuck) of West Jordan, Richard (Nancy) of Lehi, and Lorie (Chris) of Bluffdale. He is the proud grandfather of 10: David (Glenda), Erica, Melissa (Brandon), Monica (David), Ryan (Pia), Carrie, Kyle (Kelsey), Bryan, JonPaul (Tammy), and Cameron (Cammy); great-grandfather of 13.

Dad had a successful professional career in sales and business, our provider and our protector. He was a faithful member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and served his Savior wherever called. As a 70, he befriended, influenced, taught, and baptized many. He also served with the Young Men, Sunday School, Elders Quorum, High Priest Quorum, and as a temple worker in both the San Diego and Jordan River temples. He was the strong and steady rock of our family—our north star, as good as a man can be. The poet Edgar Guest said it best: “Men are of two kinds, and he was of the kind I’d like to be…his course ran deep and it was sure…you know the kind, not many in a life you find whose deeds outrun their words so far, that more than what they seem they are.” Dad was, and continues to be, a humble, unassuming man of great faith and integrity. A man without guile. Kind and gentle to his core. Witty and wise, he always had the best advice and knew just the right thing to say. He was also incredibly fun and funny—always ready with a smile and warm welcome. Even suffering with dementia, he was sweet and happy to the end. Words cannot express how deeply he is loved and missed.

Graveside services will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Friday, May 7, 2021 at Camp Williams in Bluffdale, UT. Interment will follow.

Our mother and entire family wishes to thank all those associated with Inspiration Home Health and Hospice for their comforting care and superior support. And Larkin Mortuary for treating us all with such respect and dignity.

Dad/Grandpa: Thank you for everything. Until we meet again, Nanu Nanu!