Keith Taylor Jeppson

1956 ~ 2021

Obituary Photo for Keith Taylor Jeppson < >

Viewing:

July 22, 2021
6:00 PM - 8:00 PM
Larkin Sunset Lawn, 2350 East 1300 South, Salt Lake City, Utah 84108
  • Directions to Viewing
  • Service:

    July 23, 2021
    11:00 AM
    Foothill 7th Ward, 2215 East Roosevelt Avenue, Salt Lake City, Utah 84108
  • Directions to Service
  • On July 17th 2021, our dear Father and Husband returned to his loving Heavenly Father at the age of 64.

    Keith was born on November 8th, 1956 to Dr. Edward Mayer and Elizabeth Whittaker Taylor Jeppson. He was the youngest of 13 children, lovingly referred to as Elizabeth’s “Baker’s Dozen.” Keith was raised in a home filled with the gospel, beautiful music, adventure, and loving siblings who taught him to work hard and play harder.

    Keith had a fun and wild childhood making memories and mischief, from picking pineapples in Hawaii to accidentally flooding the neighborhood gully and nearly burning down Kristie Lane. Many summers were spent with siblings and cousins working on the family ranch in Cokeville, Wyoming. He attended Curtis Elementary School, and wrestled at Clayton Middle School.

    While he was blessed with wonderful childhood experiences, Keith and his family also endured numerous tragedies, including the death of his Father and disappearance of his brother, Reed, when Keith was at the tender age of 8. The time following these events lead Keith to have a deep and reverent love for his mother and a curiosity about the Spirit World.

    In his high school years Keith continued living adventurously. Many weekday nights you could find him riding his dirt bike through the foothills of the Wasatch Front. Looking for excitement, Keith always knew how to push the envelope. On many occasions his adventures landed him in hot water, but he somehow found a way to avoid being caught or punished. His unique ability to escape punishment earned him the nickname “weasel” among his friends.

    Once, without permission, Keith and some friends went to Hawaii with limited resources. While in Hawaii, he spent weeks picking pineapples to earn his way back home. Keith also greatly enjoyed high school football, reaching the state championship his last two years at East High. Partway through his Senior year Keith broke his leg while playing against Olympus. Weeks later, he cut off his own cast in an attempt to show he could still run onto the field and play in the State Championship game with his friends. While he ultimately was unable to play in that game, Keith once again showed his level of dedication to those he loved.

    Coming from a musical family, Keith gained a love for singing early in his life. He shared his musical talent in high school singing baritone in the East High School Acapella and Madrigals choirs, performing around the Salt Lake Valley. Music was an integral part of Keith’s foundation. For him, it invited the Spirit and strengthened his testimony of his Savior. The Lord blessed Keith with a beautiful singing voice which he used to lift and bless the lives of others. Each of us can recall hearing him sing, and feeling our testimonies strengthened as he bore his through song.

    After high school, Keith served a full-time mission for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints in Oakland California from 1976 - 1978. It was there that he grew a deep and profound love for our Heavenly Father and Savior Jesus Christ. He came to know the power of the Atonement and expanded his knowledge of the gospel as he studied diligently and taught throughout his life. Keith also graduated with a bachelor’s degree in accounting from the University of Utah and earned his CPA.

    Keith met his partner-in-crime, and love of his life, Karen Kennington at the age of 24. When his sister Suzanne met Karen for tennis lesson, she returned home and declared to Keith, “I just met your wife!” She convinced him to join her in the next lesson. Keith knew a good thing when he saw it and didn’t waste any time in asking her to marry him after just one month of dating. They were sealed 8 months later in the Salt Lake City temple on March 25th, 1981.

    Keith and Karen created a beautiful, idyllic childhood for their five children. They were raised in the same home Keith was and with the same spirit of work hard play harder. Keith worked hard to create an inviting place where friends and family could congregate and make memories. Just a few features of the Jeppson compound included a long sledding hill with ski jumps, trampoline, hot tub, giant sandbox full of Tonka trucks, fire pit, 2-story playhouse, mud wrestling pit, paintball course, and his famous tennis court-length vegetable garden. Keith took great joy in teaching and sharing the things he loved with his family, including: skiing, camping, boating, four-wheeling, cooking, coaching soccer and football, Sunday and birthday dinners, Christmas traditions, fireworks, paintball, and enjoying God’s creations in the outdoors.

    Keith had a competitive and passionate spirit. When he discovered a new hobby, he figuratively “canon-balled” straight into it, often with significant success. Keith qualified for the Boston Marathon and took first place in the National Pickleball Games with his wife, Karen. He was an incredible cook, and making friends and family a delicious meal was one way he demonstrated his love for them. In recent years, Keith channeled this hobby into a barbeque Instagram account with over 30k followers. He loved the many great memories and friendships he created through these hobbies including: pickleball, racquetball, tennis, football, skiing, riding motorcycles, and running.

    Keith loved spending time with his Grandchildren who lovingly referred to him as “Cool Paps.” They are going to miss him greatly and we will miss seeing him teach his Grandkids all of the fun hobbies he enjoyed.

    While we are devastated and our hearts ache to think of the future without him, we take comfort knowing that he is with his parents, siblings, and other loved ones who passed before him. Through this experience we have gained an increased appreciation for our Savior’s atonement, as its comforting and healing power has allowed us to navigate these turbulent waters, buoyed our broken spirits, and strengthened our familial relationships. We rejoice knowing the weight of his life’s burdens have been replaced by the warm embrace of our Heavenly Father. We greatly anticipate the glorious day when we are able to meet again, we love you Cool Paps.

    Keith is survived by his wife Karen; children: Paul (Jen); Jake (Brittany); Jane; Craig (Anna); Scott (Scarlet);
    grandchildren Whitaker, Porter, Parley, June, Jordan, Harvey, Ellie, Reese, Grace, Jonas, and Bailey; siblings: Patricia (Paul); Edward (DeeAnn); Sally (Marlow); Suzanne (Warren); Christine (Ron); Jon (Bonnie); Daniel (Susan); Becky (Damon)

    He is preceded in death by Edward Mayer Jeppson, Elizabeth Whittaker Taylor Jeppson, Phillip Taylor, Helen Marie, Reed Taylor, Taylor Alan (Linda).

    Funeral Services will be held Friday, July 23, 2021, 11a.m. at the Foothill 7th Ward, 2215 East Roosevelt Avenue, Salt Lake City, Utah 84108. Friends and family may call Thursday evening from 6:00 - 8:00 at Larkin Sunset Lawn, 2350 East 1300 South, Salt Lake City, Utah 84108, as well as Friday morning at the ward building from 9:30 - 10:40. Interment will be at Wasatch Lawn Memorial Park. To watch recorded funeral service, click the "Watch Service" link above (a zoom account is required).



    Guestbook/Condolences

    Karen, We are so sorry to hear of Keith's passing. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family at this very difficult time. We really miss you as neighbors. Love Ken and Jeannine Ohrn.


    - Kenneth and Jeannine Ohrn

    Keith was a pleasure to work with. He was generous, a fantastic cook, kind and always happy.
    I will miss his good grilled or smoked meats that he would bring in to the office and share. My husband is a chef and I would bring him some of his food to try. I know good food, and Keith had amazing talent.
    Some of his food was better than my husbands and I would jokingly offer him a job in the catering business.
    I remember how dedicated he was to getting in better shape to for pickle ball for his wife's sake. He would turn down some of the pastries I would bring in to share, with kindness and grace. He was a great example to me of dedication, to family and work. You could always count on Keith to participate in work activities in a positive way.
    He will truly be missed.
    See you again, friend.


    - Julie Palmer

    Karen, we are so sorry to hear this happened. I hope you know you are in our thoughts and prayers. I walk by your old house on 2100 e and always think of you and the toe heads:) Me and mom love you-sending our love from Hollywood ave.


    - Sarah Hill

    Karen, we are so sorry to hear this happened. I hope you know you are in our thoughts and prayers. I walk by your old house on 2100 e and always think of you and the toe heads:) Me and mom love you-sending our love from Hollywood ave.


    - Sarah Hill

    Jake and Paul,

    So sorry to hear of your fathers passing. I hope you are both doing ok and my prayers are with you and your family.


    - Graham Larson

    Karen: I'm so sorry for your loss. May the gospel of Jesus Christ comfort you at this difficult time.


    - Howard Jacobson

    Karen and the rest of your posterity,

    So sad for you and the rest of your family. Such a shock to all who knew him. His warm demeanor and zest for life are the memories created when I met him at East. Memories that followed him every time that I ran into him.

    May you know that there is and will be a circle of friends who have and will continue to love and support you in many different ways as you grieve the loss of one of the best. Look forward with faith. Listen to the still small voice as it comforts each of you. God lives, Jesus is the Christ, our advocate with the Father and He loves each and everyone of you and knows your pain and will wrap His arms around you and sustain you through this difficult time.

    God bless you all.

    Joel VO-EHS 75


    - Joel Van Orden

    This man has a beautiful, kind, gentle spirit. I have enjoyed his story that is so well written with all the love and caring of who he was. I know Scott and Scarlet and what remarkable teachings of what one man can do. I see Scott with the qualities that exemplify what he learned and how he lives his life by how much love this family has shown. God gave us opportunities to grow and gain wisdom and knowledge. I have just witnessed a life story about a man and his family who gave it all because of the hard things given in this life to learn. My deepest love and gratitude for sharing your secret Scott. True loving and living and enjoying every precious moment while here on earth. My condolences to beautiful families and I pray for peace and comfort that our Savior gives to you. Thank you for changing my life as I read about this great man. I love you!


    - Linda Kae Nielsen

    I am so sorry for your family's loss. I feel very fortunate to have been friends with Jake and to have so many fond memories of your family and home. My heart aches for your family. I am thinking of you and wishing you healing during this difficult time.


    - Ashley Bodell West

    We love Keith and the Jeppsons. We are genuinely sorry for your loss at this time. We have so many wonderful memories of Keith, Karen, and their beautiful family. May the love and peace of the Savior continue to fill your hearts!


    - Norm Johnson

    Dear Karen and Family,
    Our love and prayers are with all of you at this most difficult time.
    We have such fond memories of you as a young family living in our Ward.
    May the Lord's choicest blessings rest upon you always.
    Our love,
    Sherman and Karma Rae Sheffield


    - Sherman and Karma Rae Sheffield

    So sorry to hear about Keith. Prayers to his family. We will always remember him!❤️


    - Mark & Robin Freed

    So sorry to hear about the loss of Keith! He will always be in our thoughts and prayers ❤️


    - Mark @ Robin Freed

    I absolutely loved reading about Uncle Keith. What a great tribute to him. Such an amazing man. I love the picture of him on that horse in the river. I am really sad he’s gone and pray for your family to find peace. Love you guys.
    Emily Jeppson Motzkus


    - Emily Jeppson Motzkus

    Karen--

    So very sorry to learn of Keith's passing. You showed us how to work as a team in meeting life's challenges and raising a remarkable family.
    May memories of Keith's indomitable spirit and love echo in the quiet chambers of your heart, always.

    Richard


    - richard warner

    Karen and family,

    Keith and I were in madrigals together at East High. He seemed to be involved in everything. He was always a just a great man and kind to everyone. He had a quiet kind of confidence and a smile that you just had to love.

    Please accept our condolences and our love. We pray for peace and understanding and comfort. There will be a great reunion again. Remember that there are many people whose lives were touched for good by Keith. The Savior shared these beautiful words, "Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you; not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid" (John 14:27).

    Much love,

    Warren and Marilyn Clark


    - Warren and Marilyn Clark

    Our love and sympathies are with you dear Jeppson family! May your good memories and faith buoy you at this time.


    - Melissa Mecham

    Dear Karen and Family,
    Garrett and I are truly sorry for your family’s loss! We are at a loss for words.
    We pray for your knowledge in the Plan of Salvation and knowing he is happy and he is with those loved ones on the other side of the veil. We wish there was something we could do for you or say to you to easy the pain you suffer from a loss like this….
    Please know you’re in our thoughts and prayers thru this extremely difficult time…

    Sam & Garrett


    - Sam and Garrett Macfarlane

    Keith had a great sense of humor and a very pleasant manner. I enjoyed the moments I got to spend with him. He is missed greatly.


    - Daniel Dickson

    Dear Karen and family:
    I join the rest of East High Class of 75 in grieving the loss of a Keith. Watching your family video brought fond memories and tears. Bitter/Sweet. May the love of so many people Keith touched and your deep faith bring you comfort.

    Anne Freed Goldberg


    - Anne Freed Goldberg

    Dear Karen and family. It is with deep sadness that I learned of Keith's passing and want to send my deepest sympathy for your loss. The obituary is so beautifully written ... what a good man and a wonderful life. Karen, I'm grateful for my association with you through tennis and able to meet him briefly. You will be in my thoughts and prayers. May God bless you through the difficult days ahead. Much love, Shirlee Anderson


    - Shirlee Anderson

    When I first started in Real Estate Keith was always willing to help me understand something I didn't quite get or just give friendly advice or a great greeting. I will always remember Keith and wish his entire family piece and love.


    - Scott Bennett

    Blair and I have fond memories of Keith and all of your family.
    Our love and condolences to you.


    - Bernice Poelman

    My thoughts, prayers, and best wishes/hopes to Jane. She was a colleague of mine when I was a volunteer at Primary Children’s Hospital. I still think about her and the others in Same Day Surgery a lot and I still miss them. They all are living inside my head all the time.


    - Mike Liebergesell