Gerald "Jerry" Reed Dean

1928 ~ 2020

Viewing:

July 10, 2020
6:00 AM - 7:00 AM
10600
  • Directions to Viewing
  • Service:

    July 10, 2020
    7:15 AM
    1950 West 10600 South Sandy, Utah
  • Directions to Service
  • An outgoing and friendly man departed with the thought, “I enjoyed every day of a wonderful life.” Jerry was born May 19, 1928 to Earl Reed Dean and Myrtle Edwards Dean in Salt Lake City, Utah. He graduated from East High School in 1946 and attended the University of Utah for two years. During the early depression years of the 1920’s and 30’s he began his first working career as a janitor’s helper at age 11, cleaning rooms after school at the Uintah Elementary Grade school. During his teenage years he worked for Firmage’s Men Store, Royal Crown Cola Beverage Company, the neighborhood gas station and then in 1945 a very exciting summer at the Leonard Creek cattle ranch in Northern Nevada.

    He met his loving wife, Constance Wallace from Granger, Utah and they were married August 8, 1951. He joined the U.S. Air force during the Korean Conflict and served for 2 years. Connie joined him and worked for an insurance company in Olathe, Kansas where they were stationed.

    Jerry served a 2 1/2 year LDS mission in Norway from 1948-1950. In later years with his wife Connie, they have visited Norway several times and hosted many Norwegian visitors to Utah. Together, they also served with the BYU Norwegian VIP and Student exchange committee in the Salt Lake Temple, the Conference Center and Joseph Smith Building.

    In 1953, Jerry joined Mountain Bell Telephone Company where he retired after 30 years. He worked in the marketing department and retired as the Utah Government Relations and Public Affairs Manager in 1984. He truly enjoyed his association with many co-workers. He also served for 7 years on the executive boards of Muscular Dystrophy and Utah Arthritis Foundations. He was past president of the Holiday Rotary Club and was active in his church serving in the Bishopric, High Council and Stake Secretary. Jerry always found it easy to make friends, a true missionary at heart and spent much of his time keeping track of them through the years. He enjoyed arranging reunions with school, missionary and work associates. He leaves with us his testimony and wish that we all should help carry one another’s burdens. Together with his wife Connie, they have enjoyed their beloved family, home, and travel.

    He is survived by his wife, Connie; his children, Craig W. Dean (Anita), Brad K. Dean (Nanette), LeeAnn Bursett (Ron) and 4 grandchildren, Courtney Dean, Amy Dean, Christopher Bursett, Ashley Bursett; 5 great grandchildren.

    We would like to thank the many friends and neighbors for the outpouring of love and support during this difficult time. He cherished and looked forward to meeting and visiting with long-time neighbors and friends, reminiscing with family, and sharing stories about the good ole days. The family also wishes to express a special thanks to the VA Hospital, doctors, nurses, clinicians, and support staff who have provided outstanding care for Jerry over the course of his lifetime. Likewise, to the Harmony Home Health & Hospice staff for everyone's dedicated and loving service over the last 2 - 2 1/2 years. Jerry grew to love and appreciate the special team of caregivers who spent countless hours making sure he was comfortable and his needs were met.

    Regrettably, due to the current COVID-19 pandemic, the family will receive friends for a brief viewing Friday, July 10, 2020 from 12-1 pm at the Larkin Sunset Gardens Mortuary, 1950 East Dimple Dell Road, Sandy, Utah and will be holding a private graveyard service to follow in order to protect everyone's health.


    Guestbook/Condolences

    We feel so grateful and blessed to have had the wonderful experiences we have enjoyed with Jerry and
    Connie over the last few months, as we have reminisced about family and the past. They have shared some very nice memories that they have of family that were new and special to us and will be recorded. We look forward to a continued relationship with Connie and more special moments.
    Our thoughts and prayers are with you Connie, and the family. God bless.

    Dean and Dora Klemme


    - William Dean & A Dora Klemme

    Connie....my thoughts are with you during this difficult time....all my love now and always....
    Jerry become like my second father who I will deeply miss....
    Annee McCoun


    - Anne McCoun

    Thanks Dad for teaching me how to be strong with my handicap knowing that you did it with yours and I can do it with mine
    Your Son Brad


    - Brad Dean

    Connie:
    So sad to hear this news. On behalf of everyone in our family, sincere condolences. You and Jerry are treasured relatives of ours. My parents, Gene and Sharon, are feeling this loss already. (My mom adored him.). Although I didn’t know him well, I always admired Dean. He was so kind and just seemed full of goodness. And the two of you just seemed to exude love wherever you went. I loved his gentle and kind parents, Myrtle and Earl. They were so nice to us.
    I didn’t know this until I read the obit, but Jerry and I share the the same middle name—Reed, which was my grandfathers middle name, too. I am proud to be connected with him this way. I will think of Dean when I sign my name henceforth. Much love. - Greg Merrill


    - Gregory Merrill