Gerald W. Johansen
June 26, 1935 - December 14, 2021
Gerald “Jerry” William Johansen was born June 26, 1935, to William and Helen Johansen in Salt Lake City, Utah. He graduated from South High School in 1953, and later graduated from, as he would say, “the best school around,” Westminster College. In his time at Westminster, Jerry played baseball, made many life-long friends, and created his fondest memories, which he often reminisced on until the day he passed. Upon graduating from Westminster, Jerry became a teacher and coach at several schools, including East High and Clayton Junior. After his years in education, Jerry sold sporting goods to many schools around the state for Universal Athletics. He loved the customers and coaches he worked with, and they loved him. There wasn’t a person he called on that didn’t become a friend. Jerry had that way about him; a story, a joke, a way that he connected with you and made you laugh. He retired in 2000 to live out his proudest career, becoming a full-time grandpa.
After being blessed with four children, Jerry fell in love with Gayle Wherry Johansen and asked her hand in marriage. They were married February 9, 1979, and with her, they blended their two families into one, big, loving family. In his free time, Jerry enjoyed golfing, bowling, watching the Jazz and Utes, and his favorite of all activities, attending all his Grandchildren’s and Great-Grandchildren’s events. If there was an event, “Grampa Jerry” could always be found; he was the proudest Grandpa around. Whether he was getting coffee with his friends, or at a family dinner, he was the life of the party, and always had a joke to tell. He had a smile that could light up a room, a laugh that was contagious, and a heart of gold. For those of you who were lucky enough to know Jerry, you know what an amazing, loving, and unapologetically honest person he was. The only things bigger than his laugh, was his larger-than-life personality. Jerry was known for his wisecracking sense of humor, which will be tremendously missed by all.
On December 14, 2021, Jerry passed away peacefully in the comfort of his own home. He was surrounded by his entire family as they said their goodbyes; he wouldn’t have wanted it any other way. On Jerry’s behalf, a big thank you to his seven loving children that took care of him in the years leading to his death; you all were his greatest blessing. He is preceded in death by his parents, William and Helen, Wife Gayle, and Sister Marilyn Brown. He is survived by his brother, Paul (Margaret) Johansen, his seven children, Shauna (Jim) Fuoco, Jeffery Johansen, Loni (Ted) Valerio, Rick (Stacy) Johansen, Jeff (Shellie) Jensen, Sean (Brenda) Jensen, Jessica (Charlie) Van Wagoner, and his pride and joy, his many grandchildren and great-grandchildren. A celebration of Jerry’s life will be held Tuesday, December 21st from 10:00am – 11:30am at Starks Funeral Parlor, 3651 South 900 East. Interment will follow at Mt. Olivet Cemetery, 1342 E. 500 S. Salt Lake City, UT. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you regularly call your elderly family and friends just to “check in,” as all of us did with Jerry.
Because of Jerry, everyone who was fortunate enough to cross his path has been profoundly changed for the better.
In Loving Memory
I am sure going to miss you dad!!! Rest in Paradise!!! I love you so much!!!
You will be missed Uncle Jerry!
Grampa... I can't describe the odd feeling that has overcome me now with knowing you're gone. Your absence is something that I can literally feel, yet, I find comfort knowing you are with me. I'm honored knowing that you get to watch over me, with Grammy, as I march on in through the various struggles of life, & doing so in ways now that I know would have, and will make you proud. It warms my heart you're with Grammy again, as much as I miss you both. I'm sure it's known now how awful I've felt due to my absence over the years, however, knowing you both & how much you love Brandon & I, I feel in my heart you wouldn't want that for me; that I'm forgiven. As I know you both know how loved you both are & what special places you have in my heart, memories, & more. I'll continue to miss you, as I have been, but maybe just more so now.... I love you. - Ky
Our Family's deepest sympathy to yours. My Husband & I were lucky enough to meet Jerry a few times. He always struck me as deeply kind. We are so sorry for your loss & wish the entire Family an abundance of peace. And what a lovely obituary ❤
Jerry - You were a wonderful big brother. I'll always treasure my many visits to Salt Lake and the time we were able to spend together (both on and off the golf course). I'll miss you the rest of my life. Love, Paul
Dear Shauna, Jim and family, We are so very sorry for the loss of your dear sweet Dad, Grandpa and Great Grandpa. May he rest in peace Love, Dan, Nancy and the Gibbs family
Jerry, Jerry, Jerry, Where does the time go? Wasn't it just a few years ago that Charlie and I remodeled the house. Or, I came up to replace a water heater or covered your swamp cooler. I always was warmly greated and treated just like family. Perhaps that is why we were always paired as sort of the odd old guys out, when playing golf with all the younger guys. I Never minded that at all, I always looked forward to anytime spent with you. Thanks for all the jokes you shared, thanks for all the beers we drank, and meals we shared. Thanks for being the great Guy that you are, but mostly the fun soul to be around. I will miss you greatly,and lately you have been in my thoughts...I only wish I had called. Tad & Liz Nielson - Family Friends
I am so sorry for your family's loss, especially to Paul who was a good friend of my brother Dennis and me growing up and playing sports together. Gerry was my gym teacher for three years at Clayton Jr. High and his coaching and teaching helped me be a better athlete. He and I connected again later in life while I was coaching football in Ute Conference and he was working for Academy. RIP Gerry and keep smiling.
To Jerry's family, Jerry was one of my gym coaches at Clayton Jr High who along with Coach P helped me learn the fundamentals of several sports. Jerry taught me how to get over a hurdle, perform the triple jump and run the 880. He was a kind man with a great sense of humor and over the years following Clayton we would bump into one another and he would always say hello and we would catch up. I will always remember him for giving me confidence in myself as a young boy and I appreciate his influence on me. My deepest condolences to his family. Mike Stevens
To the Johansen Family: I can attest to Jerry's humorous side. I was lucky enough to be in a playing card group and his gruff manner and stern look would often melt into a big, derisive laugh as he pulled off a successful bluff. With Jerry, a good time was had by all and in coaching, success was his mantra. I'll miss him. Dick Rosetta
We we're sorry to hear of your fathers passing. Tom fondly remembered Jerry taking him to a cafe in Salt Lake that served liver and onions ! we didn't know him well, but I'm sure he was a great guy ! Sincerely, Tom and Joyce McCraw Carrie Reillys parents
Absolutely loved Jerry! I was a young coach at Tooele and he was like a father to me. He was one of the good ones!
In Loving Memory
