Jeffrey Sutcliff Drenker

Jeffrey Sutcliff Drenker, of Holladay, Utah, passed away on September 23, 2022, after suffering a stroke. He was 71 years old.

Jeff was born to Egan and Barbara (Sutcliff) Drenker on December 15, 1950, in Lincoln, Nebraska. Jeff earned his bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering at the University of Idaho, but was a lifelong, diehard University of Nebraska football fan (Go Big Red!). 

In 1976, Jeff married the love of his life, his “Princess,” Connie (Barnhart) Drenker. Together they enjoyed much of Utah’s great outdoors, including skiing and hiking, as well as spending time with friends and family. He and Connie regularly invited over their then-young-and-probably-obnoxious nieces and nephews to splash and romp in their backyard pool, creating chaos outside of what Jeff likely preferred, but he always made them feel welcome and at home.

Jeff also found enjoyment in fly fishing and chess, but his greatest passion was tennis. He played throughout his life and in the process gained not only skill, but built incredible friendships, many of whom were by his side off the court in his final days. He also had longtime neighbors who were treasured friends, loving him and supporting him through the end.

Jeff was preceded in death by his parents and one brother, as well as his Princess, Connie, who died in September 2016. While his friends and family surrounded him and loved him, the loss of Connie was especially heartbreaking for Jeff. Those who are left behind take comfort in knowing Connie and Jeffrey (as Connie always called him) are together again, probably marveling at the fall colors in Utah’s mountains.

A “Celebration of Life” will be held on Saturday, October 1, 2022, at the Mountain Dell / Washington Park Upper Pavilion, from 5pm – 6:30pm. All are welcome to come and share favorite memories of Jeff. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations to one of Jeff’s favorite charities which include Red Butte Gardens, the Humane Society of Utah, and the Utah Symphony.