John Frederick Wegener, our loving husband, father, grandfather, brother, uncle, and friend returned home to our Heavenly Father on Thursday, Feb. 24, 2022. He fought a valiant battle against cancer for two years before dying peacefully at home surrounded by family. We are so grateful that he is no longer suffering and is enjoying wonderful reunions in heaven.
John was born in Gunnison, Utah, on January 23, 1966, to Wilfred Koenig Wegener and Elaine Orrock. He graduated from Gunnison Valley High School in 1984, where he had many friends and enjoyed playing sports.
He served a two-year mission in Atlanta, Georgia for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints from 1985 – 1987. His mission was a wonderful experience that strengthened his testimony and shaped his entire life.
John had many callings after being a full-time missionary, a few of them being a Sunday School teacher, being in the Sunday School presidency, financial clerk for several bishoprics and a missionary for the church’s 7-Step Addiction Recovery program, which he loved dearly.
John’s first marriage was to Jaylene Cluff, from Manti. They had seven wonderful children together, who each meant the world to John, along with his nine perfect grandchildren. Being a grandpa was such a joy to him.
John was a retired corrections officer for the Gunnison State Prison, where he was a lieutenant. John also ran with the Gunnison Ambulance Association for many years and was a director and trainer. John worked hard to support his family and often had three jobs at one time, including working at the Casino Star movie theater and as security for the Gunnison Market.
John later married Lori Crane Shaffer of Ephraim and moved there with her. They shared a deep and special love, made stronger by the things that they went through together, that will last for eternity. Lori brought 5 wonderful children and 2 more perfect grandchildren to their marriage. They both love their big family so very much.
John was an amazing man who loved to spend time with his family, serve others, work hard, have fun and tease those that he loved. He loved Dutch oven and BBQ cooking, watching cooking shows, Ford trucks, motorcycles and building and fixing things. He always thought of others before himself, even during his last two years when his suffering was great. He left a legacy of faith, love, unselfishness and gratitude to follow for those who knew and loved him. He was a wonderful example of Christ-like living, and we are certain our Savior welcomed him home with open arms. We love you so much, John!
John is survived by his wife, Lori Wegener of Ephraim; his children, Cory Wegener of Gunnison; Ashley (Dave) Sanderson of Gunnison; Emily (Skyler) Brown of Missouri; Brandon (Jordan) Wegener of Santaquin; Darren (Bre) Wegener of Gunnison; Alison (James Dean) Tollett of Washington; and Kaitlyn (Baltasar) Acala of West Valley; his grandchildren, Landon, Carter, Natalie, Evan, Bridgett, Michael, Connor, Esmay, and Dean; his step-children, Walker (Marissa) Shaffer of Oregon; Klarissa (Tanner) Wilkinson of Manti; Karson Shaffer of Lehi; Tucker Shaffer and Bentley Shaffer of Ephraim; and step-grandchildren, Laynie and Declan; his mother-in-law, Hazel Johnson of Ephraim; siblings, Rebecca Walker of Kentucky; Jeannie (Keith) Brewer of Nevada; Bill (Lisa) Wegener of Sandy; Wendy (John) Casperson of Draper; Jimmy (Jeni) Wegener of West Valley; David (Teresa) Wegener of Oregon; and many nieces and nephews.
John was preceded in death by his father, Wilfred Wegener; his mother, Elaine Orrock Harris; his stepfather, Geoffrey Harris; and his sister, Linda Jill Wegener.
Funeral services will be held on Saturday, March 5, 2022, at noon in the Ephraim 4th, 5th and 9th LDS Ward Chapel, 723 South 100 East in Ephraim, where friends may call for viewing Friday evening from 6 to 8 p.m. or Saturday morning from 10:30 to 11:30 a.m. prior to the services.
Live streaming of the services can be found at http://www.springerturner.com under John’s obituary about 15 minutes prior to starting time.
Burial will be in the Ephraim Park Cemetery under the care of the Springer Turner Funeral Home of Richfield and Salina, Utah.
Online guest book at: http://www.springerturner.com.
