Vernal Deloy Ekstrom

Vernal Deloy Ekstrom, an animal lover, father, grandfather, and gritty bingo player passed away on August 8th, 2024, at 83. Vernal was born on April 10th, 1941 in Bountiful, Utah. He was one of eight children. Vern’s friends at East High School called him a swell guy; he was a short muscular kid who took great pleasure in submarining his opponents on the football field and the wrestling mat. At a young age, Vern would sometimes travel up to Hogle Zoo with his brother Virgil and let the tiger cubs lick their fingers through the cages. When he was a young man, Vern met his wife Jo Ann Italasano at the Frost Hop, a local burger joint. When asked to tell the story he’d say with his particular rhythmic drawl that he charmed that beautiful Italian girl with a nice 56 Chevy and his muscles. Together they had six children: Craig, Rodney, Adrienne, Jared, Erica, and Gavin. Vern leaves behind 32 grandchildren and their significant others, and 7 great-grandchildren. Vern was a multitalented and dedicated career man. He was proud of his work as a cobbler, salesman, and importer. After he retired, he liked to grow tomatoes in his garden and weld unique outdoor art made of metal. Vern loved animals: his favorite dog was a Chow Chow mutt named Moxie and his favorite cat was a speedy Tuxedo stray named Rocket. Vern liked to share peanut butter with his pets while watching Fox News and celebrating Donald Trump. True to his gridiron origins, he loved the University of Utah football. He was also a passionate Utah Jazz basketball fan. Vern wasn’t a churchgoer, but he was a religious man. He prayed to God often and enjoyed reading scriptures and other religious books. He had true faith and love for his Savior, Jesus Christ. Vern was preceded in death by his parents Ernie and Blenda Ekstrom, his brothers, Burke, Evan and Virgil Ekstrom, his sisters Laurine Kingston and Rowena Erickson, his son Jared Ekstrom, and his granddaughter Hope Ekstrom, and his grandson Brennan Rennert. Vernal is survived by his brother Alton Ekstrom and his sister Sheila Burns. Vern was loved and cared for by his children and their spouses - Craig (Leisha), Rodney (Jody), Adrienne (David Nelson), Jared (preceded in death), Erica (Aaron Rennert) and Gavin (Amber). The family would like to thank Sunrise of Sandy for their love, exceptional care, and support. A graveside service will be held on Saturday, August 31, 2024 at noon, at Mount Olivet Cemetery, 1342 East 500 South, Salt Lake City. In lieu of flowers please donate to Best Friends Animal Rescue. https://bestfriends.org/

Vernal Deloy Ekstrom

April 10, 1941 - August 8, 2024