John Reed Neerings

January 16, 1940 - September 29, 2020

John Reed Neerings was born on January 16, 1940 to John Gabriel Neerings, Jr. and Ruby Gertrude Meibos in Salt Lake City, Utah. He graduated from South High School in 1958. He then served in the Utah National Guard for eight years and as a missionary for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints for two and a half years in the Netherlands. He later went on to marry his sweetheart, Marilyn Irene Gardner, in the Salt Lake Temple. President Nathan Eldon Tanner married them on December 6, 1963. One of John's passions was serving actively in the Boy Scouts. He served as a Scoutmaster for many years. He enjoyed helping the boys have great outdoor experiences and work towards earning their Eagle Scout awards. His sons truly enjoyed participating in Scouts with their dad and each was able to earn their Eagle Scout award. John was an excellent stream fisherman, one of the best, and rarely came home without his limit. He loved to teach family and friends how to fish. He’d often say “here, hold my pole,” and the receiving person would soon discover to their delight that “they” had caught a fish. John would reply, “you are the best fisherman out here.” John was a very talented entrepreneur, always coming up with ways that he and his kids could make a little extra money. He started many small businesses and helped his children learn to be hard, honest, workers and to always make sure to do a good job. Actually the “extra money made” would most always benefit someone else. Serving others was in his heart and brought him much joy. He could easily see a need and find a way to fill that need for so many people. He especially loved serving his neighbors, widows and the elderly. John retired from Questar after thirty-five years and many of his friends were his co-workers. He continued serving the community by working for Meals on Wheels for sixteen years, not only delivering meals, but a smile and helping hand where he could. He truly loved to serve others and enjoyed helping others feel loved and cared for. He was always very proud of his family and worked hard to be a great provider. He was able to send several of his children on service missions for the church. He taught us a love for the Lord, the outdoors, how to work and serve, how to play, and so much more. John suffered from several health challenges and passed away on the evening of September 29, 2020. He is a beloved Husband, Father, Grandfather, Great Grandfather and Friend. He is survived by his wife, Marilyn, and his six children: Tonya Jean, Sabrina Ann Kempa (Al), Jamie Lynne, Nikki Irene, Jim Reed (Kimberly), and Michael Alan (Deborah). He leaves behind 13 grandchildren and five great-grandchildren. He loved to play and tease his grandchildren. He was quite the trickster and brought a lot of smiles to these kids’ faces. He is also survived by his siblings, Jerrie Arlene Kanamu, Paul David, and Barbara Jean (John) Suniga. He was preceded in death by his father, Gabriel John Neerings, Jr., mother Ruby Gertrude Meibos and his brother-in-law George Kanamu Jr. We are truly going to miss John and look forward to the time we can meet with him again. He is a great man who loved and served so many people. His life and legacy will be celebrated at a graveside service on Monday, October 12, 2020, 11:30am at Wasatch Lawn Memorial Park, 3401 Highland Drive, Salt Lake City, Utah. . Close friends and family are welcome (jackets, blankets, lawn chairs and masks are encouraged). If unable to attend in person, family and friends can view the services live on Facebook at: "John Reed Neerings Memorial Service".