John David Gust Grangroth's Obituary
John David Gust Grangroth passed away peacefully at home on September 2, 2024. David was born August 11, 1943 to Harry Bernard Grangroth and Oral Phyllis Haglund in Detroit, Michigan. They later moved to Minnesota where David graduated from Wayzata High School. He attended the University of Minnesota for one year, prior to serving a two-year mission for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints in the Southern States Mission. Upon returning from his mission he moved to Salt Lake City, Utah in 1965. He joined the Utah National Guard Reserve and worked full-time while taking accounting classes at night at the University of Utah. He later worked for 15 years as an accountant for Kennecott, Chytraus, and his own business. During this period, he volunteered part-time as a fireman and later as an EMT for the Sandy City Fire Department. He served in the Utah National Guard for 30 years, eleven of which were full-time as the Director of Communications for the State of Utah. During his time with the Utah National Guard, he achieved the rank of Lieutenant Colonel and loved the opportunity it gave him to serve his country. David was diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis in 1992 which resulted in his disability retirement in 1995.
David married Bette Jo Croshaw in 1969 (divorced), and they had five children. He later married Ruth Ottley on June 28, 1991, and their marriage was solemnized in the Jordan River Temple in 1999. Ruth’s six children immediately became part of David’s life. David’s love and devotion were extended to all “eleven” of his children and his extended family.
David’s membership in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints gave him many opportunities to serve others. He loved serving the Lord and his Heavenly Father no matter the calling. Despite his illness, he never complained, and his faith was unwavering. He endured to the end.
We would like to express our gratitude to Arturo and nurse Jenna, “Our Angels” from Inspiration Home Health Care and Hospice, for all the love and support given to David and our family.
David was preceded in death by his parents, Harry Bernard and Oral Phyllis Grangroth; brothers, Ronnie and Daryl “Dario” Grangroth; and stepson, Jeremy Ottley.
He is survived by his wife Ruth; brother, Bruce (Ann) Grangroth; sisters, LeAnn (Rick) Clayton, and Wendy (Brad) Weber; children Stephanie (Brian) Murdock, Robb (Mary) Grangroth, Tricia (Jeff) Passey, Ryan (Jennie) Grangroth, Reed Grangroth, Ryan (Michelle) Ottley, Jenni (Burke) Simmons, Juli (Arik) Beesley, Robyn Gale, Tiffany (Randy) Browning; 28 grandchildren and 2 great-grandchildren.
Funeral services will be held on Monday, September 9th at 11:00 am with a viewing beginning at 9:30 am at the Church of Jesus Chris of Latter-day Saints, 6550 South 2700 West, Taylorsville, Utah, 84129. Interment will take place following the services at Memorial Redwood Mortuary and Cemetery, 6500 South Redwood Road, West Jordan, Utah 84123.
Service Information
Viewing September 8th, 6pm-8pm and September 9th 9:30 am-10:45 am
6550 South 2700 West, Taylorsville, Utah 84129
Funeral Service
September 9th, 11:00 AM
6550 South 2700 West, Taylorsville, Utah 84129
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