John F. Wegener

Ephriam, Utah - John Frederick Wegener, our loving husband, father, grandfather, brother, uncle and friend returned home to our Heavenly Father on Thursday, February 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 2-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 mean the world to John, along with his 9 perfect grandchildren. Being a grandpa is 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 share 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 Gunnsion, 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 Kaityln (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 step-father Geoffrey Harris and his sister, Linda Jill Wegener. Funeral services will be held on Saturday, March 5, 2022 at 12:00 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 prior to the services. Burial will be in the Ephraim Park Cemetery under the care of the Springer Turner Funeral Home of Richfield and Salina, Utah.