Jerald Olean Seelos (Jerry)

Jerald Olean Seelos (Jerry) died on March 30, 2026, in Farmington, Utah. He was born on September 1, 1941, to Leonard and Afton Seelos. He grew up on Broncho Road in Blackfoot, Idaho with his siblings James (Jimmy), Alan, Bonnie, and Meredith (Mere). His mother tragically passed away when he was 16, leaving a hole in the family.

Jerry excelled in school and was student body president and valedictorian of Blackfoot High School, Class of 1959, where he also participated in debate. Jerry’s hard work earned him a scholarship to Columbia University, and he left Idaho for the bright lights of New York City. While at Columbia, Jerry formed life-long friendships and enjoyed his weekly dinner with friends at V&T, consisting of a ground beef patty smothered with cheese and marinara sauce and a side of spaghetti.

While at Columbia, Jerry’s father passed away from a heart attack, which left another hole in the family. He persisted in his studies and received a degree in History, with a dream to be a history professor. Although he never achieved this career goal, “history professor” is an accurate description of who he was.

The big city changed Jerry’s life most importantly when he met Karin Dorothea Weber at a Mutual dance while attending Columbia. Despite his unfortunate attempt to ask her if she knew her way home, they began dating. Famously, on the way to their first date he told the taxi driver she lived on the west side, to which the taxi driver quipped “well if she lives there, she must be a mermaid.” Jerry and Karin were married on July 12, 1963, in the Idaho Falls, Idaho Temple of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

After they were married Jerry and Karin moved to Salt Lake City, Utah. Jerry first worked for the record store at ZCMI and soon after began working for Mountain Bell. They shortly moved to North Salt Lake, Utah where they made their home for over 50 years and welcomed six children. They enjoyed many friendships in their beloved Orchard 5th ward.

Jerry faithfully supported his family and weathered each restructuring, round of layoffs, and each iteration of the “phone company.” He worked his way up to management and retired at age 59. Jerry worked hard, and he instilled the importance of working hard in his family. This was evident by his immaculate yard which was carefully created by the hands of his children who picked up rocks behind him whenever he rototilled.

Jerry enjoyed retirement. He loved a good crossword puzzle. He loved a to-do list even more, checking each item off with a sharpened red pencil. He loved traveling and seeing the world. As a child Jerry was inspired by the book “Mickey Sees the USA.” He took his family on regular family vacations, and many memories were made. He always made sure to point out the hawks.

Jerry especially enjoyed visiting old cemeteries in his travels in support of his other passion, family history work. Jerry was blessed with the spirit of Elijah. Jerry meticulously researched, cataloged, and recorded his family history. He carefully and lovingly sought out his ancestors. With his Aunt Carrie, he co-wrote “Mourits Mouritsen Family History,” an anthology of the family history of his mother’s family. He made a special effort to strengthen family ties, within his own family and with his extended family, and was a strong believer in family reunions. He took special joy from organizing the last George and Sylvia Seelos family reunion in 2021.

Jerry always took an interest in people. He wanted to know their history. Because of his genuine love for and interest in other people, he had many friends. He was the original Facebook long before Facebook was a thing.

Jerry was proud of the opportunity he had to serve a mission with Karin in the Germany, Frankfurt Mission assigned to the Gera branch. He was again proud to serve with Karin as missionaries in the Utah Salt Lake City Headquarters Mission, World Wide Data Quality, Family History and Genealogy Mission. He also served faithfully for many years as a temple worker with his wife. He enjoyed being in the temple doing the work for his ancestors. He had a special gift for teaching and speaking.

Jerry was a steady and supportive presence in the life of each of his children. He was proud of them. He helped them. He was present for important milestones. More importantly, he was always there through the difficulties, sadness, and trials. His advice was often simple, but it was always carefully thought out and thoughtfully given. He smiled. He had a wonderful laugh. These will be sorely missed.

Jerry had a strong testimony of Jesus Christ which was tested and proven through the trials he faced throughout his life. A month before he passed, he told his daughter to “remember my testimony.” He knew this was the most important and worthwhile advice he could pass on.

Jerry developed dementia and fought the slow and painful battle of losing the memories he held dear. Throughout it all, he kept his same cheerful demeanor. His family knows there were many happy family reunions when he returned home. We joyfully look forward to our own reunions with him again someday.

Jerry is survived by Karin, his wife of 63 years, his children: Jennifer (Scot), Andrew (Susan), Suzanne (Eric), Stephanie, Matthew (Jamie), and Amanda (David), 25 grandchildren, 15 great-grandchildren, his brother Alan, and his sister Bonnie. Jerry was preceded in death by his parents, brother Jimmy, sister Mere, his in-laws Hans and Frieda Weber, and grandson Sam.

Jerry’s family would like to thank the loving and caring staff at Legacy House of Park Lane who cared for Jerry with dignity in the last four months of his life. We appreciate the service you offered and the support you provided to do the things we could not do. You are our angels!

A viewing will be held on Friday, April 3, 2026, from 6:00-8:00 p.m. at the Hunters Creek Chapel, 905 Foxhunter Drive, Farmington Utah. A viewing will be held on Saturday, April 4, 2026, from 10:45 -11:45 a.m. at the Hunters Creek Chapel, 905 Foxhunter Drive, Farmington Utah, followed by the funeral at 12:00 p.m. Interment will be at the Memorial Lake View Cemetery, 1640 E. Lakeview Drive, Bountiful, Utah.

The funeral will also be available on Zoom: