Jerry L. Vander Meyden

Our father, grandfather, and great-grandfather, Jerry L Vander Meyden passed away Wednesday, August 27, 2025. Jerry was born to Henry “Hank” Vander Meyden and Margia Lawson on July 24, 1944. He met the love of his life, Lucile Trowbridge, in second grade, promising her the next year that he would marry her someday. Even though they ran around in different circles throughout childhood, he made good on that promise. They were married in the Salt Lake Temple on October 5, 1964. They raised their six children in Centerville. His final thoughts included concern for her.

Dad was taught the principles of hard work and service from a young age and lived those principles throughout his life. His hard work showed in the 40 years he spent working for the U.S. Postal Service as a rural letter carrier. During those years, he served as State Steward and State Association President. One of his favorite roles came later in his career when he began training new carriers. He earned his Million Mile Award, driving a million miles to deliver mail. He worked hard to keep his yard in beautiful condition; it served as the perfect place for family gatherings and games of wiffle ball, football, and airsoft battles, all of which he participated in.

Dad loved to serve. He owned all sorts of tools and equipment and would regularly lend them to others, but more frequently was found working right alongside them with their projects. He spent over 20 years serving in the Boy Scouts program, helping boys learn to love the outdoors and life skills all while having fun. He was often found in his shop working on an Arrow of Light award plaque for someone new. In the winter, he would drive around looking for people who were stuck in the snow and pull them out. Dad never turned any of us - kids or grandkids - away from helping with a project. He often asked us to join him, instilling in us a love for working with our hands, and a love for him.

One of Dad’s talents was his ability to recognize the abilities of others and help them reach their potential. He used this skill as a coach both on and off the field. He coached multiple baseball, softball, and basketball teams, as well as teaching his kids and grandkids to golf, fish, shoot rifles and bows, cook, fix sprinklers, change brakes, tires, and oil, and everything else he could think of. He had a love for all things outdoors (hunting, fishing, camping, identifying plants and animals) and woodworking. Dad was truly gifted with his hands and had a creative mind that allowed him to make all sorts of useful things.

Dad loved everyone he met without judgement. Trips to the grocery or hardware store were usually longer than expected because he’d find someone to talk to. He and Lu served as young-single and mid-single adult leaders for a number of years and claimed many of them as their own children. He had a sense of humor that he shared everywhere he went. In his many hospital visits throughout the years, his room was full of laughter - even when it hurt him to laugh.

Among the highlights of Dad’s life were his years of service as an ordinance worker at the Bountiful Utah Temple. He was always willing to take extra shifts and served three days a week until his health no longer allowed him to serve. He loved recalling his sacred experiences there, sharing and testifying to us of those that he could. He cherished his testimony of the Savior Jesus Christ and did his best to emulate His example of love and service.

Jerry is survived by his wife, Lu; sons Dirk (Athena), Wil (Taki), Kyle (Jennifer), and Hank (Kellee); daughters Gretta (Shane) Salmon, and Juelee (Nick) Grundvig; 17 grandchildren: James (Athena) Vander Meyden, Jenni Vander Meyden (Nolan DeWolf), Emma Vander Meyden, Brianna (Julien) DuBois-Emond, Anthony Amaro (Ashley Bido), Ryan (Breana) Lemon, Todd Lemon, Zach Lemon, Josh Salmon, Abby Grundvig, Logan Grundvig, Emmeline Grundvig, Allison Grundvig, Linus Grundvig, Axl Vander Meyden, Coen Vander Meyden, and Quin Vander Meyden; two great-grandchildren Rowen and Oax Lemon; his sisters Marian (Bob) Speirs, and Kaye Hardy; and his brother Brent (Marti) Vander Meyden. He was preceded in death by his parents, brother-in-law Byron Hardy and many others he was looking forward to seeing again.

Viewings will be held Tuesday, September 2 from 6:00-8:00 p.m. at Russon Mortuary, 295 North Main, Bountiful, Utah, and Wednesday, September 3 from 9:45-10:45 a.m. at the Centerville Tabernacle, 160 South 300 East, Centerville, Utah, with the funeral following at 11:00 a.m. at the church. Interment at a later date at Fir Ridge Cemetery in West Yellowstone, Montana.

In lieu of flowers, please donate to The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints missionary or humanitarian aid funds or a charity of your choice.