David Winn

David Ralph Winn, 81, of Cottonwood Heights, Utah passed away holding Vera’s hand on April 7, 2020 after a courageous battle with Alzheimer’s. David was born in Salt Lake City, Utah, on October 16, 1938 to Ralph Elwood and Francis Fay Seely Winn. He was the youngest of three children, and the only son. He graduated from Jordan High school, and then from the University of Utah with a degree in physics, followed by an MBA. David was in the Utah National Guard Reserve and the Air Force Reserve.
At 19 years old, David was called to serve in the Germany South Mission. He served there for 2 ½ years from 1958-1961. He loved his mission, the people and the language. Upon returning home following his mission, his best friend set him up on a blind date with a German girl. The rest is history. David was married to Vera Doebbert on June 3, 1964 in the Salt Lake Temple. Together they had 3 daughters. They, along with their spouses, children and grandchildren, became his whole life. His gentle and loving care of his family was his first priority in life, and his passing has left a void in each of their lives. They all look with hope and happy anticipation to their reunion one day! Following graduation from the University of Utah, he was hired by IBM as a Systems Engineer. David spent his entire career at IBM developing software, a job which he loved very much. Following his retirement, he went to work for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints as a developer, followed by a few years teaching physics and astronomy at Salt Lake Community College. He and his wife served many missions together. The first was to the Iowa, Des Moines mission from 2008 – 2009. Then they served in the Utah, Salt Lake City East mission from 2013 – 2014. In 2015 they began serving two missions simultaneously. One at the Family History Library, which he was released from in 2019, and the other at the Brighton Branch, where he served until his passing. He loved his missions, the people he met and served, and answering the call of the Lord.
David is survived by, and will be deeply missed by, his devoted wife and eternal companion, Vera Winn who has served him so faithfully through these difficult years; his children Tricia (Cheyn) Gunnerson, Tasha (Rob) Murphy and Niki (Michael) Grooms; grandchildren Kacey Gunnerson, Austin Gunnerson, Jessica (TJ) Wenner, Spencer Gunnerson, Heather Gunnerson, TJ (Janene) Murphy, Zack (Camille) Murphy, Sam (Wade) Healy, Chase Murphy, Thomas Grooms, Nathan Grooms, Jonathan Grooms; and great-grandchildren Haeden Murphy, Jacob Murphy, Jane Murphy, Quinn Healy, Parker Healy, and two more arriving soon. He is preceded in death by his parents, sisters, and grandson, Preston.
A special, heartfelt thank you to Heartwood Hospice who cared so tenderly for David for the past thirteen months, especially Keiry, Emma, Lisa and Kiley for their gentle and loving service. Due to the current restrictions resulting from COVID 19, there will be no viewing. We encourage everyone to leave a memory or a thought of David on his Facebook page that can be enjoyed by his family in the months and years ahead. A private graveside service will be held with immediate family on Saturday, April 11, 2020 at 11 a.m. Those who wish to view the service live-streamed are welcome. In lieu of flowers, please make a donation to the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints Humanitarian Fund.
Streaming Instructions:
1. Joining by computer
a. Go to zoom.us in any internet browser
b. Click “join meeting”
c. Enter the meeting id – 8015661249
d. A box will open saying “https://zoom.us wants to open this application”. Click “open zoom”
e. Click “Join with Computer Audio”
f. Click “Mute” in the bottom left hand corner so that your audio does not interrupt the funeral services
2. Joining by phone or iPad
a. Download the Zoom app
b. Open the app and select “join a meeting”
c. Enter the meeting id – 8015661249
d. Select “join without video”
e. Select “Call using internet audio”
f. Select “mute” in the bottom left hand corner so that your audio does not interrupt the funeral services.