Gary Reeder

Gary Reeder departed this world and joined our Savior Jesus Christ on January 27, 2025. He is missed immensely but his legacy of faith, love, and kindness lives on in all those who were blessed to know him.

Gary was born in Lincoln, Nebraska in 1956. His parents, Merlin and Arlene Reeder, raised him and his brothers in Salt Lake City. His childhood was full of sports, adventures, and playing pranks on his brothers and friends. He went to school at Salt Lake Junior Academy, and graduated from Olympus High School. He also attended Pacific Union College and the University of Utah. He then married DeAnn, his sweetheart, of 44 years and raised his family in the Salt Lake area. Gary was a loving and devoted husband, as well as the most engaged, supportive, and loving father to his kids. His favorite title was that of grandpa and his granddaughters adored him.

Gary was an entrepreneur; he started by working at a nursing home his parents managed and later he would own a carpet store, an AlphaGraphics, and a painting company. Other occupations included a paleontology assistant, an author, a construction worker (his favorite as he got to work with family and friends), bowling alley manager, and in a warehouse. No matter what the job was, Gary showed up every day with a smile, and worked hard to provide for his family.

He enjoyed playing and watching all kinds of sports, from playing baseball as a kid to being a life-long Yankees fan. He enjoyed fishing, attending horse races, and watching the Utah Jazz and Denver Broncos. He loved shooting baskets in the driveway with his kids until well after dark, bowling in countless leagues and tournaments, cheering his son on in bowling leagues and tournaments, and playing leaf baseball with his kids and eventually his grandkids. He also bowled, played softball, as well as chased a little white ball around countless golf courses all over the country with his wife, DeAnn. He loved the sports but more than that, he loved the people he played with. It was always about the people and spending time with those he loved.

He is survived by his wife DeAnn; daughter Brittany (Christopher); son Greg; granddaughters Olivia and Arianna; mother Arlene; brothers, Dennis (Jan), Don (Donna), and Steve (Roxanne); many nieces, nephews, and cousins; and friends he took in and who became family.

So many people loved Gary because they knew he loved them. He exemplified the love of Jesus through his compassion, selflessness, and willingness to serve others. He greeted everyone with a bear hug that enveloped you with a sense of love and comfort. His laughter and joy were contagious and drew people to him. He was an unwavering prayer warrior, from the quiet moments alone with God to marching around hospitals boldly proclaiming God’s word. He led by example by faithfully following his Savior.

We will gather in gratitude to celebrate Gary’s life on March 22, 2025. We would love to have you join us to share stories and remember a life well lived at Winchester Estate Club House 6403 South 710 West Murray, Utah from 1-3 pm. For those that are not able to attend and would like to join a Zoom call, please contact the family to be added to the invite.