John Edward Weichers

In the early morning hours of April 20, 2022, our hero father left his earthly body unexpectedly after a tragic fall the day before.
John was born in Salt Lake City, Utah as the second child, the only son, to John Cecil and Parleyetta Abrigail Weichers. He and his sister, Sharron, were the best of friends. Growing up in Holladay he enjoyed the beauty and adventure in the outdoors. He learned to hunt and respected the bounty that it gave.
He graduated from Skyline High School in 1964 where he sang in the choir and befriended everyone around him. He was charismatic and funny with a giving heart which made him a magnet for friends. He later attended the University of Utah where he played basketball as a Ute and loved it. During that time he joined the Air Force and was stationed and worked at Hill Air Force Base. On rare occasions he would talk about his experiences there. Working in a top secret hangar where curious things were happening.
He made the most of this time of life. Somewhere along the line, his obsession with cars, boats and “toys” of all kinds began. His first car was a Mercury Comet and he cherished it. This was the first of a long, long line of cars that went through his life.
In January of 1969, he was introduced to a beautiful blonde, Sonia Knudsen. She stole his heart immediately and from there on out, it was all hers. He swooned her with flowers and gifts while impressing her with his car and boat. They laughed and had fun, went to concerts, shows, and of course movies. They camped and sledded…all the things young love should experience. In July of 1969, John could not wait any longer and proposed. There were no whistles or parties, nothing fancy at all. A simple knee on the side of the road sealed the deal for both of them.
On November 7, 1969, John Edward Weichers and Sonia Knudsen married at the Carillion Reception Center in Bountiful, Utah. They made their home there in Bountiful and started their life together.
All John and Sonia wanted was to be parents and start a family. In November, 1970, they got their wish. They welcomed their first child, Wendi K., and this cherished part of life began. In December 1972, Jason John was born to their growing family. Five years passed and Chad Cameron was born in November of 1977. Eighteen short months later in July 1979, they were surprised by twin daughters, Nikki Marie and Jodi McKale. The Weichers family was complete, for now.
As the Weichers family grew, grandchildren entered the picture. John and Sonia were enamored and couldn’t help but spoil each and every one, every chance they could. They gave love and kindness and taught them how to be good people. They were adored and each one of them are better because of the love they were given. It did not matter if they were their blood or brought by marriage, they were all theirs and they loved them endlessly and would do absolutely anything for them.
Growing up in the Weichers household was always an adventure. John would frequently bring home a random car, snowmobile, wave runner, scooter or trailer. As kids, we loved it! We traveled often and almost every summer went to Disneyland and Knott’s Berry Farm. It was exciting and fun and we loved being together.
John and Sonia traveled the world. The Caribbean, Spain, Italy were just a few. John loved Italy and talked about their visit there. He loved the architecture and romance of such a beautiful place. They knew they were so lucky to be able to do such amazing things and they never took it for granted.
John was always a character. He had endless stories that kept you on the edge of your seat. He may have been, at times, a master exaggerator, but that just made it all more interesting. We laughed and loved that about him. He was generous to a fault, but that didn’t stop him one bit. He would see a need and fill it without even thinking twice. He had skills in buying and trading almost anything and made it into an art. He taught his sons and grandsons, especially, how to find a deal. With John, it didn’t matter if it was $5 or $5000. If it was a deal it was worth having or at least trying to get. Again, it just made life more interesting.
John worked for years at Motor Sportsland in Salt Lake and couldn’t help but love being around such fun things. From there he moved to Intermountain Lighting, just up the street. There he flourished and learned a love for lighting. He gained lifelong friendships there continued throughout his life. After Intermountain went out of business, he was a manufacturer’s representative for a while, but wanted something more. In 1985, he started The Lighting System where he could be his own boss and make it his own. He brought on board an amazing crew that drove the business forward allowing it to flourish and grow. Many of his children came on board and he taught all of them what success looks like, through hard work, honesty and perseverance. He appreciated success and did not take it for granted. In 2009, the Lighting System closed its doors, but not without leaving its impact on so many families in the industry.
He eventually went to work at Via Digital Solutions in Draper. He loved being there and those he worked with. They filled something inside of him that gave him purpose and that wanted feeling of success.
Our hearts are broken and aching at the passing of him, especially so suddenly and unexpectedly. With both of our parents gone, it is hard to imagine life without them. We only find comfort in knowing that it must have been the most glorious of reunions as they could finally hold each other again. We know in our hearts that we will be with them again and be in their glorious love.
As John and Sonia’s family, we would like to honor and give our sincerest thanks to the numerous friends, some life-long, that they had. They were blessed with people around them who knew how great they were. We are grateful to each and every one of you. Your love and kindness has helped make each one of us who we are today.
We cannot forget the family, friends, neighbors and ward members who have gone out of their way to give such love, kindness and respect to our family in this time. We love you all.
John is preceded in death by loving wife, Sonia Knudsen. He is survived by sister Sharron Anderson (Roy); his children, daughter Wendi Hedricks (Mark), son Jason, son Chad (Heather), daughter Nikki, daughter Jodi; grandchildren, Parker, Camryn, Hanna (Austin), Haley, Braxton, Bailee, Ridge, Jagger, Grady, MiKayla, Aleea, Zoey and Jayce; great-grandchildren Knixon, Axel and Lennox.
He is also preceded in death by his parents, John Cecil and Parleyetta Abrigail Weichers.
Funeral services for John will be held on Tuesday, May 3, 2022, at 11:00 a.m., at the LDS Rose Canyon Meetinghouse located at 6869 Vista Springs Drive, Herriman, Utah. Friends may call on Monday evening, May 2, 2022, from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. and Tuesday morning at 10:00 a.m., prior to services, also at the LDS Rose Canyon Meetinghouse. Interment will be at Memorial Mountain View Cemetery, at 3115 East 7800 South, Salt Lake City, Utah.
Service Information
Viewing May 2, 2022 at 6-8 pm
6869 Vista Springs Drive, Herriman, Utah





Viewing May 3, 2022 at 10:00 am
6869 Vista Springs Drive, Herriman, Utah





Funeral Service
May 3, 2022 at 11:00 am
6869 Vista Springs Drive, Herriman, Utah