Jerry Holt

Obituary
Jerry B. Holt
March 15, 1931- October 7, 2025
Jerry B. Holt passed away October 7th in South Jordan at the age of 94 of natural causes.
Born March 15, 1931, to Tracy Golden and Jessie Holt, his mother passed away when he was only three years old. Raised by his mother's family, the Beckstead's, until his father married Jessie's younger sister Fern who Jerry and others affectionately called 'Aunt Fern'. His father owned the Holt Mercantile on Redwood Road and 10400 South in South Jordan. As a young man, Jerry helped his dad deliver Thanksgiving fixings to all the widows in South Jordan every year. He delivered coal with his brother Ray from the coal yard behind the family store. He even worked at the White Fawn flour mill in the river bottoms. Jerry had a tremendous work ethic working over 10 years at Kennecott Copper then 32 years as a Salt Lake County Sheriff. During the same time, he always had a side hustle: Snow plowing, Construction, flagman or whatever jobs could feed the family.
Jerry's father, Golden, gifted each of his children an acre of ground and helped finance their homes on the southeast corner of Redwood Road and 104th (current location of the Harmons store). Six of the Holt families raised their families on those properties.
As a sheriff, Jerry started as a patrolman for the, then agrarian, southwest quadrant of Salt Lake County. He was the founder of the Salt Lake County Sheriff's K-9 Division and retired with the rank of sergeant/detective over the burglary division.
Jerry loved to hunt, fish, and campout. In the small rural community of South Jordan, deer season was ritualistically over observed by every knuckle dragging adult male. Left behind, as the men scattered to the hills, the wives referred to themselves as 'deer widows'. Feeling abandoned, they formed a group called 'club' of about 30 temporarily estranged wives. To them, 'club' became more sacrosanct than deer season was to the men. They would take turns comfortably partying in their respective homes while their spouses froze in the wilderness.
Jerry was athletic, he and his teammates took 3rd place in the all-church basketball tournament which was a big deal in its day. He served as a scout master, a little league coach and was president of the South Jordan Lions Club. He sang in a barbershop quartet with Jay Fulmer, Des Shields and Glade Mckee with his wife Lola at the piano for over 10 years. They won the State Barbershop Quartet championship.
Jerry was an avid Utah Jazz fan, never missing a game from 'the best seat in the house' his Lazy Boy recliner. One time, in the Intensive Care Unit, he refused treatment until they turned the game on.
Jerry had a tumultuous childhood and endured many hardships. In his senior years, with his children and grandchildren surrounding him, he, through tear filled eyes said, "This (family) is what is most important in life." Life's journey took Jerry over many difficult paths which ultimately lead to a mighty change of heart. His central concern was that Lola, the love of his life, be cared for before he passed.
Jerry was preceded in death by his parents (Golden and Jessie) and siblings (Rela, Lois, Thelma, Jean, Ray, and Jessie), his daughter Mary Kay, grandson Nicholaus and great granddaughter Ann April. He is survived by his half-brother Tracy Kent Holt.
At this writing, Jerry and Lola have 5 children, 14 grand children and 24 great grandchildren.
Close surviving family members include:
Lee Ann Holt Nelson (Kim). Travis Nelson (Becky), Taylor (Melissa) and Alyssa. Jennifer Nelson. Ginger Nelson (Justin) Jessica, Jacob, Gavin, and Grayson. Joel Nelson (Becca), A.J. Cassie Gerdts (William) Kayden, Koleton, Kaleb, and Kamryn. Jordan Nelson (Justine).
Roselene Holt Hammaker (Lynn). Allen, and Amber
Jerrilynn Holt Jorgensen (Jeff). Rhianon Wanlass (Brett) Gage, Stockton, Oaklee. Diedra Williams (Eric) Shydra Murray (Cole) Reed. Devin Jorgensen (Lindsey) Maxon, Beckam, Kate, Daphne. Kemarie Jorgensen.
Garth Holt
Crystal Roy. Brody, and Parker
Funeral services will be held at the Jenkins-Soffe Funeral Home at 1007 South Jordan Parkway in South Jordan Saturday October 11th. Viewing will be from 9:30 am to 10:45 am with a funeral service in the funeral home chapel at 11 am. Graveside services will follow immediately at the South Jordan Cemetery.
A luncheon will be provided by the Riverton 12th Ward at 12:30 in the Meadows ward building, 12459 South Dansie Way in Riverton.
The family wishes to express their appreciation to Riverway Assisted Living and Canyon Home Health and Hospice for their loving and professional care. Thanks to the Riverton 12th Ward for their kindness and service.