Jerry Lee Tonge

A Life Well Lived: Jerry Lee Tonge

The music is a little quieter in North Salt Lake following the death of Jerry Lee Tonge, who passed away on November 13, 2025, at the age of 72. Jerry was a kind-hearted and deeply loved man, famous for his sarcasm and his willingness to help anyone who needed it.

Born in Salt Lake City, Utah, on January 23, 1953, Jerry was the caboose of the family, the youngest of seven children to Lawrence Tonge and Vivian Parkin. He attended West High School and immediately got to work, spending the next 50 years as an automotive mechanic. Jerry was a true man of his hands; if it was broken, he could fix it, and if it wasn’t built yet, he’d likely be found in the garage with sawdust on the floor, crafting something new in his woodworking projects.

Jerry was the definition of a great guy: funny, sarcastic, patient when he needed to be, and just the right amount of stubborn. He had a truly kind heart and was the kind of person who would genuinely give you the shirt off his back without a second thought. He loved fully and deeply, especially his family, and he took every chance he could to talk about them. He was also fortunate to have close relationships with his many nieces and nephews.

His life was set to a soundtrack. Jerry’s love for music was legendary—remember those late-night beats thumping through the neighborhood? Back in the day, he even jammed in a band alongside his best friend, Art Brems, and his wife, Rebecca. When it was time to unwind, Jerry loved hitting the open road for camping and road trips, complete with songs by the fire. Lately, he had found a surprisingly new passion: BINGO.

Jerry is survived by his wife and favorite travel companion, Rebecca Ann (Gallegos) Tonge, whom he married on September 10, 1984. He was the proud father of one son and four daughters: Lori (Wade) Gardner, Rosemary (Trace) Robbins, Jeremiah Tonge, Jacki (Ian) Larsen, and Anjela John (Brady Draper). He was blessed with ten grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren, with one more on the way. He is also survived by his brother, Terry (Nancy) Tonge.

Jerry was ready for his reunion and was preceded in death by his parents, Lawrence and Vivian; his siblings, Lois, Glenn, Shirley, Ron, and Doug; his son, Jeremiah; and his best friend, Art Brems.

Per Jerry’s wishes, there will be no formal service. The family will host a celebration of life in the Spring, where everyone can share a laugh and a story—just the way Jerry would have wanted it.

Jerry will be dearly missed, but his generous spirit and his soundtrack will live on in all who knew him.