John “Jack” Bergstedt

Johan Henrik (Jack) Bergstedt, our adored father, grandfather, brother, and friend, passed away peacefully on May 29, 2024.

He had a wonderful life.

Jack was born on September 11, 1929 in Brooklyn, New York, to Norwegian immigrant parents Henrik Waldemar Bergstedt and Ruth Nilsen Bergstedt. He took great pride in having been named Most Beautiful Baby born at Shore Road Hospital that year.

Jack spent his early childhood in Brooklyn, New York, Arendal, Norway and then Quincy, Illinois before settling with his family in Salt Lake City. He attended Garfield Elementary, Irving Jr. High, and graduated from East High School in the Class of 1946.

The eldest of six children, Jack loved growing up in a large family, in a neighborhood filled with aunts, uncles, and cousins. He enjoyed skiing, hiking and camping trips with family, and playing outdoor games with his cousins and friends. He loved the festive extended family gatherings for holidays and other celebrations.

Jack learned, through his parents' example, the value of hard work. Early on, he set a goal and worked alongside his friends to earn the rank of Eagle Scout. He caddied at the Salt Lake Country Club and he worked at Laura Larsen's ice cream shop, where he learned to make - and appreciate - a delicious, double-thick chocolate malt. He spent summers throughout high school and college as a construction laborer, always alongside his father, a construction supervisor. In later years, he collaborated with his father on several projects, including the family cabin they built in Big Cottonwood Canyon.

An active member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, Jack served a 30-month mission to Norway. He loved the traditions and lifestyle of the Norwegian people, and was captivated by the beauty of that land. He maintained lifelong friendships with fellow missionaries and others he met during that time. One highlight of Jack's missionary service was helping to proofread the Norwegian translation of LDS Scriptures.

Jack was a Captain in the U.S. Army Counterintelligence Corps. He was stationed on active duty first at Ft. Holabird in Baltimore, and then at Ft. Douglas in Salt Lake City. He earned his B.A. Degree in Business Administration from the University of Utah. Shortly after graduating, Jack established his career in management at Mountain Bell/U.S. West Communications. It was there that he met his best friend and true love, Ronda Lindsey; they were married on September 20, 1963 in the Salt Lake LDS Temple.

Jack's greatest love and highest priority was his family. He and Ronda spent many happy years together before her passing in 2020. They complemented each other, enjoyed one another's company, and shared a sense of humor which helped them through life's challenges. Ronda referred to Jack as, "the best thing that ever happened to me!" Jack's devotion to Ronda was especially evident as he cared for her in later years, while she struggled with the effects of Alzheimer's Disease. Despite her illness, she always knew she adored him, as he did her, and they remained sweethearts until the end.

Jack cherished his roles as father and grandfather. He instilled within his family a strong sense of unity, and made sure each of his children knew they were loved and appreciated. Jack's four grandchildren were his pride and joy. They added years to his life, and life to his years. "Grandpa Jack" was legendary. He was their biggest supporter, and grateful to be actively involved in each of their lives. Jack once said, "If there's ever been a greater invention than grandchildren, I don't know what it is!"

Jack had a great enthusiasm for life, an innate curiosity about the world, and a true love of learning. He was a voracious reader, and always well-informed about world events. He thrived on hard work and activity. He was happiest when he had some kind of building, remodeling or organizing project going on.

Jack loved Big Band Music, hot chocolate, and reading the newspapers. He loved family dinners, good conversation, and Diet Cokes with lime. He treasured time spent at his family cabin, and long drives up the canyon in one of the Mustang convertibles he owned and loved. He loved mango pineapple smoothies, See's Candies and handwritten notes. He was clever and witty, known to joke or break into song, always lightening the mood. His sense of humor was a key component of his personality, creating an atmosphere of laughter in his home.

Jack was a true People Person, with a genuine interest in and concern for others. He always said, "To be interesting, be interested," and he was. He asked questions, remembered details, and gave sincere compliments. He was fascinated by people's stories. Jack maintained close friendships with people from all walks of life, and he served, housed and advocated for those he loved. Jack will be remembered for his kindness, compassion, and quiet, heartfelt acts of service. He was humble and he was grateful, especially for the fullness of the life he lived.

Jack is survived by his children, Riley, Ellen (George) Brown, Ann Anderson, and Jane; four grandchildren, Bunny and Will Anderson, and Lucy and Ben Brown; his sister, Helen Bradshaw, brother, Steven (Irene) Bergstedt, sister in-law, Connie Bergstedt, and brother in-law Robert Horton. He is also survived by his in-laws, Quincy (Ralph) Thornton, Ben (Nancy) Worth, Lundy Facer, Joni Worth, and Cindy Crosby, and numerous dear nieces and nephews.

Jack is preceded in death by his wife, Ronda; son, Ryan Edward; two sisters, Eleanor Horton and Sonja Ruth Anthony; his brother, Einar Bergstedt, and numerous in-laws.

Jack's family will honor his wishes by holding a private memorial service. In his memory, please consider reaching out to someone who might need a friend, an act of service, or a double-thick chocolate malt.

Dad, Vie elsker deg!