Kari Kerr

Kari Lindback Kerr was born in Stockholm, Sweden, on June 12, 1943, to Erik and Anna Sofia Lindback. She was the youngest of two daughters, with her older sister Jannicke Lindback Brewer. Kari's heritage was a blend of Swedish and Norwegian roots, and she came from a long line of strong women who not only cherished their families but were also devoted members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Sweden.
Growing up in Stockholm, Kari developed a love for learning and a passion for physical education. She attended the Kunliga Gymnastiska Centralinstitutet, where she began her studies in physical education. This early interest would shape the rest of her academic and professional journey.
Kari's desire for further education led her to Brigham Young University (BYU) in Provo, Utah, where she was accepted into the physical education program. She earned her Master's Degree from BYU, all the while contributing to the university community as a teaching assistant and later as a faculty member. During her time at BYU, Kari also became involved in the university's folk-dance group, an activity she cherished.
In addition to her academic pursuits, Kari spent her summers working at the prestigious Elizabeth Arden Red Door Salon & Spa in San Francisco, California, where she managed the physical education floor. These experiences combined to create a unique and fulfilling career in physical education and fitness.
It was during her time at BYU that Kari met John Kerr Jr., and the two were married in the Salt Lake Temple on January 19, 1968. Over the years, Kari and John built a beautiful life together, raising six children and later enjoying the blessings of 27 grandchildren and 9 great-grandchildren, all of whom she loved dearly.
Kari's professional life continued to reflect her passion for fitness and education. She taught physical fitness at Fresno State University in California, served as a fitness instructor at Indiana University, and later returned to BYU as a faculty member. Her dedication to teaching and helping others live healthy, active lives was evident throughout her career.
A deeply spiritual woman, Kari had a lifelong love for temple work. She served faithfully at the Mount Timpanogos Temple near her home in Utah, where she found joy in helping others make sacred covenants. Kari also served two missions with her husband, John. The first was at the Stockholm Sweden Temple, and the second was in El Salvador, where they worked together to serve the people and strengthen the church.
Kari also had a great passion for genealogy, with a special interest in working on Swedish family history records. She found fulfillment in helping preserve and connect her ancestors' stories, especially through her work with family search arbitration.
Above all, Kari was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and friend. She was a woman of deep faith, compassion, and service, and her love for her family and her church was evident in all she did. Kari will be remembered for her strength, kindness, and the love she shared with those who were fortunate enough to know her.
Kari is survived by her beloved husband, John Kerr Jr., their six children, 27 grandchildren, and 9 great-grandchildren. She will be deeply missed but forever remembered for the love, wisdom, and joy she brought to her family and all those whose lives she touched.
The family would like to thank the dedicated staff of Dr. Chipman, Dr. Garner and Health and ICare Hospice for their exceptional care during Kari's final months.
Funeral services to celebrate Kari 's life will be held December 18, 2024 at 11:00 a.m. in the Manila Stake Center, 850 North 900 East, American Fork, Utah. Family and friends may attend a visitation from 9:00 – 10:45 am prior to the service. Interment will be in the Alpine City Cemetery under the direction of Olpin Family Mortuary, Pleasant Grove, Utah. Condolences may be sent to the family at www.olpinmortuary.com.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints' missionary or humanitarian funds.