Jon Zollinger Thompson

Jon Zollinger Thompson, 86, returned to his Heavenly Father September 20, 2023. He was born January 16, 1937 at the home of his grandparents in Providence, Utah, to his parents, Aldon Junius and Ora Zollinger Thompson. Dad was one of seven children raised in a loving home in Elwood, Utah.

Dad graduated from Bear River High School in 1955. He was a student of Utah State University studying engineering when his father died suddenly. With the death of his father, dad put his education on hold to complete all the construction projects his father had in progress. The construction business brought much satisfaction and pleasure to dad. He has been responsible for the construction of many residences, farm buildings, and many Latter-day Saint chapels and seminaries in Northern Utah.

Dad married his high school sweetheart, Betty Mae Allen, September 23, 1960 in the Logan Temple. Together they set down their roots in Deweyville. Over the next 25 years they raised 3 girls. After the accidental death of Betty Mae, dad was blessed with love again. He married Aleta May Wharton Nielsen, January 19, 1985. She brought 3 children into their union and they became the parents of six children. Dad and Aleta spent the next 25 years together working in construction, serving in church callings, traveling, fishing, camping; and most importantly enjoying 24 grandchildren and 44 great grandchildren. Aleta passed from cancer October 1, 2010.

Dad worked hard and played just as hard. His passion in life was aeronautics. He loved to fly his Super Cub! He logged countless hours of excitement and adventure. He appreciated the outdoors and nature’s beauty. He relished a warm camp fire, a worm laced lure, the crisp misty morning of the first day hunt, any means of transportation moving at high-speed, playing heads or tails with a double headed nickel with the grandkids. Nothing gave him more delight than holding a new born child.

Dad’s life was dedicated to the service of others. He quietly served the lonely, widowed and broken hearted. He always had a smile and an encouraging word for those he crossed paths with. His lifetime of church service included, High Counselor, Bishopric Counselor and Bishop of the Deweyville Ward. The callings he enjoyed most were always with the youth of the ward. Dad had a firm testimony of his Savior, Jesus Christ, the truth, and joy of living the gospel and looked for opportunities to share it through word or deed.

Dad is survived by five daughters: Jeri (Kevin) Garn, Natalie (Ted) Kay, Kris (Boyd) Udy, Keeley (Van) Hardy and Traci (Mark) Forsey. Siblings Richard Z (Kaaren) Thompson, Aldene Thompson, David Z (Trudy) Thompson, Henry Z (Kathy) Thompson and Rose Ann Linford (Tom) Smith. He was preceded in death by his parents, his wife, Betty Mae, his wife, Aleta, his son, Scott Nielsen, his brother, McAldon Thompson.

The family wishes to express deep gratitude to the Deweyville Community, Dr. Lance Barker, Amber Jones R.N., his friends, and family for lovingly caring for and serving him.

Funeral services will be held on Thursday, September 28, 2023 at Noon. Viewings will be held on Wednesday, September 27, 2023 from 6-7:30 P.M. and prior to the service from 10-11:30 A.M. All services will be held at the Deweyville LDS Church (10750 N 3000 W- Deweyville). Interment will be held in the Deweyville Cemetery.