Jerry Hancock Zenger

Jerry Hancock Zenger, passed away peacefully, surrounded by his family, on February 17, 2018 at the age of 90. He was born in Salt Lake City, on October 11, 1927 to John Henry Zenger and Leah Ruth Hancock. He attended East High School but graduated from Provo High. After receiving a degree in physics at Brigham Young University, he served in the US Air Force during the last two years of World War II.  Moving to California, he worked for Lawrence Livermore Laboratory.  While living in Berkeley and attending the Institute of Religion, he met  Marie Thomas to whom he was married in 1957. They had “four fine children”: John, Briana, Jarom and Joel. Moving to Salt Lake, Jerry worked in the Engineering Experiment Station at the University of Utah, mainly focusing on energy conservation, until his retirement in 1994.

Jerry is a wordsmith, woodworker, singer, pianist, avid gardener, mechanic and connoisseur of European cars. He was always ready to give both definition and usage for words unknown to others. He read the paper and various informational magazines everyday. In consequence, he was well-read and always current on world events. He was a lifelong learner and had in depth knowledge of how things worked in many areas. 

Jerry was throughout his life a devoted member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and severed in many callings, including faithful service as an assistant ward clerk until a week before his passing.  

His ultra organized ‘shop’ produced picture frames, chicken coops, camp kitchens, and bunk-beds among other things. He could repair any electronic appliance and spent countless hours working on numerous cars, often with his sons trying to help. He loved music and sang in the Tabernacle Choir for 9 years from 1980-1989 followed by the Utah Chorale.  He spent many hours listening to orchestra, opera and jazz recordings which brought him much gratification. He was a strong proponent for conservation and thrift not only in the workplace but also at home.

Jerry loved being with his grandchildren, and they laughed often.  With them he played croquet, at which he was a master, as well as table-tennis, checkers or chess.  He shared his love of music with his posterity. He also passed on a strong propensity toward thrift.

He is survived by his wife, Marie Thomas Zenger, his younger brother John (Jack) Zenger, his four children and their spouses, John (Abby),  Briana (Stuart), Jarom (Patricia), Joel (Amy) and 17 grandchildren.

Funeral will be held on Saturday, February 24, 2018, at the LDS East Millcreek 15th Ward Chapel, 3750 S. Hillside Lane (2600 E.). Viewing from 9:30-10:30 AM followed by funeral services at 11:00 AM. Interment to follow at Elysian Burial Gardens. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the LDS Church Humanitarian Fund.