Jerry Ramon Zabriskie Obituary (1935 - 2013)

Jerry Ramon Zabriskie, 78 , a loving and kind husband, father, grandfather, great grandfather, brother, friend and the best fishing companion anyone could ask for passed away quietly and peacefully on Monday, November 25th at his home in Murray, Utah. He was born on May 12, 1935 in Mt. Pleasant, Utah to Lonnie J. and Anna Laura Buchanan Zabriskie. Jerry spent his childhood and young adult years in San Pete County where he learned to love the great outdoors, especially if the door he walked out pointed in the direction of a river or lake. Jerry knew a good thing when he saw it and the best thing he ever saw was a beautiful German immigrant with the smile of an angel. He married the love of his life Helga Mettlach in the Manti LDS Temple on February 1, 1963. They were blessed with four amazing sons that have their father's best qualities. He was a loving father and grandfather and some of his greatest joys were watching his children and his grandchildren compete in, participate in, and perform in their many endeavors. Jerry lived his life to the fullest, seeking adventure at every turn, and never settled for being average. His love of bowling took him to the PBA and into the Utah Bowling Hall of Fame. "Gold Fever" led him to adventures around the world. An entrepreneur at heart, he was always searching for new creative endeavors that would allow him to pursue his true passion – fishing. Jerry was a legendary angler, known and revered by many, and recognized by the Deseret News as "Utah's only perfect '10' among fisherman". Whether introducing innovative fishing techniques on Flaming Gorge, competing in the Bass Master Classic, ice fishing throughout Utah, catching marlin, tuna, and roosterfish in Mexico, or fly fishing for salmon in Alaska, you could always find him with a rod (or two) in hand. Fishing was Jerry's greatest medicine, and extended his life many years. Jerry's life was full of sharing all he had with those around him. Be it smoked trout at the bowling alley, never ending stories, advice and a fly to a stranger on the river, or the shirt off his back, he never stopped giving. Jerry will truly be missed by many. Jerry is survived by his four sons, Ramon Burton (Marcene), Ronald Allen, Randy Jay (Linda), and Ryan Dean (Christina); 9 grandchildren; and one great-grandchild on the way. Jerry was preceded in death by his sweetheart Helga Mettlach Zabriskie, his brothers Alan and David, and sister Luann Thomson. A viewing will be held Friday, November 29th from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. at Jenkins- Soffe Mortuary, 4760 South State Street. Funeral services will be held at Little Cottonwood 6th Ward, 6410 South 725 East, Murray, Utah on Saturday, November 30th at 11:00 a.m. where friends and family may visit from 10:00 to 10:45 a.m. prior to the service. Interment at Murray Cemetery, following the service. Online guestbook available at www.jenkins-soffe.com Fish on Big Z! Funeral Home: Jenkins-Soffe Mortuary-Murray 4760 So. State Street Murray, UT