Gerald Ernest Deters

Gerald Ernest Deters passed away peacefully Sunday, December 23, 2018 at the age of 84 surrounded by his family.  
Born February 24, 1934 in Bremen, Germany.  He was the only child of William and Helen Albetzky Deters.  He was sealed to Caroline Richter April 14, 1961 in the Salt Lake  Temple by President Spencer W. Kimball.  
He returned to his homeland to serve a full time mission for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints.  His love for the Gospel and his testimony of Jesus Christ was evident in how he lived his daily life.  Dad served in many positions of the church including; Seminary Teacher, Branch President of the Heritage Branch, Gospel Doctrine Teacher, Temple Ordinance Worker and sang with the Mormon Tabernacle Choir for thirteen years.  He was an avid reader, scriptorian, and journal writer.  
He spent his early years in bomb shelters surviving the bombings of Germany during World War II.  The years immediately following the war were very difficult for his family.  Food was scarce.  He had a strong desire to immigrate to the United States.  That dream was fulfilled by Guy Anderson who sponsored his family's immigration to Arizona when he was 17 years old.
Dad attended Safford High School, and Arizona State College and received his associates degree from LDS Business College.  In 1954 his family moved to Salt Lake City, UT.  He spent the majority of his career as a public accountant.  He loved his clients and they often became very dear friends.  
Mom and Dad lived for 17 years in the Cannon First Ward where they gained dear friends that have been getting together monthly for 53 years.  It was hard for them to leave their friends in the Cannon Ward but followed the promptings to move to Bountiful in 1977.
He was dedicated with being physically active; swimming, scuba diving, and one of his greatest achievements was attaining his black belt when he was 60 years old.
He had a great love for the creation, including; flowers, sunsets, phases of the moon, and the stars.  He loved being in the mountains where he could look at the stars without the lights from the city.  He loved sitting in the sun and tanning his legs and arms.
Dad had an infectious laugh and bright smile.  All those who met him immediately noticed his quick wit and happy disposition.  He knew how to make others happy.
Dad's greatest joy was his family.  He was our number one fan in all of our endeavors.  He is survived by his wife, Caroline, eight children Diana (Blake) Brown, Michelle (Steve) Merkley, Gerald (Jazmin) Deters II, Tonya (Jay) Randall, Robyn (Cameron) Kent, Tyler (Eva) Deters, Nicole Deters, and Heather (Jason) Harbaugh; 27 grandchildren, and 18 great-grandchildren.
Preceded in death by his parents, his in-laws; Fred and Marion Richter, and grandson Kazen Kent.
Dad taught us that prayer was the answer to all things, laughter is the best medicine, and having a sense of humor was key to a happy life.
Dad thank you so much for the example of following Christ and teaching us to love our Savior.  For we know through Him, Families are Forever.  
The family would like to thank all the medical professionals who took care of him during his six plus years of living with Alzheimer's Disease.
Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m., Saturday December 29, 2018, at the Bountiful Central Stake Center, 640 South 750 East, Bountiful UT. Friends and family may visit Friday, between 6 and 8 p.m., at Russon Mortuary, 295 N. Main, Bountiful, or Saturday, 9:30 to 10:30 a.m. at the church. Interment will be at the Bountiful City Cemetery.