Jene O. Kartchner

Jene O. Kartchner

Another member of America’s “greatest generation” has passed. Jene Orrin Kartchner died October 7, 2016 surrounded by his loving family. He was born December 10, 1924 in Snowflake, Arizona. He grew up during the great depression and the waning days of the old Wild West. He always said “we weren’t poor we were just like everybody else”. He had so many fond memories of Arizona and his early childhood. Those were tough times that produced tough people.

When World War Two broke out he tried to trick his father into signing permission papers so he could join the military as a 17 year old. Grampa figured out his plan and told him to wait, that his time would soon come and it wasn’t long before he was drafted and joined the Navy. He ended up in the Philippines working on PT-boats. He was always so proud to have served the country he loved so dearly.

Jene went to BYU and became an elementary school teacher. He was tender hearted and always the champion of the underdog. He was most proud and happy when he was able to show a struggling young person their great worth and potential. He loved his students.

It was while teaching in southern Utah that he met the love of his life and on December 29, 1959 he married Alberta Evans in the St. George temple. They were blessed with three beautiful children Jerry, Steven and Carla. Their home was a place of refuge from the world, filled with love and happiness. He was the best “dad”.

A member of the LDS church he loved the Savior and served him to the best of his ability in many capacities including as a Bishop and an ordinance worker with his wife in the Bountiful Temple. If ever there was a Christ like person it was Jene.

He is preceded in death by his wife, son Steven and all of his siblings. He was the last of a mighty generation. Survived by Jerry and Carla and eight grandchildren and his first great grandchild who is due any day. He is also survived by many nieces and nephews, he loved each one of them.

Funeral services will be held Friday October 14, 2016 at 1:00 pm at the LDS chapel located at 436 West Porter Lane in Centerville, Utah. A viewing will be held before the funeral starting at 11:45am and on Thursday October 13 at 6:00pm at Russon’s Mortuary 295 North Main in Bountiful.