Jerry Robert Springer

If you were to ask any Midway resident, “Who is the town historian?’’ only one name would come up, Jerry Springer.

Jerry Robert Springer was born in Bishop, California, on January 21, 1937. He is the oldest son of Beryl Ott and Tura Maryann Holm Springer.

Dad spent his early years living with his parents in various mining camps in California, Nevada, and Utah. Around age seven the family moved to Midway, Utah where he attended the second through sixth grade in the ‘Old Midway School’. He spent most of his summers away at mining camps to be with his father. Later, his family moved to Pleasant Grove, Utah, where graduated from Pleasant Grove High School. Dad was on the wrestling team and participated in other clubs.

He went on to continue his education by attending both Utah State University and Brigham Young University, receiving a bachelor’s degree in sociology and a masters in history. It was while going to Utah State University that he met and married Karen Rae Knight of Woodland, Utah. Mom and Dad married in 1963 and had six children: CheriLynne, Trent, Raechelle, Sarah, Hazel, and the caboose of the family, Robyn. They later divorced, sharing an amicable relationship throughout their lifetimes.

Dad worked underground for several mining companies and for the U.S. Forest Service in the Sierra Nevada's during the summers to help pay for his college education. Dad worked for the State Office of Rehabilitation as a Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor in their Heber and Provo offices for twenty-five years. He enjoyed working with individuals who found it difficult to find employment due to various mental, social, and physical struggles. Throughout his career, he also taught history at Brigham Young University, Utah Valley University and for the Wasatch School District.

History was Dad’s passion. He has spent a lifetime sharing his knowledge of history, starting out with fur trading and mountain men. As children, we always had the best history reports and displays all thanks to him. His favorite history to share was about Midway. Dad had quite the collection of photos and family relics related to Midway that he displayed in his home for decades. His grandchildren would joke that his home was a ‘museum’; and they weren’t wrong. You could talk to Dad for hours about Midway history and learn so much. Dad has published many articles in papers, newsletters, books, and magazines about history. He will be deeply missed for the wealth of knowledge to which many valued.

Dad served in various callings for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints such as, Ward Clerk, Scoutmaster, Ward Missionary, and his longtime favorite of locking up the church building in the evenings. He had fond memories of many scouting backpacking trips into the Uinta Mountains.

Survived by his children CheriLynne Taylor, Trent (Tammie) Springer, Raechelle Heinrich, Sarah (Jason) Mair, Hazel Springer, Robyn (Patrick) Deissner, 17 grandchildren and 1 great grandchild with 3 more on the way. He is preceded in death by his parents, Beryl and Tura, his brother Richard, sister Norma Jean, many aunts, uncles, and his grandparents.

As a family we would like to express our sincere gratitude to Spring Gardens and their wonderful staff as well as Enhabit Hospice who were amazing with Dad’s care.

Funeral services will be held on Saturday, December 30, 2023, at 12:30 PM with visitation that morning from 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM at the Midway Utah Stake Center located at 165 North Center Street, Midway, Utah. To stream the services, please visit https://webcast.funeralvue.com/events/viewer/95944/hash:859B64B05E99753B .

Graveside services will be at the Midway City Cemetery located at 600 West 500 South, Midway Utah.

In lieu of flowers the family has set up a Jerry R. Springer Scholarship Endowment fund through Utah State University. https://www.usu.edu/advancement/give/memorial/springer