Jan Christer Jonson

Jan C. Jonson, 82, our beloved husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, brother, friend, and leader passed away on October 3, 2026 surrounded by his family.

Jan was born on February 7, 1944 to Gösta V. Jonson (1922-1992) and Dagny D. Persson (1925-2010) in Sweden. Jan began elementary school in Sweden and attended first grade for 31 days before immigrating to the United States in November 1951 with his mother and sister. Jan’s father preceded them to the USA in April 1951. The family settled in Seattle (Ballard), Washington where Jan attended school and graduated from Ballard High School in 1962. Even though Jan attended only 31 days of 1st grade in Sweden, he was placed in the middle of 2nd grade in the United States so he could be with his age group. Despite having never heard or spoken a word of English when he arrived, he quickly learned the language by going to the Sears and Roebuck store in Ballard and watching TV. This went on until the store manager kicked him out, and then he would stand outside of the store and watch television. Once he began school the language came faster. Jan loved growing up in the beautiful northwest and participated in many outdoor activities such as snow and water skiing, and spending time on the lakes and Puget Sound, as their Sea Explorer Post (Boy Scouts of America) had their own boat.

Jan joined the church at the age of 11 and was an active member his entire life. He served as a missionary in Sweden from 1963-1966. A mission call to Sweden was the fulfillment of a lifelong dream, to be able to serve in the land of his nativity, as promised in his Patriarchal Blessing which he received at age 14. The Jonson family preserved their Swedish traditions throughout his life, and he prided himself on maintaining his Swedish language skills. Jan attended Brigham Young University and graduated in 1969. Jan met his sweetheart Sandi while they both attended BYU. They were married on September 8, 1967 in the Salt Lake Temple. Over the next 40 years they would raise their 8 children. Following graduation, Jan began his career as a Professional Scouter, working for the Boy Scouts of America, and serving first in Idaho Falls, Idaho, and later in Salt Lake City, Utah Councils.

From a young age Jan had a dream of working in medicine, and in 1976 was accepted into the University of Utah Medex (Physician Assistant) Program. He was blessed to be able to provide medical care for 37 years, working in the Salt Lake City area, Camp Williams, and Sanpete County. Jan loved his work in family practice where he was able to provide care from the newborn to the aged. Jan was also blessed to be able to serve his country in the military. He joined the Utah Army National Guard in 1967 and served for 34 years, retiring as a Lieutenant Colonel.

In 2007, his sweetheart and companion of 40 years passed away following a valiant fight with cancer. Jan was blessed when his daughter Kari introduced him to Betty Jorgensen. They began dating and were married for time in the Manti Temple in 2008.

As a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, service is what Jan loved to do. Whether the calling was a home teacher, teaching Sunday School, or working with the youth he was willing. He was blessed to be able to serve as a bishop twice, first in Riverton, Utah and later as a Young Single Adult bishop in Ephraim, Utah. Jan also served as a counselor in the Ephraim Stake Presidency twice. In January 2022, Jan was called as a Stake Patriarch in the Ephraim, Utah Young Single Adult 1st Stake.

Jan and Betty served two brief humanitarian assignments in the Dominican Republic. Together they were able to serve an 18 month mission in the Uganda Kampala Mission in Africa (2012-2014). Betty and Jan served together as ordinance workers in the Stockholm, Sweden Temple in 2016, 2017, and 2019. Jan has continued his service as an ordinance worker in the Manti Temple. One special mission for Jan and Betty was for 18 months at the Ephraim Institute as Young Single Adult Missionaries (2017-2019). In January 2022, Jan began a Church Service Mission on the Returned Missionary Support Service Committee of the Church Missionary Department.

Outside of his role as a husband, father, priesthood leader and medical provider, Jan loved to travel the world and visited 5 of the 7 continents. He served his community as a member of the Ephraim Planning and Zoning Committee. He was a recipient of Scouting’s Silver Beaver award, the council level’s highest volunteer recognition award.

Jan felt his greatest blessings in life were happy marriages to Sandi and Betty, 8 children, 7 stepchildren, 49 grandchildren, and 39 great-grandchildren.

He is survived by his loving wife, Betty, children: Rand C. Jonson (Marianna), Ryan B. Jonson (Kalai), Kari A. Nunn (Chuck), Larissa D. Thatcher (Richard), Janika C. Broomhead (Aaron), Kreg G. Jonson, Shane D. Jonson (Chelsey), and Lori D. Adams (Kenny), stepchildren: Trent R. Jorgensen (Julie), J. Troy Jorgensen (Staci), Andrea Jorgensen, Scott T. Jorgensen (Clara), Brian K. Jorgensen (Tiffany), and Tyler T. Jorgensen (Jessica), 49 grandchildren and 39 great-grandchildren, siblings: Christin I. Sudduth (Ray), and Gregory A. Jonson (Heather), and mother-in-law Carol Olsen. Jan was preceded in death by his eternal companion Sandi Olsen, his parents Gösta V. and Dagny D. Jonson, father in law Dale Olsen, and step-daughter Tamra Kelly.

Funeral services will be held on Saturday, October 10, 2026 at 11:00 am in the Ephraim Stake Center 400 East Center Street with visitations Friday evening from 6-8 pm and Saturday October 9, 2026  from 9-10:30 am. Interment in the Manti City Cemetery. 

To Watch Funeral Services Live, Click Here. The Live Zoom Link will Activate at 10:45 a.m. MST prior to services.