John and Debra Oakeson Obituary

John and Debra Oakeson

- John Harold and Debra Ipsen Oakeson of West Jordan passed away within hours of each other at their home on February 24, 2024 from extended illnesses.

They were married and sealed in the Salt Lake Temple on November 19, 1971 and were faithful members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

John Harold Oakeson was born in Salt Lake City on October 11, 1948 and welcomed lovingly by Harold and Wilma Oakeson. John graduated from Jordan High School and attended BYU. He also served an LDS mission in Eugene, Oregon. He worked for the Sandy City Water Department for over 30 years. He then went on to work for the Utah Division of Drinking Water. He was involved with the Utah and International ABPA (American Backflow Prevention Association) throughout his career, he was the ABPA president from 2007-2009. He received the Meritorious Service Award in 2011. He was involved for many years as a backflow tester at Utah Valley as well. He loved to go fishing in Alaska with his friends, camping and riding his ATV with friends and family. He also loved to spend time with his grandkids.

Debra was born in Murray on May 18, 1951 to George Kaye and Erma Ipsen. She graduated from Jordan High School. Worked at Albertson's in the Deli department for many years. Midvale Elementary as a Special Education Aide for 20 years. Her grandkids were the center of her world. She took care of small children alongside her daughter, Kim for many years; family members, neighbors and friends and the children always felt her love for them. She also enjoyed camping, riding ATV's and her daughters all got their love of wood crafting from their mother.

John and Debra lived in the Sandy (Crescent) area for many years then moved to West Jordan and they also owned a home in Aurora, Utah.

Survived by their daughters: Jamie (Bob) Dedman, Christina Baker (Malik Meggett), grandchildren Treven, Abby and Baylee Dedman. They are survived by John's siblings Lynette (Phil) Baker, Blain (Suzy) Oakeson. Debra's siblings Steven (Sheryl) Ipsen, Mike (Wendy) Ipsen and Stacy (Matt) Gilbert. "Like" grandkids: Kaitlyn, Paisley and Rowan. Also, survived by Diana Lowder and her children Ana, Jesse and Boe who they considered family.

Proceeded in death by daughter, Kim Oakeson on August 12, 2021, John's sister Sharon and his parents Harold and Wilma Oakeson, Debra's parents George Kaye and Erma Ipsen.

Viewings will be held at Jenkins Soffe in South Jordan on February 29, 2024 from 6:00-8:00 pm. as well as 12:00 - 12:45 p.m. on Friday, prior to services

Memorial Services will be held at Jenkins Soffe (1007 W South Jordan Parkway, South Jordan) on March 1, 2024 from 1-2 p.m. Burial will be at the Crescent Cemetery (11105 S. State Street, Sandy) following the Memorial Service.

Jamie and Bob were grateful to have had them at their home for these last few months, Debra and John really enjoyed time spent with their grandchildren, Abby and Baylee. Special thanks to her daughter, Chris and Malik for their loving and compassionate care during the last few weeks. Also, are so grateful for the professional care and kindness from Active Hospice: Tracy, Ashley, Rhonda and Chaplain Mike.

To view webcast of services visit www.jenkins-soffe.com and click on John's obituary.