Jack Ellis Andersen

Jack Ellis Andersen of River Heights, Utah passed away at home after a long battle with cancer on November 18th, 2014 at the age of 68. He was born to Vern B. Andersen and Helen E. Andersen March 8, 1946. Jack grew up in River Heights and graduated from South Cache High School in 1964. After graduation, he joined the U.S. Army serving as an electronic repairman from 1966-69 Jack graduated from USU in 1972 with a teaching degree for auto mechanics. He married Maxine Olsen on July 29, 1968. She passed away on April 18, 1994. He later married JoAnn Buttars Smart on May 21, 1999. He retired from Thiokol in March 2001 to pursue his dreams of building houses, cars, and other projects, relaxing in the mountains, and skiing.
Jack could usually be found in his shop either fixing or building something. He loved to be creative, never putting the right part on anything but his projects always seemed to turn out. Jack was always willing to help someone solve a mechanical problem, teach them how to put a machine together, or build a special tool or part to fix whatever needed it. Jack and JoAnn spent a lot of time at their cabin in the mountains and skiing the winter powder. It was a sad day when he had to give up skiing, but they found new joy in spending the winters in St. George, “the best of both worlds” as Jack would always say.
Jack is preceded in death by his wife (Maxine) his parents (Vern and Helen), and a sister (Patty Spring). He is survived by his wife JoAnn, sister Peggy (Paul) Rasmussen, children Misty (Todd) Majcher, Jared Andersen, Bridgett (Dustin) Liberty, Amy (Dan) Ernstrom, Jesse (Michelle) Smart, Whitney (Scott) Murphy, nine grandchildren, and one great grandchild.
The family would like to thank Access Hospice, Dr. Firth, Dr. Ben-Jacobs, Dr. Tudor and all the staff at their facilities for their dedicated service.
A celebration of Jack's life will be held on Saturday the 22nd of November at 11:30 a.m. At the Providence Stake Center, 800 S. 600 E. River Heights, Utah. Everyone is invited to a light luncheon following the service. The family will have a private burial ceremony at a later date in the Providence Cemetery.
Condolences may be sent to the family at www.allenmortuaries.net .