John Floyd Iverson

John Floyd Iverson, died on February 28 at age 81, peacefully in the hands of his children. He was a loving husband to Raegene Day Iverson and a patient and loving father. He was known for his intellect, welcoming and warm presence, compassion, hard-work, and ability to overcome challenges.

John was born November 14, 1938 to Floyd and Margaret Iverson in Alturas, California. Given his father’s U.S. Forestry career, John’s family moved around (CA, OR, MT) until finally settling down in Ogden, UT. John graduated from Ogden High school in 1957. He then went on to graduate from the University of Montana in 1961. John also served in the U.S. Marine Infantry Reserve & and as U.S. Army Officer. After his time in the service, John earned his M.S. degree in history and geography in 1970.

He spent most of his adult career life teaching history and geography in both junior-high (Brockbank and Kearns) and high-school (Cottonwood High) in the Salt Lake area. During his time teaching at Brockbank, John met a beautiful kindergarten teacher by the name of Raegene Day. At this time John made a momentous decision that was to have everlasting significance for he and his future family, he was baptized a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints in June 1968. John and Raegene were then sealed for time and all eternity in June 1969 in the Salt Lake LDS Temple.

In 1971, John and Raegene welcomed their first child David followed thereafter by Julie, Paul, and Shari. During summer breaks, John enjoyed spending time with his family and taking weeklong camping trips to the Spruces campground. These camping trips were summer highlights for all involved.

In 2001, John and Raegene were called to serve an 18-month mission humanitarian mission in Vientiane, Laos. During this joyous time, they taught English to government officials and teachers and lead humanitarian improvement projects across the country. At the conclusion of their mission, John and Raegene agreed that this experience was the high point of their lives.

Upon their return home from Laos in 2003, John and Raegene sold their home in Salt Lake and moved to St. George, UT where they enjoyed warm winters and even warmer summers. In 2005, Raegene was diagnosed with inoperable brain cancer. Over the next two years, John cared for her until her passing in March 2007. Raegene was the love of John’s life and though he continued to press on, he was devastated by this loss.

Following Raegene’s death, John continued to live in St. George, UT until 2013. At that time, he moved to Gilbert, AZ to be closer to his youngest daughter Shari and her family.

John enjoyed his life, his family, and his church very much. He loved outdoor activities, reading, gardening, and painting. However, his greatest love was spending time with his family and friends whenever and wherever possible.

John is survived by his son David Iverson (wife Tammy), his son Paul Iverson (wife Sara), and his daughter Shari Michaud (husband Richard). Also, he is survived by 14 grandchildren and 1.5 great grandchildren. John is preceded in death by his wife Raegene and his daughter Julie Naisbitt (husband Travis).

John’s funeral will be at 4pm Thursday March 5th in Gilbert, AZ at the The Church located at 4170 S Ranch House Pkwy. He will be buried at the Scipio Town Cemetery, next to his wife Raegene, following a graveside service on Saturday March 7th at 11am.

If you wish to send flowers, please send them to Valley of the Sun Mortuary no later than 1pm on Thursday. 10940 E Chandler Heights Rd., Chandler, Arizona 85248