Vern Lamar Mechling

Vern Lamar Mechling, 93, of Murray, Utah died March 3, 2017 in Murray, Utah surrounded by loving family. Vern was born in Salt Lake City, Utah, January 30, 1924 to Burrel A. and Stella Williams Mechling.

He was a graduate of West High, participating on the yearbook staff and football team. Vern was a WWII decorated US Army veteran, serving in European campaigns with the 740th Railway Operating Battalion from 1943-1946.

Vern continued his railroad career on the Rio Grande, Western Pacific, and Union Pacific railroads. He served as the union representative for the Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers. He retired as an engineer after 47 years of service.

Vern married Gloria Deane Iverson in Salt Lake City on July 20, 1946, later solemnizing their marriage in the Jordan River Temple. They resided in Salt Lake City and Murray, Utah. Recently, they celebrated 70 years of marriage.

Vern enjoyed coaching little league baseball, fishing, hunting, traveling, being a home handyman, and cultivating his yard and garden. Vern and Gloria loved the Utah Jazz. Vern's wife and family brought his greatest happiness, and he generously served them his entire life.

He is survived by his loving wife, Gloria, and five children: Julie Sagendorf (Jerry), Arlene Talbot (Keith), Joanne Sainsbury (Gregg), Dan Mechling (Shannon), and Gary Mechling (Peggy), as well as 16 grandchildren and 37 great-grandchildren.

Funeral services will be held Friday, March 10, 2017, at 11:00 a.m. in the Hillcrest Ward Chapel, 5735 So. Fashion Blvd., Murray, with a viewing from 9:45-10:45 a.m. prior to the service. A viewing will be held Thursday, March 9, 2017, from 6:00-8:00 p.m. at Jenkins-Soffe Mortuary, 4760 South State Street, Murray. Interment will be at Wasatch Lawn Memorial Park, 3401 So. Highland Drive, Salt Lake City.