Gerald S. Meiling

Gerald Stewart Meiling, beloved husband, father, grandfather, brother, and friend passed away unexpectedly May 8, 2017 from a heart attack while snorkeling off the coast of the Galapagos islands. Jerry loved adventure travel and exploring new places, and he died doing what he loved. He was well known for his intellect, work ethic, generosity, and story telling.

Jerry was born September 12, 1936 to Harry Louis Meiling and Iona Faulkner in Provo, Utah. He was the oldest of three children. Jerry graduated from Granite High School in 1954 and the University of Utah in 1958 with a BS degree in Ceramic Engineering. He also earned MS in 1959 and PhD in 1966 in Material Science of Ceramics, both from Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT). Jerry married Jane Sprunt on July 20, 1962 in the LDS Logan temple.

Jerry worked his entire 31-year career for Corning Inc in New York. He started work at Corning in 1966 doing ceramic research and was awarded multiple patents for his inventions and discoveries. His work related responsibilities expanded over the years. At the end of his career he was Senior Vice President of Research & Development worldwide. He retired early from Corning in 1997, and returned to Utah with his wife Jane to care for her as she started to decline with Alzheimer's disease.

A faithful member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Jerry served as a missionary in the Northwestern States Mission from 1959-1961, and another mission with his wife Jane in the California San Diego Mission from 1999-2000. He also served as Bishop, Counselor in a Stake Presidency, Counselor in a Mission Presidency, Temple worker, and many other callings in the Church.

Jerry is survived by his three children, John Meiling (Pamela), David Meiling (Anne) and Marcine Meiling Rodrigues (Eduardo); his brother Paul Meiling; his sister Mary Meiling Clark; and seven grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his wife Jane, and his parents Harry and Iona.

Friends and family are invited to a viewing and family visitation Saturday May 27, 2017 from 9:00-10:15 a.m. followed by a memorial service and celebration of life in his honor at 10:30 a.m. at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Little Cottonwood 16th Ward, 6350 S. Rodeo Lane (1540 E.), Murray, UT. Interment will be at Wasatch Lawn Memorial Park.

Flowers can be sent in care of Jenkins-Soffe Funeral Home, 1007 W. South Jordan Parkway, South Jordan, Utah, 84095.