Joel "Jeep" Reiter

Jeep was born January 13, 1945 in Salt Lake City, Utah to Joseph and June Reiter. Jeep earned his nickname at a very young age from his parents for being mischievous and his constant Jeep-like climbing capabilities.

Jeep, along with the other “5 J’s” – Joe, June, brothers Jay and Jimmy, were very handy. Growing up they built a swimming pool for the family and friends and spent many summers enjoying it. Later on, they built a cabin in Duchesne from the ground up, which they were proud owners of for many years.

Jeep and his family were avid fishers, they loved golfing, and just being together as a family. Jeep was a classic car enthusiast and could name all cars, years, makes, and models. He loved the classic oldies songs and would often sing along. He passed his love of that music to his children.

Jeep joined the United States Army the First Calvary Division at the age of 17. He started at Fort Douglas (Utah), then spent time in Korea, Fort Bragg (North Carolina), Fort Ord (California), Hawaii, and Japan before finishing his service in the Vietnam War. He loved training and being with his military German Shepherd, Saber, during his time in the army.

A few years after his honorable military service, Jeep met the love of his life Emma Elaine Turcsanski. They were married on June 6, 1967 and just a couple years later began their amazing family legacy.

Jeep loved his in-laws like his own family and William and Ruth loved him, too. He enjoyed going and helping Baba (Ruth) pick cherries and doing yardwork. He loved barbequing for their big family gatherings and holidays.

Jeep worked his ass off to provide a wonderful life for his family – never missing a day of work even in illness. He worked for Kennecott Copper Corporation in the smelter for 37 years and earned his GED through them before retiring in 2002. He then briefly worked for West Jordan City Public Works. After retirement he loved spending time with his kids, grandkids, and great-grandchildren teaching them many skills and how to be hard-workers and good people. He also enjoyed his weekly Jim’s breakfasts with his life-long friends.

Jeep is preceded in death by his parents Joe and June; both of his brothers Jay and Jimmy, his in-laws William and Ruth Turcsanski, and his beloved Saber. He is survived by his sweetheart Elaine, children Lisa (Jesse) Burrell, Christian (Tiffany), Steven (Sammi), Katharine; 16 grandchildren, 20 great-grandchildren, and thousands of friends and fans of his.

A viewing and celebration of life will be held on Tuesday, October 1, 2024 from 11 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. at the Valley View Funeral Home (4335 W 4100 S, West Valley, UT 84120).

In lieu of flowers, Jeep would love for you to consider donating to the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs https://www.cceportal.va.gov/donate_online/