J. Verl Rasband July 4, 1929 - January 1, 2026

On January 1, 2026, our sweet father and grandfather, J. Verl Rasband, 96, was reunited with the love of his life, his sweetheart Fern, in what was surely a very joyous reunion.  He is now surrounded by his parents, a grandson, Thomas, and an enormous extended family.  Verl was born on July 4, 1929, in Heber, Utah, to Reed and Teenie Montgomery Rasband, the oldest of four brothers. He was ever proud of being born on such a day, as he enjoyed many parades, parties, and family reunions on his birthday.  He even claimed that a small band announced his birth as they rode about town in the back of a pickup truck playing the Star-Spangled Banner.  It is fitting that he passed away on New Year’s Day.

Verl and Fern were married on September 9, 1949, in Heber City.  Their marriage was later solemnized in the Salt Lake Temple on January 3, 1951.  Dad cherished Mom!  He enjoyed caring for their homes and always had a decorating project inspired by Mom. He had a pristine yard.  Together they traveled throughout the United States.  They loved to spend time camping with family and friends, enjoying the outdoors.  They were avid BYU fans, attending basketball and football games for years, holding season tickets or listening to away games on the radio.  They enjoyed going to movies, dinners, and visiting family.  After retirement, they enjoyed snowbirding in Yuma, Arizona, or staying at their Camper World Properties in their motor home.  Dad cared for Mom for decades as she suffered from poor health.  He wheeled her in a wheelchair and took her to countless doctors.  His service was a testament to his dedication and love for her.  He was and is the ultimate caregiver.  He continued serving others as he resided in Seasons of Santaquin Assisted Living.  He ministered daily to his dear friends even after he could no longer walk.

Dad was a faithful member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints throughout his life, serving as a clerk and secretary to many Bishops and Stake Presidents.  One of his biggest challenges was speaking in church, but he kept many leaders organized.  He spent his life serving and ministering to others.

He was molded by the Great Depression, felt the tragedies of World War II and was influenced by his pioneer ancestry.  His childhood was filled with happy memories of spending time with his grandfathers, Joseph Rasband and John Montgomery herding the cows in the north fields of Heber and bringing in the hay.  He graduated from Wasatch High School and went on to BYU.  He graduated with an accounting degree and went to work for Provo City.  During that time, he was a custodian at the Provo Tabernacle.  He and mom polished the beautiful wood benches and railings.  It was a sad day for them when it was devastated by fire.  They enjoyed touring the new Provo City Temple and took great interest in its building.  Dad loved serving at the Provo Temple as an ordinance worker.

Dad went on to work for Geneva Steel as a Systems Analyst.  He did payroll and soon joined the ranks of those in the computer world.  He wrote code for metals and payroll. His work there gave him lifelong friends.  He was a volunteer fireman for Provo City for many years.  During that time, dad served on the board of the Geneva Recreation Association, planning events for Geneva Steel employees.  He helped plan and create the GRA Park below the Grandview hill in Provo with a train, playgrounds, and many picnic verandas.  It was a beautiful park with the Provo creek meandering through it.  He was very sad when the property was sold.  Dad also served on the Geneva Credit Union Board and served as the President. His life has always been one of service.

Dad was thrilled when he bought the family boat.  We all enjoyed water skiing, fishing and camping at lakes throughout the state.  He could water ski into his 60’s.

Dad was the ultimate gentleman and most comfortable in a suit and tie.  He was honest, loyal, always gracious and kind.  He treated everyone with unconditional love and acceptance.  If you knew Verl, you thought you were his favorite.  In his final years, he was tested and tried being confined to his bed many years. He maintained positivity, patience, gratitude and continued connecting with family, friends and caregivers.

He is survived by his three children, Nanette (Evan) Theobald, Santaquin, Alan (Lisa) Rasband, Buckeye, Arizona and Roy (Catharine) Rasband, Centerville, Utah; Brothers, Boyd, Lynn and Noel Rasband; 17 Grandchildren, 48 Great grandchildren, 5 great-great grandchildren and a  dear friend Nhat Mee Choo (Yoon Shay) and her family whom he considered his own.  He is preceded in death by his sweetheart of 77 years, Fern Rasband, his parents and one grandson Thomas Rasband.

The family would like to express our appreciation to the many caregivers at Seasons of Santaquin and Bonnie Valdez and Kori Verwer of I Care Hospice for the many years of tender care of our father.  He loved and appreciated them dearly.

A viewing and will be held on Saturday, January 10, 2026 at 9:45 am MST at the Grandview 10th Ward Chapel, 1600 North 1880 W. Provo, Utah. The funeral will follow at 11:00 a.m.  Interment will follow at the Midway Cemetery, 600 W. 500 S, Midway, Utah at 2pm MST.