Franklin "Dick" Staker

On Thursday afternoon, May 8th, our cherished father, grandfather, brother, and friend, Franklin Dick Staker, passed away peacefully at the age of 91, surrounded by his loving family. He left a legacy of unwavering faith, service, and love.

Dick was born in 1933 in Roberts, Idaho, to Alma Opal Staker and Mary Atha (Proctor) Staker. He married Elsie Eleanor Wagner in the Salt Lake City Temple (divorced) and was blessed with five beautiful children: Marsha (Ed) Greenberg, Connie (Robert, deceased) Norton–Steve Smith, Jerry (Wendy) Staker, David (Deanna) Staker, and Mary (Danny) Brown. Later in life, he married Margaret C. Neil Staker (deceased) in the Salt Lake City Temple and was blessed with two more beautiful children: Jeannena (John) Mitchell and Marjory McGregor.

He is survived by his 7 children, 35 grandchildren, 66 great-grandchildren, and 3 great-great-grandchildren. He had a deep love for each of them and cherished every moment spent with family. His family was precious to him.

Dick cared deeply for everyone and strived diligently to live the commandments. Like many of us, his life had many turns, but his love for the Savior helped him devote himself fully to His gospel.

Dick bore a powerful witness of Jesus Christ and His Church. He loved the Savior with all his heart. He treasured the scriptures, memorizing many—including, The Living Christ, which he recited daily along with his favorite verses for many years. He delighted in sharing the scriptures with others. He loved to serve and often said he was grateful for the “odd jobs” the Lord sent to him. Many have been helped, from individuals in the Utah prison system to “the one” he rescued on top of Mount Timpanogos.

Dick loved to write and share his testimony and his feelings about life. He was an accomplished author and publisher of many books and journals.

His later years were sweetened by daily visits from his children, who lovingly attended to his every need—always topped off with Oreos, Diet Coke, chocolate ice cream, and a back scratch. With love and anticipation, we await the joyful day when we are reunited with him.

He spent the last year and a half of his life under the special care of skilled nurses and the angelic staff at Carrington Court in South Jordan, Utah. We wish to express our heartfelt gratitude and admiration to the caregivers and fellow residents there.

Funeral services will be held on Friday, May 23, 2025, at 10:00 a.m. at the Wilford Stake Center, 1765 East 3080 South (Kenwood Street), Salt Lake City, Utah. A viewing will be held from 9:00–9:45 a.m. Interment will follow at the Midway Cemetery, 600 West 500 South, Midway, Utah.