Dr. John Ernest Steiner

Dr. John Ernest Steiner passed away on April 29, 2024, in Layton, Utah, leaving behind a legacy of service, music, laughter, family, and love. He was born on July 2, 1943, in Ogden, Utah, to Arles Kleon Steiner and Elda Neves Steiner.  After Elda’s passing, Thelma (Penny) Brown Steiner married Arles and continued in the loving upbringing of John. 

John graduated from Davis High High School in 1961, served as a missionary in the California North Mission, and in other leadership positions within the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, leaving a lasting impact on those he knew. John also served his country in the Army Reserves. 

On December 17, 1964, John married Patricia Bea Johnson in the Salt Lake Temple—a union that brought him immense happiness and fulfillment. They were blessed with five children: David John (Elise), Mark Christopher (Carrie), Eric Matthew (Tami), Benjamin Arles (Melinda), and Anna Patricia Figgins (Todd). 

Dr. Steiner pursued higher education, attending the University of Utah and the University of Oregon, School of Dentistry, where he obtained a Doctorate of Medical Dentistry. He interned in the Merchant Marines in San Francisco and did his residency in the Native American Hospital in Phoenix, Arizona. He practiced dentistry for most of his life, caring for countless patients and staff. 

John was a talented musician and found joy and fulfillment playing the violin. He performed with the Utah Symphony for four years. He led, produced, and conducted a symphony and choir production of Handel’s Messiah for 3 years. He was the concertmaster of the Salt Lake Symphony for 20+ years. His artistry resonated with audiences far and wide including performances in East Germany, Greece, Italy, and England.

John explored various hobbies, including shooting, hunting, fishing, ham radio operation, piloting small aircraft, building and flying remote-controlled airplanes, and he loved to tinker. His greatest joy stemmed from his role as a brother, husband, father, and grandfather.

John's passing was preceded by Taylor Scott Varela (grandson), Emily Lauren Steiner (granddaughter), his father and two mothers, as well as his pets, Winston Churchill III and Tripod Tess.

John is survived by his loving wife, Patricia Bea Johnson, their 5 children, 23 grandchildren, 11 great-grandchildren as well as his siblings: Connie Cloward, Berdine Mann, Caroline Stevens, Nyle Steiner, Cherrie Travis, Cherie Darrohn, Jan Keller, and Gary Brown. 

In his final moments, John found peace surrounded by the warmth of his family.  He will be remembered fondly for his accomplishments but also for the humor, kindness, generosity, integrity, and love he shared with all who had the privilege of knowing him. His memory will forever remain etched in the hearts of those who knew and loved him.

Funeral services will be held Saturday May 4, 2024 at 11:00 a.m. at Lindquist’s Layton Mortuary, 1867 N. Fairfield Rd., Layton, Utah.  Friends and family may visit Friday May 3 from 6 to 8 p.m. and Saturday from 9:30 to 10:30 a.m. at the mortuary.

 Live stream of the service will be available to view by scrolling to the bottom of John’s obituary page at www.lindquistmortuary.com

The family would like to thank Lindquist’s Mortuary, the Abbington Senior Care Center, Bristol Hospice, and all those who shared in his care.

Interment, Kaysville City Cemetery.