Wayne Burt

Wayne Burt, beloved husband, brother, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, and distinguished microbiologist, passed away peacefully October 2, 2026 following complications from a stroke. He was 82 years old.

Wayne was born on February 20, 1944, in Salt Lake City, Utah, to Melvin J. Burt and Pauline Redd Burt, the fifth of six children. He grew up attending schools in Salt Lake City before his father was called to build LDS church buildings in Mexico City. Wayne lived with his parents and sister in Mexico City, where he graduated from the American High School (Monterrey, Mexico) in 1963. While with his parents, he assisted his father in training locals to build chapels. Following high school, Wayne served an LDS mission in the Andes Mission, spending his time primarily in Peru, where he developed a lifelong love for the people and cultures of Latin America, especially Peru.

Upon returning home, Wayne attended the University of Utah for his undergraduate studies. In 1966, he married his eternal companion, Jeneal Bliss, in the Salt Lake Temple. Together, they raised a beautiful family of two daughters and three sons.

Wayne’s passion for science led him to the University of Iowa, where he earned both his master's degree and a PhD in microbiology. His academic and research career took his growing family across the country, including post-graduate and teaching positions at Rutgers University in New Jersey and the University of Texas at Austin. He later joined the faculty at Wright State University in Dayton, Ohio, where he taught microbiology, secured multiple research grants and authored research papers.

Eventually, Wayne returned home to Utah, settling with his family in Salt Lake City. He worked for a major laboratory before successfully opening and operating his own independent microbiology laboratory.

Outside of his professional achievements, Wayne was a man of simple pleasures. He loved playing the harmonica and was known for taking long, peaceful walks almost every day. After moving from the Sugar House neighborhood to South Jordan, Wayne and Jeneal retired. Together, they continued their dedication to service with a full-time LDS mission in the Northwest Mexico City Mission. They also loved exploring the world, traveling to Europe, Israel, and Egypt. Throughout his life, Wayne faithfully served in numerous callings within the LDS Church.

Wayne is survived by his loving wife, Jeneal, and two of his sisters, Kathy Cummings and Melanie Lewis; Wayne and Jeneal’s five children; seventeen grandchildren; and seven great-grandchildren, all of whom carry forward his legacy of faith, intellect, and devotion to family.

Funeral services will be held at 11:00 am on Friday, October 9, 2026 at the River Ridge 1st Ward chapel, located at 10124 S 1300 W, South Jordan, Utah. Interment will follow at Elysian Gardens in Millcreek. Viewings will be held prior at 6-8pm on Thursday, October 8 at Jenkins-Soffe South Valley, located at 1007 W South Jordan Parkway, South Jordan, Utah and 10-10:45am on Friday at the chapel.