Jeffrey Doyal Zirbes

Jeffrey Doyal Zirbes, 67, of Orem, Utah, passed away in his home on January 17, 2026, after prolonged illness. Jeff was born to John A. Zirbes and Dolores Hutchings Zirbes on September 27, 1958 in LaCrosse, Wisconsin; the family later moved to California and then settled in Provo, Utah where Jeff graduated from Provo High School. He was an Eagle Scout, and he served an LDS Mission in Santiago, Chile. Jeff married Debbie Prisbrey and together they had three children. They later divorced but remained friends. Jeff loved his children deeply and he has always been very proud of them.

Jeff overcame a fear of needles and blood to become a passionate Provo City firefighter/paramedic, helping countless people in the Utah Valley area. Jeff was a Nationally registered paramedic. He was named Paramedic of the Year in 1990 for Provo City. He especially loved serving as a helicopter paramedic with Classic Lifeguard 3 now known as Classic Air, serving the Lake Powell and north rim of the Grand Canyon.

Jeff relished learning about science and history, especially the Civil War. Other favorite pastimes include listening to classic rock, traveling, camping, skiing, cooking, playing sports and cheering on his favorite sports teams (Go Pack Go!). Even though his health had failed him during the last decade or so and limited his mobility, he still enjoyed spending time with his family, such as weekly poker games with his siblings. However, his most constant companion in his final years was his beloved border collie, Luna.

Jeff is survived by his children Jennifer (Rolando), Jeffrey (Kristi and grandchildren Dax, Shelby, and Avery), and Amy; his siblings Debbie, Tom, Nancy, and honorary sister Heidi; nephew Christopher and niece Tia, his ex-wife Debbie; and his dog, Luna. He is preceded in death by his parents, Jack and Dolores, and his sister, Sharon and niece Cara.

In keeping with his wishes, Jeff’s remains will be cremated and there will be a small celebration of life held in his remembrance at a later date.