Emily Jean (Josephson) Markgraf's Obituary
Emily Jean (Josephson) Markgraf, 81, passed away peacefully in her sleep on September 14, 2024, at her home in Mapleton, Utah.
Born on September 26, 1942, in Tremonton, Utah, Emily was the first of her siblings born in a hospital rather than the family cabin. Emily was a proud resident of Plymouth, Utah, surrounded by more animals than people. Her years on the family farm instilled in her a strong work ethic and a deep appreciation for life’s simple pleasures of happiness and love - values she passed on to her children and all who knew her.
Emily graduated from Bear River High School in Tremonton and continued her love for learning at Utah State University, earning a degree in elementary education. She taught elementary school for 10 years. While teaching at Provost Elementary in Provo, she met her future husband and sweetheart, Donald Markgraf. The couple married in the Logan, LDS Temple and made their home in Springville, Utah, where they built a life filled with love, faith, and family, living in the same house for over 50 years.
Emily chose to stay home and focus on raising their five children as their family grew. She filled their home with the comforting aroma of freshly baked bread and homemade jam. Emily was a talented homemaker who made and shared many tasty family dinners, sewed clothing and quilts, and preserved fruits and vegetables. Don often said, “Kissing don’t last, cookin’ do.” Emily spent many hours organizing and taking the children to dance, piano, cheer, drill team, rehearsals, performances, football, soccer, baseball, softball, and so much more. Despite the busy schedule, she provided a warm meal for the family to eat around the table each night.
For 12 years, Emily operated a preschool in her home, continuing to share her talents and love for learning with young children. Later, she embarked on another new venture, opening Hogi Yogi, a sandwich and yogurt shop on Main Street in Springville. Her relentless work ethic and high energy ensured the success of the business for many years. Known for her fast pace, she often told her employees, “If you have time to lean, you have time to clean.”
Emily loved music, the arts, traveling, sports, and being with her family. She volunteered in the community with the Springville Folkfest and at the Springville Art Museum.
One of Emily and her husband Don’s most meaningful times was serving a mission for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in San Diego, where she taught at the Institute and worked with the BYU Pathway Program. The couple also served at the San Diego Temple weekly. An avid temple goer, Emily’s devotion to her faith was central to her life. Throughout her life, Emily served. She treasured her callings and serving in Primary, Young Women’s, Relief Society, and Sunday School, and cherished the relationships she created with those she served. Emily loved everyone. She will be remembered for her unwavering faith, deep love for her family, friends, community, and tireless dedication to everything she did. Her warmth, wisdom, and enthusiasm for life will continue to inspire all who were blessed to know her.
Emily is preceded in death by her parents, Oleen and Jeanette Josephson, her three oldest siblings Boyd Josephson, Anna Peterson, and Garth Josephson, welcomed her into the next life with open arms.
She is survived by her devoted husband of 56 years, Donald Markgraf, and their five children: Amy Markgraf, Holly Mayne (Mitchell), Cheryl Wentzel (Kellen), Steven Markgraf (Gabriela), and Eric Markgraf (Leslie). She also leaves behind ten beloved grandchildren: Noah and Micah Jacobson, Payton and Miles Mayne, Ava, Jackson, and Alexandra Wentzel, and Charlotte, Steele, and Emery Markgraf. She is also survived by her younger siblings, Kathy Haas, and younger brother, David Josephson. The family is grateful to all who took great care of Emily over the last year.
A viewing will be held Friday, September 20, 2024, from 6:00–8:00 p.m. and Saturday, September 21, from 9:30-10:30 a.m. at the Historic White Church, 31 W. Maple St. Mapleton, Utah 84664
Funeral services for Emily will be held on Saturday, September 21, 2024, at 11:00 a.m. at the Historic White Church. A private graveside service will follow—Contact Wright's Floral is handling floral arrangements.
The funeral will be available at the following zoom link for those unable to attend the funeral https://zoom.us/j/96927412840
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