Joseph Hafen's Obituary
Our beloved husband, father, grandfather, brother, and friend passed away suddenly at his home March 20, 2102 in Provo, Utah. Joe was born at his home on March 8, 1926 in Santa Clara, Washington County, Utah to Joseph Hafen and Mary Harris. He was the eldest of eleven children. He is preceded in death by his loving wife, Ethel Mott Hafen, his parents, brothers Raymond and Stephen, and Norma Henrie, a sister. He leaves behind his loving siblings Louise Hafen, John Mark (Carma) Hafen, Irene Gibbs, Carol Jones, Ester (Jerry) Blackburn, Margaret (Ralph) Rupp, and Mary (Eric) Tutle. He is the beloved father of Melanie (Bill) Brandley, Wendy (Malcolm) Nash, and grandfather to Meagan (Cory) Young, Alana (Dan) Kozak, Jessica (Ryan) Cahoon, Amy Brandley, Emily Nash who is serving in the Virginia Richmond Mission, Garret Nash who is serving in the Democratic Republic of Congo Kinshasa Mission, Bethany and Reed Nash. Joseph was born in a one-room adobe home with a fireplace. Shortly thereafter his parents moved to Provo where he lived the remainder of his life. He was always very curious and delighted in discovering and making new things. He was a life long learner. Joe had a very tender heart and a deep and abiding testimony of Jesus Christ. He loved his parents and siblings and was very generous with his love and support of them. He served in WWII in the U.S. Navy. He was training to be a fighter pilot when the war ended. He attended BYU on the GI Bill and graduated with a degree in chemistry. He worked as a chemist at Geneva Steel during his entire career. Joe served a full-time mission in Auckland, New Zealand, an experience he treasured. Joe married his sweetheart Ethel Mott in the LDS Salt Lake Temple on June 26, 1959 and they were blessed with two daughters whom they cherished. They provided many happy and wonderful memories for their children. Most of all, they provided a home where they could grow and gain testimonies of the Savior Jesus Christ. Joe was known for his sense of humor, being involved in scouting for over 30 years, his love of music including performing in ward choirs. He worked with his wife in the Provo LDS Temple in the baptistery and as tour guides at the Provo Tabernacle. He was delighted to hear of the new temple at that same location. He loved rocks and rock shows, “experimenting” in the kitchen with menus including making licorice much to the delight of his daughters. Funeral Services will be held in the Provo Grandview 13th Ward (1260 West 1150 North) on Saturday March 24 beginning with a public viewing at 10:45 and the service beginning at Noon. Funeral services will be presided over by Bishop Daniel L. Woodward with compassionate services provided by the 13thWard Relief Society.
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