Melvin Craig Hofeling's Obituary
Melvin CRAIG Hofeling
1940 –2016
Our beloved husband, father, grandfather, brother, and friend passed away October 1st at the age of 75 at his home in Holladay, Utah from the effects of cancer. Craig was born on November 8th, 1940 in Murray, Utah. Craig graduated from Murray High School in 1959, and attended both the University of Utah and Brigham Young University. For nearly 40 years Craig was employed by Northrop Grumman, formerly Litton Guidance and Control, in Salt Lake City. Craig was an active member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and served a full-time mission in the Central British Mission from 1961 to 1963. Some of his greatest memories were formed in that service. Craig loved to teach the gospel, document and write history, and share his sense of humor with all who knew him. Craig loved the simple things of life and found joy in all the world around him. His faith was strong, and his witness was sure. His memories of his boyhood days in the Murray park and playing along the Jordan River always brought him joy.
He was the fifth child of Thomas F. Hofeling and Leah Irene Johnson. Craig married Yalonda LeFevre in the Salt Lake Temple on May 8th, 1964 and together they had four children - Michael (Patrice Merrill), James (Gretchen Gubler), Phillip (Wyn Capener), and Karen (Rick) Daniels. Craig and Yalonda were divorced in 1980, and Craig later married Diane Day. Craig was a beloved dad to Diane’s daughters, Wendy (Walid) Hatoum, Michelle (Michael) Cox, Lisa Hunn, and Amy Wilson to the end of his days. Craig and Diane were later divorced. In 2007 Craig and Yalonda were remarried to the joy of their children and grandchildren.
Craig was preceded in death by his parents, his brother Lee, his sister Arlene McCleary and nephews Tom Hofeling and Derek Hofeling. Craig is survived by his brothers Tom (Joyce) Hofeling, Blaine (Luana) Hofeling, Ross (Jackie) Hofeling, John Hofeling, and all of his children, 23 grandchildren, and 2 great-grandchildren.
A funeral service will be held on 11:00 am, Saturday, October 8th, 2016 at the Cottonwood 3rd Ward meetinghouse, located at 6301 South 2300 East in Salt Lake City, Utah. The family welcomes visitors prior to services Saturday from 9:30-10:45 am. A viewing will be held on Friday, October 7th at the same location from 7:00 to 9:00 pm for friends and family. Interment will be at Elysian Burial Gardens, 1075 East 4580 South, Salt Lake City.
Share condolences online at www.premierfuneral.com.
Flowers can be delivered to the meetinghouse after 6 pm on Friday or Saturday after 9:30 am.
Our family offers special appreciation for all who offered care during his long illness. During his last months, Craig fulfilled a life-long dream by finally writing his book, detailing many events of historical fiction. His favorite color “Was Green”.
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