Von Grant Lofgreen's Obituary
Von Grant Lofgreen, affectionately known as Dad, Opa, and Musicman, passed away peacefully on September 5, 2024, surrounded by his loving family.
Born on January 23, 1938, in the small town of St. David, Arizona. Von cherished his upbringing alongside 19 siblings. Raised by his devoted parents, Edward Theodore Lofgreen and Dyantha Sarah Barney, Von developed a deep love for his community and the values that guided him throughout his life.
At the age of 17, Von left school to join the AirForce, where he served his country as a radar repairman in the remote areas of Alaska for 4 years. After his honorable service, he embarked on an LDS mission to Sweden, eager to connect with the land of his ancestors.
Upon returning from his mission, Von was passing through Salt Lake City, Utah, where he met the love of his life, Charlotte, at a church dance. This fateful meeting led him to stay in Utah. They were married on June 8, 1962 in the Salt Lake Temple, a union that Von lovingly referred to as "For Butter or Wurst," a playful nod to Charlotte's German heritage.
Von and Charlotte made their home in Midvale, Utah, where they raised their children: Sabrina, the eldest, followed 17 months later by triplet daughters Sophia, Susan, and Sylvia—the first surviving triplets born at Cottonwood Hospital. Von was immensely proud of his family, always carrying pictures in his wallet to share. His warm, friendly nature made him a joy to be around, and he had a unique gift for making everyone feel at home. He was kind to strangers and the best neighbor to have. Whether it was sharing fresh vegetables and grape juice from his garden, mowing a neighbor’s lawn, offering a prayer, or writing a song or poem, Von’s actions reflected his strong character, making him stand out above the rest.
Von’s talents were as remarkable as his character. He was a skilled tennis player, carpenter, gardener, poet, fisherman, and hunter. His musical talents were extraordinary; he could play music by ear on various instruments, including the accordion, guitar, violin, and piano. Von loved getting together with others to jam. He loved to entertain. His storytelling also captured the hearts of many, a true reflection of the warmth and wisdom he imparted to those around him.
He became an Opa at the age of 49 with the birth of his first grandchild Katrina. As a young and energetic Opa, he completed building his cabin in Bear Lake, Utah, where he and his family spent many cherished weekends together. He loved riding his bike around the lake, walking the loop, and swimming in the lake. His youthful energy kept him active and healthy throughout the years.
In his later years, Von devotedly cared for his beloved wife Charlotte who was diagnosed with Dementia. He cared for her until she passed in 2019. They were married nearly 60 years when she passed. As his health declined, he leaned on the support of his family and friends. His last years were spent at home with his dog Jinks (one of many beloved animals). He enjoyed the little things, visitors to his home, listening to music, dark chocolate and reading.
His legacy will live on in our hearts, forever inspiring us to cherish the memories we've made together. He will be deeply missed but never forgotten.
Von is survived by his daughters, Sophia Evje, Susan Rivera (Benjamin), Sylvia Majhanovich (Michael), 15 grandchildren and great-grandchildren, his brothers Dale McKay Lofgreen (Kay), Leone Lewis Lofgreen (Kathy), Dyan Ricks, Retha Hance
He was predeceased by his father, Edward Theodore Lofgreen, mother, Dyantha Sarah Barney, beloved wife, Charlotte Lofgreen, and his daughter, Sabrina Lofgreen, brother, Theo Clark Lofgreen.
Funeral services will be held on Saturday, September 28, 2024. A viewing will take place at 10:30 a.m. at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints 6710 South 1300 East Cottonwood Heights Utah 84047, followed by a graveside service at 12:00 p.m. at the Murray City Cemetery, 5490 S Vine St, Murray, UT 84107. For those unable to attend the graveside, a zoom broadcast has been made available: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/88618943909
Meeting ID: 886 1894 3909
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