Siegfried Jachmann, beloved husband, father, Opa, brother and friend unexpectedly passed of cardiac arrest on July 7, 2018. He was born in Bӧel, Germany on September 25, 1943 to Bruno and Lydia Jachmann.
He immigrated to America in 1952 with his parents and brother, Bruno. He grew up in the Salt Lake area. Siegfried graduated from South High school in 1962 and then served three years in the United States Army, stationed in Alaska. He loved to joke about surviving the great Alaskan earthquake of 1964. Upon returning, he graduated in 1974 from the University of Utah with an MBA in finance and business. Siegfried was sealed to the love of his life, Ria Corina Van Komen, on December 16, 1971 in the Salt Lake Temple. His greatest love was for his sweetheart, his children, and grandchildren.
Siegfried's beloved hobby was astronomy. His love of the stars began when he looked up and saw a smudge in the constellation of Orion and he wondered what that could be. The initial curiosity sparked by the Orion Nebula inspired a life-long pursuit. He was a member for many years of the Salt Lake Astronomical Society. He often served as a board member and several times as the club's president. He was a driving force behind the growth of the club, fundraising for the Stansbury Park Observatory Complex and the club's community involvement. Weekend nights were often spent at schools, Harmon's parking lots or other various locations providing public viewing star parties or sun parties. He was often asked to be a guest speaker at schools and community events to share his abundant knowledge of the moon, the planets and the stars, but his favorite celestial object to talk about was Eplison Lyra, also known as the double double. He loved no telescope more than his 9 inch Clark refractor which he gave to his son to continue his legacy.
Anyone who knew Siegfried would know that he loved playing practical jokes. He was often seen teasing his family members, unofficially adopted family, and friends.
Siegfried was an active member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints and served in many church callings. His favorite calling was being the ward Librarian where he could serve and get to know everyone better. He loved teasing and making the children laugh when they came in for supplies.
He is survived by his wife Ria Corina, brother Bruno Heinz, his children David (Alison), Robert (Susan), Dr. Rebecca Jachmann, and six grandchildren Christina, Wilhelm, Alex, Arianna, Isabelle and Daniel.
Funeral services will be held at 11:00 am, Saturday July 14, 2018 at the Wasatch Stake Center, 8170 South Short Hills Drive, Sandy, UT. A viewing will be held Friday evening from 6:00-8:00 pm at the same location and at 9:30 am prior to the funeral.
