Beloved husband, dad, grandfather, great grandfather, and friend, Howard Dale Holfeltz (age 88) passed away peacefully in the early hours of May 9, 2021. He was a friend to everyone, and he loved serving others. He will be sorely missed.
Howard was born to James Lamont and Norma Thurber Holfeltz on March 9, 1933 in Salt Lake City. Shortly after his birth his family moved to Idaho Falls, Idaho for several years. Howard was blessed with abundant energy, mischievousness, and curiosity. He tested the patience and nerves of his parents in many ways, especially when making the swinging bridge across the Snake River swing. He loved adventure and exploring.
Howard graduated from East High School in Salt Lake City. The highlight of his high school years was being a member of the A’capella Choir. This experience laid the foundation for his love of choral singing. Howard sang in church choirs throughout his life, and absolutely loved singing and performing with Swanee Singers in his 70’s and 80’s.
Howard served a LDS Church mission to the Central States Mission between October 1953 and October 1955. The first six months of his mission were spent in the St. Louis, Missouri area, and the last 18 months were served in Arkansas. In Pumpkin Bend, Arkansas he had the unfortunate privilege of eating such delicacies as squirrel.
Upon completion of his mission Howard enrolled in LDS Business College where he majored in Accounting and Business Management. He was employed at Sperry Univac in the payroll department, and as a Pricing Analyst and Cost Estimator. His attention to detail was very valuable in his work and filtered into his home budgeting methods. Never one to take things easy, Howard was always doing odd jobs on the side. He roto-tilled for friends and neighbors, had a side candy business at banks, distributed health food products and, perhaps his favorite, served as a crossing guard for over 20 years for Granite School District.
Howard married Lorna Anderson on April 12, 1957 in the Salt Lake Temple. As a couple they enjoyed hiking and fishing, camping in their trailer, bowling, ballroom dancing, and playing Canasta. After years of trying, they were blessed with two daughters, Nancy and Ruth. Lorna passed away from cancer in 1974.
Howard was blessed to find and marry Lynn Astle in the Salt Lake Temple on September 6, 1974. Traveling, camping, and hiking remained a big part of their life, including a time share in Park City with yearly trips down the Alpine Slide. They had season tickets to Promised Valley Playhouse, and they joined a square dance club. Three more children joined the family: Alan, Jen, and Robert. Lynn passed away in 1992 from ALS.
Howard was again blessed to find love, marrying Frances Tagg in the Salt Lake Temple on June 24, 1993. They got an RV and wave runners and loved going on adventures together. They also found enjoyment in square dancing and going to Hale Center Theater and to the Utah Symphony. Friday night dates were important to them, and often involved eating out. They served on the Millcreek Community Council and were active in politics. They were also stalwarts at Holfeltz Family Reunions, working to bring the extended family together and compiling family histories. They had a wonderful almost 28 years together.
Howard’s focus was on family. He supported his wives, kids, and grandchildren in all of their endeavors. He very seldom missed music or dance recitals, sporting events, school graduations, baptisms, priesthood ordinations, missionary farewells and homecomings, and weddings. He also took great pride in his home, yard, and garden.
Howard was a lifelong member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and had a deep testimony of Jesus Christ and His gospel. He served in many capacities throughout the years including as a ward and stake clerk, as an executive secretary, High Priest Group Leader, a counselor in the Winder 2nd Ward Bishopric, a member of the Branch Presidency of Highland Cove, and most recently as Branch President of Silverado Memory Care and Assisted Living.
Howard is survived by his wife Fran; his children, Nancy Stanley (Scott), Ruth Atkinson (Bryan), Alan Holfeltz (Allison), Jen Holfeltz (Jake), and Robert Holfeltz (Jessica); 10 grandchildren; and six great grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents, Lorna and Lynn, a son-in-law, and one great grandchild.
Funeral Services will be held Monday, May 17, 2021 at 1:00 pm at the LDS Winder 2nd Ward located at 1361 East 4000 South, Millcreek, Utah. Friends may call Sunday night from 6:00 – 8:00 pm or Monday from 11:30 am to 12:45 pm at the Church.
Interment will be at Elysian Burial Gardens.
You may watch the services on Zoom by using the following Meeting ID: 862 1491 6928. You must login to a zoom account to be able to watch the Zoom service.
To see a Tribute video for Howard Holfeltz. Please click on the link below
https://video214.com/play/mw5vOu6f19msrhM7ZJDynQ/s/dark
So sorry to hear of Howard's passing. Such great memories serving with him in the Winder 2nd ward. What a great example of faith and service.
Love and Prayers,
Molly
I always admired Howard for his devotion to family and his testimony of Christ. He was always such a kind and friendly person. I have a special affection for Lorna, his wife and my dear cousin and their children, Nancy and Ruth. I had the opportunity of being Nancy's teacher at BYU.
I love Howard Hoelfeltz! The singles in the ward were always welcome over for an FHE! We loved to carol to Howard and Fran each Christmas! A few times I just stopped by just to chat! I was always welcome and I cherished that feeling! I always knew he loved the Lord and Fran and his family!
To the Holfeltz family, I only today learned of Howard's passing. I was 20 when I worked with Howard at Sperry Univac in 1975. He was my friend, a truly kind man. I saw him last 40 years ago, and I've thought of him often over the years. My sincere condolences to you.