Howard T Hausknecht passed away peacefully in his sleep, surrounded by family, on January 5, 2023 at Beacon Crest Retirement Home in Draper, Utah. Eldest son to Howard and Ruby Townsend Hausknecht, he was born on November 3, 1926 in Murray, Utah. Many fond memories were made growing up in Murray where he excelled in school and sports. In his mid-teens, the family moved to Copperton, where Howard was very active in all high school sports, education, and student government. In 1945, he graduated from Bingham High School early so he could enlist in the Navy. While living in Copperton, he worked at Kennecott Copper Mine, where he made many friends that endure to this day.
While working and going to the University of Utah, he found time to find the love of his life, Betty Jean Thomason. They were married June 15, 1948 in the Salt Lake Temple and were blessed with five boys. Church callings were a priority for Howard as he served with diligence, grace and gratitude. His positive attitude and smile was felt by all. Among his many services, he enjoyed working with the Boy Scouts and directing music at church. All the neighbors who had him for a Home Teacher felt his warm friendship and fellowship. Howard and Betty and their youngest son Chad fulfilled a mission for the Church at the Utah State Prison. As Chad has special needs, he made a positive impression on many inmates. Howard was present for almost all the sports activities of his grandchildren. That made a very special connection with all of them. He will be missed cheering them on from the stands.
When Betty passed in 2001, he felt a huge void in his life. He found a caring partner in Virginia “Ginny” June Chapman. In 2002, they were married in the Jordan River Temple chapel and enjoyed church service together until her passing on November 15, 2021. The two combined families enjoyed many activities together. Howard and Ginny worked many years as Conference Center guides in Salt Lake City.
The petroleum industry is where Howard spent most of his working career. He was very dedicated to his customers and co-workers and enjoyed teaching them the trade. Many lasting friendships were made because of his efforts and dedication.
Singing was always a passion for Howard. Many practices, performances, and tours were made with the Swanee Singers. In the last weeks of his life, dementia took its toll, but did not stop him from singing tunes with eyes closed. Rest well Dad, Grandpa, Great-Grandpa and Great-Great-Grandpa.
Howard is survived by his younger siblings Steve Hausknecht and Jeanne (Charles) Engberson; sons Howard T (Marilyn) Hausknecht Jr., Tom M (Bonnie) Hausknecht, David W (Linda) Hausknecht, John B (Kim) Hausknecht and Chad K Hausknecht; his 15 grandchildren; 23 great-grandchildren; and 22 great-great-grandchildren.
Funeral services will be held on Thursday, January 12, 2023 at 12:00 PM at the Cottonwood 4th Ward Chapel, 5565 South Neighbor Lane (1610 East), Holladay, UT. Friends are invited to greet the family during the viewing from 10:30 to 11:45 AM also at the church. Interment to follow services at Murray City Cemetery, 5490 S. Vine Street.
We are sure that Howard personally thanked everyone who cared for him in his last days and we would add our thanks as well.
Howard was a great neighbor! The Family was fun to be around and his singing was fabulous! He will be missed!!
Howard was always the perfect gentleman. It was our privilege to enjoy his company as a brother-in-law for almost twenty years. His kindness to "Ginny" was exemplary and much appreciated. His was a life well lived. His devotion to family and interest in his children and grandchildren was uplifting. I send my condolences to his family.