Richard Carl Mihlfeith, our beloved husband, son, brother, uncle, nephew, and friend, peacefully passed away with his loving wife and devoted sister by his side at his home in Salt Lake City, Utah on August 29, 2023 after a lionhearted battle with cancer. Richard was born on April 13, 1976 in Ogden, Utah to Carl Max and Kathryn Ann Moesinger Mihlfeith. He was a delight all his life and a friend to all. Richard moved with his family from Ogden to Salt Lake City when he was four years old. He attended Highland High School, graduating in 1994, and then attended the University of Utah on a full-tuition scholarship where he studied music. Richard was a gifted and dedicated musician. He graduated with a bachelor’s degree in music education and then with a master’s degree in bass trombone performance. He also obtained a bachelor’s degree from the U in biology. He played trombone for several years in the University of Utah Marching Band. Richard was a natural teacher and thoroughly enjoyed teaching private lessons to trombone students. He later returned to school at Weber State University where he earned an RN degree, and then a BSN degree from the University of Utah. Richard was a talented and compassionate nurse and found great joy and deep satisfaction in caring for his patients. He also really enjoyed working with his fellow nurses and considered them great friends.
Richard was adept at so many things. He was industrious and very knowledgeable. He skillfully completed several remodeling projects; beautified his childhood home backyard by constructing large ponds and planting dozens of beautiful trees; and he enjoyed working on his Land Cruiser so that he could take it and those he loved on adventures in Moab, out in the Utah West Desert, or up in the mountains behind Bountiful and Farmington, Utah.
Of all of Richard’s incredible accomplishments, the one that was the most dear to us, his family, was his ability to love. He cared deeply for his family members and friends and was always quietly and unassumingly finding ways to serve and help them. Richard adored his mother and served her unceasingly until her unexpected passing in 2017. He loved and looked up to his big brother Mike who also passed away unexpectedly in 1985. He loved his niece and nephew and enjoyed taking them on “epic road trips” with his sister, their “Tante” Catherine. He was a totally devoted brother to his two sisters, Catherine and Kimberly, and he loved and helped care for his father, Max. He enjoyed every opportunity to be with his brother Kirk at a sporting event or in the mountains hiking and camping. He had a special bond with his “big sister”, Darcy Stallone, and loved her as her devoted “little brother.” Richard married his precious eternal companion, Deborah Hatch, on June 18, 2022 in the Provo Utah Temple of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. He loved and cared for Deb in every way with kindness, tenderheartedness, and complete devotion. Their time together in this life was so short but was infinitely sweet with so many wonderful moments of conversation, travel, togetherness, and love.
Richard served in many callings in the wards he attended throughout his life as a faithful member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. He savored these opportunities to love and serve others. He served a full-time mission for the Church in the Brazil Recife and Montana Billings missions. He loved and served his Savior, Jesus Christ, and had a deep and abiding testimony of His gospel. He lived the gospel in pure and profoundly simple ways throughout his life and his countenance reflected the love and light of the Savior. Richard was without guile; he was humble, teachable, fun-loving, active, cheerful, kind, and full of love. He loved to weight-lift with friends. He organized “shine and dine” nights with friends where they would enjoy good food and shoe-polishing together. Richard could see the value in things others might cast aside and revived many a used pair of dress shoes, boots, lamps, or cars.
Richard will be sorely missed by his family and friends. He is survived by his wife Deb; his father Max Mihlfeith; his brother Kirk Wangsgard (Shelley); his sister Darcy Stallone; his sister Catherine Mihlfeith; his sister Kimberly Mihlfeith Breault and niece Elizabeth Breault and nephew Michael Breault. He is also survived by several aunts, uncles, and cousins, as well as his in-laws, Harmon and Deborah Hatch; Nick and Amy Ames; Emily Hatch; Robert and Allison Rowe; Philip and Emily Hatch; and nieces Rachel, Hannah, Julia, and Lillian Rowe. He is preceded in death by his mother, Ann Mihlfeith, and his brother, Michael Wangsgard. Richard, we will love and think of you every day, and especially every time we see a beautiful forest, experience a summer rainstorm, or visit the places you loved. We love you forever!
Funeral services for Richard will be held Saturday, September 9, 2023 at 11:00 AM in the Highland Park Ward Chapel of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 2535 South Douglas Street, Salt Lake City, Utah. A viewing will be held from 6:00 to 8:00 PM, also at the Highland Park Ward building, on Friday, September 8, and from 9:30-10:30 AM on September 9, immediately preceding the funeral services. Interment will be at Larkin Sunset Lawn in Salt Lake City, Utah.
It was only for a few years about 15 years ago, but I took trombone lessons from Richard. I definitely wasn't his best student, but he was always great teacher and a great guy to be around. I didn't always look forward to playing trombone, but I looked forward to hanging out with Richard. I'm glad I got to know him even for a short time, and he'll be missed.
Richard was in my band at Highland. I remember the day he walked into class with a bass trombone bigger than about any I had ever seen --- and I play bass trombone myself! He was a joy to have in class; always ready with a big smile and a joke. I did not see him too often he graduated, but know he was active in many fields and was loved by all with whom he came into contact.
What a shock to see the smiling face of our favorite Oncology PA, while looking for my parents Obituaries. Both of whom passed just about a month apart.
Deb, I am so sorry to see this. I had no idea of the trials you were going through. My parents and I just love you. A more kind, caring, compassionate person (with the neatest handwriting anywhere) would be hard to imagine.
Please accept my sincerest condolences.
Dear Deb
I am so very sorry to hear about your
beloved husband Richard passing.
You are in my thoughts and prayers.
I unfortunately lost contact with Richard after highschool and I'm sorry to hear about his lost I express our conversations on school and I am deeply saddened by his passing. My heart and prayers go out to the family.
Our deepest sympathy comes your way Deb at the tender passing of your sweetheart Richard. Words are always hard to express during these times.
We love this saying by Lloyd D. Newell: “Even
when death touches the most tender places of our
hearts, we can let God’s peace in. By replacing fear
with faith and exchanging grief for gratitude, we can
come to terms with this painful but temporary loss,
for He who blessed us with life here also promises
life hereafter.”
Another great saying that we love is: Gone
from our sight but never our memories. Gone from
our touch but never our hearts!
Sending our love to you...peace too!!
I'm so sorry to find out about Richard...we went to the same single ward long ago...can't imagine...so young ...I don't know circumstances, but I am so sorry for your loss and the only though that he is in good place now and he knows that he is loved by his family and friends, but most importantly by our father in heaven and our Savior...and you all meet him again! ..big hug to you...hope you find peace 🕊️ in your heart ❤️
Richard was an old soul. So full of ideas, energy and fun. He was in my German class throughout high school. I always looked forward to what he had up his sleeve. Catherine, I’m so sorry. This was too soon. Deb, I didn’t get to know you, but I’m so glad you had time together.
Deb,
I am so very sorry for your loss.
My thoughts and prayers are with you. I miss seeing you, and wish I could give you a big hug.
Penny
"Without guile" is indeed a wonderful way to describe him. I love Rich and his wonderful sisters. Condolences and love to you all and your father, and Rich's wife Deb. How blessed for you all to be able to associate with him during this life, and the next. Much love! - Emlyn Poelman Stutz
Dear Deb, I'm so saddened by the passing of your dear husband. I don't think I ever met him, but he must have been someone extra special to have caught your attention and earned your love. May God bless, lift, and carry you through this difficult time of grief and mourning. We love you,
Cam and Steffani Packer
Deb my heart broke for you when your mom told me about Richard. I am so sorry that you have had to go through this. I’m grateful for eternal marriages. You are in my thoughts and prayers.
Deb, I am so sorry to hear about Richard’s very untimely passing, and I know there is nothing I could write here that will make it better.
Since I live out of state now I never got to meet your husband, but he sounds like he was an amazing person, and I’m glad you two had what time you did have together.
Over the past couple of years, Gene and I had a chance to spend sometime with Richard and Catherine. We are thankful for that time and sad we won't have more with Richard. Sending our hugs to brother Max and family.
To Deb and the Hatch and Mihlfieth Families
You are in our thoughts and prayers. We are praying and hoping for peace and comfort for you in this difficult time.
Deb,
My heart goes out to you and your families. It broke my heart to see this. you have my thoughts and prayers while you go through this really rough time.
Penny
Dear Deb, We are so sorry to learn about the passing of your dear husband. I can’t imagine how difficult his illness and death has been for you. We send our prayers for your comfort and strength.
Love, Pauline and John Richards
We are so sorry about the passing of your dear husband. You will be prayed for by us.
Love you. roger and Jan
We are so saddened when we heard About your husbands passing. Deb you have gone through so much in your life and we sorry with you at this time. May the Holy Ghost sustain you at this time. You are in our prayers. 💕 the Johnsons.
To Deb and Richards entire family and the entire Moesinger family who knew and loved Richard:
I just want to say "Richard" Scott Cooper and I love you and will miss you always!"
Richard was a man with great bear hugs and love. I always looked forward to seeing his great smile and getting a great big bear hug whenever we saw him and had a great lunchtime visit with him and his family each year. I think Scott and I would have enjoyed visiting more often but everyone is always really busy.
I think it was harder to do after Ann died as she always could coordinate lots of scheduling with others to make the impossible happen each year for a visit. I miss her and loved her a lot. She was very smart and special to me also.
Anyhow, one of my favorite memories of Richard is how he and I would play together as children and cousins and he decided that I was worthy enough to have a loving pet dog be named after me. Sounds silly , but I felt it was very special that he would think of me to do this.
Richard had a great heart and I loved his pond and gardening skills. He was very smart and I was always so proud of how much schooling he accomplished.
I was so happy for him in his success in nursing and he seemed to like being an anesthesiologist. He seemed good at it as well.
I was also so happy for him when he met Deb and got married. I will miss him and want Deb and the family to know of our care and sorrow for his precious loss. He was so special and loving. Our families heart goes out to all of you and our prayers for comfort and peace in his great loss! Richard Scott and I love you a lot and will never ever forget you.
Richard was such a kind and unique person. We were neighbors and friends for several years and had a lot of fun feeding his pond fish, working on his land cruiser or my truck, off-roading in the west desert, and strongman lifting. He was always so excited to talk about crazy projects and activities, like building neighboring chicken pens, helping me figure out how to put a wood stove in my truck, or the time he bought a huge rope and organized a strongman truck pull.
Richard will be missed. Your family is in my thoughts.