Joseph Hyrum Hodell Obituary (1923 - 2015)

Joseph Hyrum Hodell, "Papa Joe" passed away peacefully October 3rd, 2015. Born July 25th, 1923 in Murray, Utah to Carl Earnest Hodell and Martha Grosnick. Joe at a young age learned to work, play and love with passion. He graduated from Murray High School when their mascot with a proud Smelterite. He managed to steal his lifelong sweetheart Donna Bateman from his best friend at a ward dance social. They were married in the Salt Lake Temple on December 4th, 1942. He was drafted shortly thereafter by the US Army and served in World War II. He was stationed in Okinawa, Japan following the bombing of Nagasaki and Hiroshima. He served our country for two years and was honorably discharged. Joe and Donna have 3 children Gail (DeWayne) Harbrecht, Wayne (Martha), and Kathy (Ron) Orton. He had a professional career as a mail carrier with the US Postal Service for over 35 years. However, Papa Joe's entire life's focus was on his family and spending time with them, whether traveling, logging in the mountains, building a handful of homes for his kids and grandkids, or dune buggying. He was a self-made man, proficient in so many areas; construction, electrical, tile work (tiling a home at age 75), rolling out the marzipan to make German candy just like his mother, or helping Donna with the house cleaning chores. He was a delight to be around, an inspiration to encounter and a positive influence to everyone that knew him. He is survived by his sweetheart Donna, 3 children, 7 grandchildren, 4 step-grandchildren, 18 great-grandchildren and 2 great-great-grandchildren that are most likely getting some last minute instruction from Papa Joe before their arrival to their mortal life. Papa Joe will be dearly missed, still we are blessed to know that families are forever and we will be together again. Funeral services will be held Monday, October 12th, 2015 at Jenkins-Soffe South Valley, 1007 W. South Jordan Parkway (10600 S), South Jordan, Utah, with the service beginning at 11:00 am and a viewing 1 hour prior for family and friends. Interment will be at the Murray City Cemetery. Funeral Home: Jenkins-Soffe South Valley 1007 W. South Jordan Pkwy. South Jordan, UT 84095