Emily Markgraf Obituary
Obituary published on Legacy.com by Premier Funeral Services - Salt Lake
City on Sep. 18, 2024.
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Emily Jean (Josephson) Markgraf, 81, passed away peacefully in her
sleep on September 14, 2024, at her home in Mapleton, Utah.
Born on September 26, 1942, in Tremonton, Utah, Emily was the first
of her siblings born in a hospital rather than the family cabin. Emily
was a proud resident of Plymouth, Utah, surrounded by more animals
than people. Her years on the family farm instilled in her a strong
work ethic and a deep appreciation for life's simple pleasures of
happiness and love - values she passed on to her children and all who
knew her.
Emily graduated from Bear River High School in Tremonton and
continued her love for learning at Utah State University, earning a
degree in elementary education. She taught elementary school for 10
years. While teaching at Provost Elementary in Provo, she met her
future husband and sweetheart, Donald Markgraf. The couple married
in the Logan, LDS Temple and made their home in Springville, Utah,

where they built a life filled with love, faith, and family, living in the
same house for over 50 years.
Emily chose to stay home and focus on raising their five children as
their family grew. She filled their home with the comforting aroma of
freshly baked bread and homemade jam. Emily was a talented
homemaker who made and shared many tasty family dinners, sewed
clothing and quilts, and preserved fruits and vegetables. Don often
said, "Kissing don't last, cookin' do." Emily spent many hours
organizing and taking the children to dance, piano, cheer, drill team,
rehearsals, performances, football, soccer, baseball, softball, and so
much more. Despite the busy schedule, she provided a warm meal for
the family to eat around the table each night.
For 12 years, Emily operated a preschool in her home, continuing to
share her talents and love for learning with young children. Later, she
embarked on another new venture, opening Hogi Yogi, a sandwich
and yogurt shop on Main Street in Springville. Her relentless work
ethic and high energy ensured the success of the business for many
years. Known for her fast pace, she often told her employees, "If you
have time to lean, you have time to clean."
Emily loved music, the arts, traveling, sports, and being with her
family. She volunteered in the community with the Springville
Folkfest and at the Springville Art Museum.
One of Emily and her husband Don's most meaningful times was
serving a mission for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints
in San Diego, where she taught at the Institute and worked with the
BYU Pathway Program. The couple also served at the San Diego
Temple weekly. An avid temple goer, Emily's devotion to her faith was
central to her life. Throughout her life, Emily served. She treasured
her callings and serving in Primary, Young Women's, Relief Society,
and Sunday School, and cherished the relationships she created with
those she served. Emily loved everyone. She will be remembered for

her unwavering faith, deep love for her family, friends, community,
and tireless dedication to everything she did. Her warmth, wisdom,
and enthusiasm for life will continue to inspire all who were blessed
to know her.
Emily is preceded in death by her parents, Oleen and Jeanette
Josephson, her three oldest siblings Boyd Josephson, Anna Peterson,
and Garth Josephson, welcomed her into the next life with open arms.
She is survived by her devoted husband of 56 years, Donald Markgraf,
and their five children: Amy Markgraf, Holly Mayne (Mitchell), Cheryl
Wentzel (Kellen), Steven Markgraf (Gabriela), and Eric Markgraf
(Leslie). She also leaves behind ten beloved grandchildren: Noah and
Micah Jacobson, Payton and Miles Mayne, Ava, Jackson, and
Alexandra Wentzel, and Charlotte, Steele, and Emery Markgraf. She is
also survived by her younger siblings, Kathy Haas, and younger
brother, David Josephson. The family is grateful to all who took great
care of Emily over the last year.
A viewing will be held Friday, September 20, 2024, from 6:00–8:00
p.m. and Saturday, September 21, from 9:30-10:30 a.m. at the Historic
White Church, 31 W. Maple St. Mapleton, Utah 84664
Funeral services for Emily will be held on Saturday, September 21,
2024, at 11:00 a.m. at the Historic White Church. A private graveside
service will follow-Contact Wright's Floral is handling floral
arrangements.