Stephen Anton Hoaglund

Stephen Anton Hoaglund passed away Saturday of natural causes, surrounded by his loving family at Larchwood Inns in Grand Junction, Co. He was 76.

Visitation will be held at 10 am Saturday Jan. 24th , followed by funeral services at 11am at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints located at 2542 G Road, Grand Junction, Co. The burial will follow immediately at Orchard Mesa Cemetery.

Steve was born in Glenwood Springs, Colorado, to Carl and Juanita Hoaglund. The family then relocated to Grand Junction in his youth.

Growing up on his parents’ farm in Appleton, Steve, known as Hoagie to his friends, developed a love for anything fast, including boats, but mostly cars. Chevys to be exact, of which he owned many. He drag raced in the NHRA in several different classes over the years including front engine dragsters. Later in life he enjoyed taking the family to watch the races with him.

He enjoyed being in his garage restoring his classic cars and taking them to car shows, a hobby that brought him great pride and happiness. He loved to connect with others that shared this same passion.

His love of cars dominated his professional life as well, working from Mechanic up to Service manager for Chevrolet dealerships for many years as well as owning his own businesses including Standard Tire and Recap, with his father and brother, and Precision Engineering and Automotive. He was well known and liked in automotive circles and was often sought out for his automotive knowledge and expertise, which he loved to share, especially with his children.

After retiring, he stayed busy by selling campers at Bob Scott’s, enjoying the chance to stay connected with people and the automotive world he loved.

He had a deep love for history, especially the old west, and found joy traveling throughout Colorado exploring its many different historic places and hidden gems.

He was aways quick with his wit and well known for his dad jokes, bringing laughter to those around him.

His pride and joy were his family, whom he always spent as much time with as he could, and would do anything for. He would make his weekly rounds visiting everyone that still lived in town, every Sunday like clockwork.

He is survived by his Wife Sandra Pittenger, Brother Roger and Sister-in-law Dee Hoaglund, Sons Gary Hoaglund and wife Kathryn, Marc Hoaglund, Matt Hoaglund and wife Melissa, Daughter Stefanie Bish, and Stepdaughter, Senta Costello and husband Chad. Grandchildren Jessica Moore, Bryan Hoaglund, Sierra Hoaglund, Colton Costello, Kendall Costello, Ryker Bish, Maddox Bish, Wyatt Hoaglund and Westley Hoaglund. Great-grandchildren Blake and Cody.

He is preceded in death by his mother and father, Carl and Juanita Hoaglund.