Jeremiah Albert Hatch age 93, was welcomed home by his Heavenly Father on September 22, 2024. Dad was born on June 12, 1931, to Hazel Coult and Sisson Chase Hatch in Salt Lake City, Utah. He answered to several names throughout his life, including Jerry, Uncle Jerry, Dad, and his favorite “Grandpa Chocolate.” Dad served in the United Stated Air Force during the Korean Conflict. Upon his return he served a mission for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints in the Central America mission. He was incredibly surprised when he reported to the mission, and everyone was speaking Spanish. It was then he realized he wasn’t to be serving in the Central United States, but in Guatemala. His pronunciation of “Guatemala” will never be forgotten.
Following his mission service, he attended BYU where he met his wife Lena “Nadine” Foster. They were later married on June 23,1961. He then completed his master’s degree in social work at the University of Utah. Following Nadine’s death in 1973, he married Beth Jensen in March of 1976; they were later divorced.
Dad worked many years in community mental health as a social worker. Upon his retirement, he started Hatch Family Chocolates using his candy making skills that he learned from his mother. He was a real-life Willy Wonka and many eagerly anticipated having his candy. His son Stephen and Kate Masterson later joined the business to continue the family legacy. He loved spending time at the family cabin, riding his ATV and playing card games with his family. In his later years, his granddaughters would lovingly cheat for him.
Dad is survived by his children: Richard (Leisa), Lisa, Stephen, and RuthAnn (Jason) Mayne; 7 grandchildren: Sara (Will), Megan (Brett), Ashlyn (Dallin), Lindsey, Kaylee, Austin, and Brooklyn; 2 great-grandchildren: Maya and Louis. He is also survived by his sister MaryOwen Heslop.
He was preceded in death by his wife, Lena “Nadine,” daughter Jeralee, his parents and siblings, sisters Marian, Laura, Carol Jean and brothers, Kenneth, and Robert.
Dad will be missed by all, including the dogs in his neighborhood and the endless supply of treats he always had for them.
Services will be held on Saturday, September 28, 2024, at Warenski Funeral Home 1776 North 900 East American Fork, Utah. The viewing will be from 9:30 to 10:30 AM followed by the funeral service at 11:00 AM. The burial will take place at Memorial Lake Hills Cemetery, 10055 South State Street, Sandy, Utah. Family and friends are invited to share stories and memories at Warenski.com.