Stephen Glenn Hoki, 72, of Orem, Utah, passed away at his home on Saturday, June 27, 2026.

Steve was born on October 12, 1953, in Seattle, Washington to Toshio Hoki and Kikumi Miyagishima Hoki. He took his role as the oldest son in a Japanese American household seriously. During his school years, Steve wrestled and played the clarinet in the band. He graduated from Hillcrest High School in 1972.

As a teenager, Steve converted to The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and eventually served his mission in Kobe, Japan from 1973 to 1975. After returning home, he moved to Provo, Utah, to attend Brigham Young University. In addition to his studies, he worked on the stage crew building sets for performing art productions. Steve earned two associates degrees; an Associate of Applied Science in Drafting Technology and an Associate of Science in Electronics.

While attending BYU, Steve met Melody Shegrud. Melody’s apartment needed some repairs, and Steve offered to do the work in exchange for a home-cooked meal. Melody volunteered as the roommate to stay and cook for him and after a few of these repair-and-dinner evenings, they began dating. Steve’s policy of trading repairs for meals carried on throughout his life with his kids and close friends.

Steve and Melody were married in the Salt Lake City LDS Temple on April 22, 1978. They settled in Orem, where they bought a home and raised their four children. After welcoming three daughters in a row, Steve joked that he would never have a son. Years later, they decided to try one more time and were finally blessed with their son, Travis.

Steve worked tirelessly to provide for his family. He spent many years working in hardware stores, where he learned to fix just about anything. After completing his schooling, he began a career in Electronics and eventually retired in 2020 after many years as an electronics technician in research and development.

Steve had many hobbies including; photography, leatherwork, electronics, wood working, painting ceramics, macrame, coin collecting, and generally working with his hands. Most of his hobbies were used to make gifts for others, including a couple handmade grandfather clocks. Steve and Melody shared a love of music, both playing clarinet and guitar, which fueled his lifelong love for campfire songs and folk music.

Steve was a man of few words, but those that truly knew him knew how funny he could be. He loved to tease and took every opportunity to playfully poke fun at all of those that he loved, especially his wife, Melody.

Steve’s love language was very clearly gift-giving, even though he never actually wrapped a present in his life. However, you could guarantee that the gift contained inside that grocery bag was always carefully selected for the recipient.

He was a child at heart. He loved collecting cute stuffies, Star Wars memorabilia, baseball and basketball cards, eclectic toys, and anything that brought him joy. He was always excited to add a new VHS or DVD to his video library.

Steve picked out seemingly random, though very specific, stuffies to represent each of his eight grandchildren and displayed them proudly in the front-room. Eventually, he needed another set in his bedroom so he could keep his grandkids close and be reminded of how much he loved them.

Steve also loved Minions from the movie Despicable Me, and those minions slowly started making their way into his daily life and home décor. One year for his birthday he threw himself a Minions themed birthday party, providing minion decorations and activities for the whole family.

Of all of the things Steve has accomplished in his life, he was most proud of his grandchildren. Nothing made him happier than spending time with them and filling them up with sugar before sending them back home with their parents. In fact, he successfully snuck every one of his kids and grandkids (and even some honorary grandkids) a twinkie as their first solid food.

Steve had cheated death so many times that his family began to wonder if he was truly invincible. Through every health scare, we believe he fought to recover, driven in large part by his deep love and devotion to Melody. As her Multiple Sclerosis progressed, Steve cared for her with unwavering dedication for many years. When Melody moved into the nursing home, he was able to go from being a caretaker to being a companion. They treasured the opportunity to simply enjoy each other's companionship.

Melody was incredibly proud of the way he stepped into his role as the family patriarch.

His faith sustained him through grief and heartache, and his testimony of the plan of salvation gave him hope and comfort in the promise that he would one day be reunited with his beloved wife. He and Melody found great pride in his children and found deep fulfillment in the family and life that they built together.

Steve served his friends, family, and ward members with his quiet demeanor and kind heart. He brought joy to countless people through thoughtful gifts, treats, and his contagious smile. Above all, he cherished time with his grandchildren, who brought him immeasurable happiness and gave his later years great purpose.

Steve was a great Dad and an excellent Grandpa. He is remembered and loved by all who knew him. He is survived by his four children, Rebecca (Kristian) Hargett, Valerie (Bradley) Illingsworth, Christina Hoki, Travis (Lindsey) Hoki; his eight grandchildren, Damien, Treyce, Kaden, Maddy, Jack, Tayson, Milo, and Maxwell; his sister, Naomi Martindale; and his brothers, Richard Hoki and James Hoki.

He was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Melody; his father, Toshio; his mother, Kikumi; and his brother, Gregory.

Steve’s kindness, humor, generosity, and love for his family will be deeply missed and remembered as his legacy lives on in the family he loved so completely, and in the countless lives he quietly touched. 

Funeral Services will be held Thursday, July 9, 2026 at 3:00 pm in the Orchard 4th Ward, 670 East 800 North, Orem, Utah. Family and friends may visit Wednesday evening from 6:00 - 8:00 pm at Walker Sanderson Funeral Home, 646 East 800 North, Orem, or Thursday at the church from 2:00 - 2:45pm.

A webcast of the service will be available at www.walkersanderson.com.