Archived Marriage Records
Richard E. Reppert Jr.
Richard Edwin Reppert Jr., 46, of Meridian, was called home by our maker on Wednesday, Feb. 26, 2003, after a 15-year battle with multiple sclerosis. Richard was born July 27, 1956, in Allentown, Pa., to Richard E. and Lucille Reppert. He enjoyed an illustrious high school career playing the positions of full and line backer with national ranking in football for his home team at Salisbury High School in Pennsylvania. After graduation he married his high school sweetheart, Tamie Klein, in 1975. He enrolled in the U.S. Navy and served four years on the destroyer USS Law in New Orleans, La. By April 1977, Richard and Tamie had two beautiful boys. Richard was a proud man with a great sense of humor and a story for every occasion. Richard leaves behind two sons, RJ and Todd Reppert, grandson, Alec Reppert, all of Boise; his father, Richard E. Reppert Sr. of Palmerton, Pa.; and a brother, Mike Reppert.
Robert Nelson Thompson
Robert Nelson Thompson, 74, of Emmett, passed away Saturday, March 1, 2003 at Emmett Valley Rehabilitation and Health Care Center of natural causes. Bob was born on May 6, 1928 in Newhaka, Neb. the son of Carman J. and Gertrude Louise Barbero/ Thompson. Because of his mother's early death and financial difficulties in the family Bob lived with several members of his family and ultimately stayed for a time in Boys Town, Nebraska. He later joined the Merchant Marines into the Navy Sea Bees during and after WWII. From the Navy Bob joined the U.S. Army Air Force. Mr. Thompson went into the Ice business for several years in Selma, California, worked for the GSA for several years in Alaska and then started his own trucking business from which he ultimately retired years later due to health problems. Bob married Helen Mary Voullencurt of Agusa, California in 1962. They remained married while living in Selma, California and Alaska, a place Bob truly loved. Helen died at home in 1980. He never remarried. Bob was a good man with a strong faith in God and Jesus Christ. He enjoyed yard sales and his yearly trips to Sumpter, Oregon, where a huge flea marked is held. Bob always enjoyed making a good deal. He enjoyed eating out and going places with his friends who will miss his company and his stories about his life. God bless you and keep you Bob. Bob is survived by his sister Elsie Smith of Meridian. He was preceded in death by his parents and his wife Helen. A memorial celebration is being arranged. Please call 365-7706 if you wish to attend.
Barbara Ann Ward
Barbara Ann Ward, 70, of Boise, passed away at her home on Thursday, April 17, 2003. Graveside services will be held at 2:30 p.m. Monday, April 21, at Terrace Lawn Memorial Gardens. A viewing will be held this evening from 6 to 8 p.m. at Zeyer Funeral Chapel, 83 N. Midland Blvd., Nampa. Barbara was born Sept. 13, 1932, at Boise, to Gilford and Velna Compton. She married Emmett Frank Ward on June 20, 1954. They had been married for 49 years. Barbara was a devoted wife, mother and grandmother; always there for her family. She will be greatly missed. Survivors include her husband, Emmett; six children, Douglas (Nancy), Shari (Dwight) Baker, Scot (Kalynn), Richard (Julie), Suzanne (Tom) Ashmead, Linda Goodman (Jay Belveal); 12 grandchildren; three great-grandchildren; one sister, Marjorie (Jim) Sharver; and several nieces and nephews. "Do not stand at my grave and weep I am not there, I do not sleep. I am a thousand winds that blow. I am the diamond glint on the snow. I am the sunlight on ripened grain. I am the gentle autumn rain. When you wake in the morning hush, I am the swift, uplifting rush of quiet birds in circling flight. I am the soft starlight at night. Do not stand at my grave and weep. I am not there, I do not sleep."
Byrl Storey
Byrl Storey passed over from this life on Thursday, April 17, 2003, at a local hospital. He was born Feb. 23, 1921, in Boise, to William O. and Bessie (Denten) Storey. He married Aileen Wood on Sept. 15, 1939, in Oakland, Calif. Three children were born to them - Sharon Ann Robertson, Diane Kay Campbell (John), and Jack William Storey (Dale). During his lifetime, he was manager at the Sawtooth Co., employed at the "Goldon Rule" which is now the Bon Marche. He also worked at Davis Supply, and at one time owned the Waldorf cigar store. In later years, he worked construction until ill health forced his retirement. He was preceded in death by his daughter, Sharon Ann; grandson, Michael; his parents; and two sisters, Blanche Walker and June Davies. He is survived by his loving wife of 64 years, Aileen; his son, Jack Storey; and his daughter, Diane Campbell. He is also survived by one sister, Alice Phillips; a brother, Walter Storey; a niece, Connie Coleman (Joe); two nephews, Wayne Walker (Sylvia) and Gary Slee (Julie), and their families. He had five grandchildren, Adam Storey (Mary), Noah Storey (Sierra), Sharina Storey Cotton, Liz Feltis (Dan), Kim Walko (Chris); 11 great-grandchildren; and one great-great-grand- daughter. He was a wonderful grandfather and great-grandfather to all of his grandchildren. He will be forever missed by all. We will all miss his wonderful stories and songs. A funeral service will take place at11 a.m. Tuesday, April 22, at at the Alden-Waggoner Funeral Chapel, Boise. Burial will follow at Kohlerlawn Cemetery, Nampa. A viewing will take place Monday from 6 to 8 p.m. at the Alden-Waggoner Funeral Chapel.
Don Blecha
Don Blecha, 66, of Nampa, died peacefully at his home surrounded by his loving family on Thursday, April 17, 2003, after a courageous battle with cancer. Funeral services will be conducted at 2 p.m. Tuesday, April 22, at College Church of the Nazarene, 504 E. Dewey Ave., Nampa. Burial with military honors by the Idaho Army National Guard will follow at Kohlerlawn Cemetery, Nampa. Friends may call at Alsip & Persons Funeral Chapel, Nampa, today from 1 to 5 p.m. and Monday from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. The family will greet loved ones and friends at the funeral chapel Monday evening from 7 to 9 p.m. Don Blecha was born March 2, 1937, in Nampa, the son of Joe and Ann Blecha. He was reared in Nampa, graduating from Nampa High School in 1956. He attended the College of Idaho, now Albertson College. In his teen years, he joined the 25th Army Band of the Idaho Army National Guard and played in the band until his retirement in 1983. At an early age, Don began working with his father in the business, Joe Blecha Refrigeration. In the 1960s, Don and Beth purchased the business and owned and operated Blecha & Son Refrigeration until they sold the business in 1999. Don married Annabeth Hendricks on July 10, 1959, in Middleton and they have made their home in Nampa. When Don was very young, music became a big part of his life. He loved to play the saxophone and he played with several groups including: The Ray Crawford Orchestra; Gib Hochstrasser's Kings of Swing; Men in Blue; Don Roby Group; Nampa City Band; and the Alumni Pep Band at the College of Idaho. His last music ensemble, which he organized, was the Saxy Four +2. Don was a member of the Civil Air Patrol and served on the Nampa Airport Commission as chairman. He served as a director for the Nampa Chamber of Commerce and helped making and serving pancakes at the annual Buckaroo Breakfast; a member of the Canyon County Sheriff's Posse; a member of the Nampa Exchange Club; and a founding member of the Sunrise Rotary Club and Canyon Enterprises Investment group. Don's family was very, very important to him, and he loved each of them very much. He is survived by his wife, Beth of Nampa; his two daughters and sons-in-law, Debbie and Dave Lammey of Nampa, and Linda and Steve Ashton of Boise; five grandchildren, Chris and Kayla Lammey, Mike, Tyler, and Lindsay Whittle (Ashton); and his Pomeranian "Duchess." His parents preceded him in death. The family wants to thank Dr. Randall Hutchings, Peggy Williams and Sue Beth Willingham for all their care and concern shown to Don and the family during his illness. They also would like to thank John Van Manen and Alsip & Persons Funeral Chapel for their help and assistance in preparing for the funeral services for Don. The family suggests memorial contributions be made to the Nampa High School Band, c/o Tom Stone, 203 Lake Lowell, Nampa, ID 83686; and the Albertson College of Idaho Music Department, c/o Dr. Terry Stone, 2112 E. Cleveland, Caldwell, ID 83605; or flowers may be sent. "Dad, you were such a big part of our lives and were the best dad ever. Even though you are no longer with us, you are in our hearts forever. You will be missed, Dad. We Love You!" Deb and Lindie XX/OO
Francis Elton Watson
Francis E. Watson, 93, quietly passed away on Friday, April 18, 2003, from natural causes at a local hospital. Graveside services will be held at 12 noon Tuesday, April 22, at Cloverdale Memorial Park, 1200 N. Cloverdale, Boise. A viewing will be held Monday from 4 to 8 p.m. at Cloverdale Funeral Home. Frank started work as an electric motor rewinder in 1927 in Los Angeles, Calif. He began working for Los Angeles Department of Water and Power in 1935 as an electrician and retired from that company. Part of his responsibility involved repairing the generators at Hoover Dam and he often made trips there for the Water and Power. During World War II, Frank served in the Navy from December 1942 to September 1945. He received the Philippine Liberation Presidential Citation. He was electrical officer on the USS Zeilin and the USS Requisite. He was a 32nd degree Mason and a member of the Shrine and participated in the Drum and Bugle Corps. He married Gladys Marie Suessbrich on July 10, 1931, in Los Angeles, who preceded him in death on Sept. 7, 1992. Their three children survive him - Marjorie Joan Hagan of Apple Valley, Calif., David Richard Watson of Modesto, Calif., and Gloria Jane Kaylor of Boise; 15 grandchildren; 35 great-grandchildren; and nine great-great-grandchildren. His second wife, Mary Evelyn Watson, lives in Boise. He was fortunate to be able to spend many years enjoying his hobbies of fishing, woodcarving and traveling. His life was long, productive and happy.
Jonathan Ray Prinzing
Jonathan Ray Prinzing, 38, died at home on Monday, April 14, 2003, after courageously battling cancer for four years. His family was by his side. Services will be held at 10:30 a.m. Tuesday, April 22, at St. Michael's Episcopal Cathedral. Jonathan was born July 30, 1964, in Eugene, Ore. He lived in Springfield, Ore., attended high school in Portland and Eugene, and graduated from Sheldon High School in Eugene in 1982. After graduating from Oregon State University in 1988 with a bachelor of science degree in civil engineering, Jon started his career as a bridge engineer with HDR Engineering, a national architectural and engineering firm. Over his career with the company, Jon established himself as one of the company's technical experts in structural engineering and was designated a professional associate. Because of his expert computer skills and the fact that everyone liked and trusted Jon, he was selected by his peers to be chairman of HDR's National Bridge Computer User Group. Under Jon's leadership, the group known as BUG, brought together HDR's bridge personnel to develop consistent procedures, standardized software, but more importantly, greatly increased the interoffice communication and multi-office project teaming. To this day BUG is one of the most effective organizations within HDR. In addition, Jon was involved in several major transportation projects including the I-90 First Hill Lid in Mercer Island, Wash.; the Central Artery project in Boston, Mass.; the Highlands Parkway (Portland Zoo) Interchange in Portland, Ore.; and the Connector from 23rd to Broadway in Boise. Co-workers agree that Jon was among the nicest people you could ever hope to meet and spread happiness and energy wherever he went, particularly at work. Jonathan was married to Barbara Eadie in Seattle on July 14, 1990. On Dec. 26, 1993, their son Nicholas was born. The family moved to Boise in 1996. Jonathan was a gourmet cook, a calligrapher, and a golfer with a very long drive. He enjoyed sailing with his friend Bede Pittenger, and listening to Bruce Springsteen with his friend Alan Lee. He loved to spend time with his son, building Lego bridges and airplanes, playing computer games, reading together, playing golf, and watching the Red Green Show. A gentle and funny man, Jonathan was unfailingly cheerful and easygoing. In every person and in every situation he looked for and found the best. Even his cancer was faced with courage and optimism. Jonathan is survived by a large extended family, including wife, Barbara and son, Nicholas; mother, Lois Bard Prinzing of Portland, Ore.; father, Reuel Prinzing and stepmother, LouAnn Vandaveer of Sedona, Ariz.; brother, Tim Prinzing and his wife, Paula of Aptos, Calif.; brother, David Prinzing and his wife, Melissa of Roseville, Calif.; uncle and aunt, Ray and Doris Prinzing of Boise; and many nieces, nephews, aunts, uncles, and cousins.
Joseph Schreiber
Joseph Schreiber left this earth and started his next adventure on Sunday, April 13, 2003. Joe Schreiber was born in Brooklyn, N.Y. on Dec. 15, 1921. He was fortunate to have wonderful parents and be brought up in the cultures only a big city can offer. He spent summers on a working farm in Catskill, N.Y. He was educated in Brooklyn, worked since childhood, and then enlisted in the US Army Air Corp. He fought WWII as a fighter pilot in Europe. He was shot down and spent the last two months of the war as a POW. Joe was fortunate to be selected into the newly established USAF as a regular officer. His many varied and interesting assignments were culminated by his assignment as the Wing Commander of Mountain Home Air Force Base. What a joy! He flew state-of-the-art airplanes and was associated with the cream of America his fellow Air Force officers and enlisted men and women. He frequently said he would have served without pay, but fortunately the Air Force never realized that. Upon retirement in 1970, the First Security Bank employed Joe. His duties included lobbying the legislature. He spoke eloquently of the influence of special interest money in that august body. He was particularly proud of his appointment and years of service as the first Chairman of the Idaho Housing Agency. The Agency went from nothing without State or Federal money into one of the largest mortgage lenders in Idaho. The Agency allowed thousands of young families to become part of the American dream by owning their own homes at affordable interest rates, and offered needy senior citizens affordable housing. Joe retired for the second time in 1979 and was afforded the opportunity to join Matthews and Wright, a Wall Street investment bank. Again he had a fortunate happenstance to be domiciled in Boise as the Western Regional Manager. He remained with that firm until 1986 retiring for the third time. Joe and his new wife, Rodette, went on a six-month adventure riding their motorcycles all over the United States, Mexico, Canada, and New Foundland. Again, another fortunate happening Joe was offered the opportunity to become the President of Matthews & Wright Pacific, an investment-banking firm domiciled in Guam with offices in Saipan and Palau the absolute scuba diving mecca of the world. After his purpose in that position was served, Joe retired for the fourth time. Joe and Rodette boarded their sailboat in Florida and commenced a six-year, lazy, no-schedule, investigation of the Caribbean. It was a wonderful adventure, a simple life. Their children, grandchildren, and friends visited frequently, and were introduced to sailing and the casual life of yachting. In 1994 Joe and Rodette returned to Boise and bought a home in Eagle. Jumping right into this life, Joe ran for mayor in the 1995 race. He was less than victorious, but it was a great adventure. If nothing else, Joes participation along with his two opponents generated the highest ever voter turnout. Joe had a strong belief that people should become involved in their government, otherwise the vocal, frequently strident, bigoted, no-conscience, take-no-prisoners minority prevail. During that period, Joe started Schreiber Executive Services, a company that helps people who for various reasons cannot manage their lives or resources. It became successful in its own small way and gave Joe pleasure. Joe married Shirley Bell in 1942 and divorced in 1979. They had two children, Joseph M. Schreiber and Michele F. Shuler. He married Rodette Fry in 1985, and became a parent of her two children, Kip Fry and Kimber Hall. All the children prospered and multiplied. Joe and Rodette have many grandchildren and great-grandchildren not a failure among them all bright, good looking, of good humor with some measures of success. It was a great life, with its frequent good times and infrequent bad times. Joe always said, I have had a wonderful life. Im thankful!! Joe is survived by his wife, Rodette, brother Bill Schreiber and wife Marian, Michele Shuler and husband Kirk, Joseph M. Schreibers widow Michele Tomsic and husband Jack, Kimber Hall and husband Bob, Kip Fry and many grandchildren and great-grandchildren that he loved very much. The saddest day of Joes life was when his son, Joseph M. Schreiber of San Antonio, Texax, preceded him in death. No services will be held, but for those who care to have food and drink, and to reminisce with family and friends, you are invited to a gathering to celebrate Joes life at The Eagle Hills Golf Course Banquet Facility (605 N. Edgewood, Eagle) on Friday, April 25, 2003 from 5:30 p.m. until 9:00 p.m.-ish. In lieu of flowers, please make a donation to Women & Childrens Alliance (702 W. Washington, Boise 83702), Joe Schreiber Scholarship Fund at Express News, San Antonio Texas, 78297, The Idaho Youth Ranch or your favorite charity. Obituary written by Joseph Schreiber prior to his death.
Richard David Rost
Richard David Rost, 58, a resident of Gooding, passed away Thursday, April 17, 2003, at Gooding County Memorial Hospital in Gooding. Richard was born Feb. 2, 1945, in Wendell, the son of Gwen and Frank Rost Jr. Richard was raised in Wendell, and graduated from Wendell High School in 1963. He served in the Air Force from 1963 to 1967, serving in Michigan, Puerto Rico and Okinawa before being honorably discharged. Richard married Vallejo Shipley in 1968 in Wendell. They established their home in Gooding. Richard went to work for Blincoe's meat packing plant in 1968 in Gooding, while attending classes at the College of Southern Idaho. In 1981, he started his own business, Rost Drilling and Blasting, that he managed until the time he became ill in 1997. Throughout Richard's life, his love for the outdoors influenced his choices. Whether working or playing, it had to be outside. The elements of Idaho's hot summers and cold winters never seemed to bother him, just as long as he could be outside. His love of family was a large part of his life. Whether it was fishing, hunting or four-wheeling, it was always better if he could have lots of family with him. Having no children of his own, his nieces and nephews became a large part of his life. He liked to share his love of the outdoors with them. Richard will be remembered as a loving husband, loyal son, and a devoted brother. Richard is survived by his wife, Vallejo Rost of Gooding; his parents, Gwen and Frank Rost Jr. of Wendell; two sisters and three brothers, Mary and her husband, Glenn Lee of Fruitland, Robert "Bob" and his wife, LaRita Rost of Pocatello, Jerry and his wife, Janette Rost of Mountain Home, George and his wife, Beverly Rost of Gooding, and Lisa and her husband, Don Bailey of Bozeman, Mont.; and numerous nieces, nephews, aunts, uncles, cousins, and many friends. A visitation for family and friends will be held Monday, April 21, from 5 to 7 p.m. at Demaray's Gooding Chapel. A visitation for family and friends will be Tuesday, April 22, from 10 to 10:45 a.m. in the Relief Society room in Wendell. Funeral services will be conducted at 11 a.m. Tuesday, April 22, at the LDS Stake Center in Wendell. Burial with military honors will be held at the Wendell Cemetery. Funeral arrangements are under the direction of Demaray's Gooding Chapel. The family suggests that memorial contributions be made in Richard's name to the American Cancer Society.
Richard Grant Gardner, M.D.
Dr. Richard Grant Gardner died Thursday morning, April 17, 2003, of natural causes at the age of 78. Born Aug. 20, 1924, he was the only son of H. Grant and Martha Gardner of Fruitland. Rich shared many fond memories of his youthful days hunting, fishing and playing sports in Fruitland. He was a three-sport letterman at Fruitland High School. At half-times in football games, while still in his football uniform, he would play the baritone for the marching band. Rich attended the University of Idaho in Moscow, was a member of the Beta Theta Pi fraternity and played football, basketball and baseball for three semesters before enlisting in the Navy during World War II. During the war, he served for three years as a Navy surgical technician corpsman in MOB 7, fleet and base hospitals in and around New Caledonia. He played football in the service Army-Navy game in Rizual Stadium in the Philippines. In San Diego he played basketball for North Island Naval Air where his team made it to the AAU semi-finals. He then enrolled at the College of Idaho in 1946, and married Gloria Swanson of Payette in 1947. He graduated cum laude in 1949 while playing football and baseball. He graduated from University of Oregon Medical School in 1953. He did one-year residencies at each of the following Portland hospitals: Multnomah County, Emanuel, Shriners' Children's and Veterans Hospitals. He was chief Resident for a year at University of Oregon Medical School. Dr. Gardner moved his family to Boise in 1958 to set up his orthopedics practice. His love for sports drew him to the Boise Junior College football field. It wasn't long before Coach Lyle Smith asked Rich if he would be the team physician. The "Doc" served 33 years as the team physician at Boise State University from 1958 to 1991. Not too bad for a "walk-on." At 6'4", 220 lbs., Rich had no trouble getting the "full attention" of most any football lineman or his children. Those noticeably large, powerful hands could operate with amazing surgical precision. Under a gruff exterior was a man with a compassionate, gentle and sincere heart. Dr. Gardner expanded his care for athletes by coordinating physicians for Optimist Football, junior highs, and high schools throughout southwest Idaho. He was instrumental in starting Boise State's athletic training studies program. He is called the "Father of Sports Medicine" in Idaho. Rich was an avid sportsman. Many weekends were spent hunting ducks and geese on the Snake River or chasing chukar and pheasant throughout southwestern Idaho and southeastern Oregon. He spent many years competing and judging retriever field trials. In 1970 he judged the National Amateur Field Trial Championships. His dogs were an extension of his life. He was a master fly fisherman, an avid golf ball chaser, and loved to ski. He was a terrific father and a superb grandfather. He always had time to "teach" fishing and fly-tying, whether the child wanted to learn or not. He is survived by his wife of 55 years, Gloria (Swanson); four children: twin daughters; Christine and Kenn Kipp of Moscow, and Stephanie and Lowell Stewart, sons; Greg and Cindy Gardner, and Bruce and Elisa Gardner - all of Boise. He has eight grandchildren; Ariel and Phaedra Malmquist; Tyler Kipp; David Deveraux and Samantha Gardner; Natalie Gardner and more twins, Grant and Barbara Gardner. MEMBERSHIP/SERVICE: North Pacific Orthopedic Society; Alpha Kappa Kappa, Medical Fraternity; American Orthopedic Academy; Idaho Medical Association; Idaho Orthopedic Society; St. Luke's Hospital staff; Saint Alphonsus Hospital staff; Elks Rehabilitation Hospital Consultant; Veterans Hospital Consultant; Idaho State Penitentiary - Volunteer Medical Consultant; Governor's Committee on Employment of the Handicapped - Member AWARDS: Albertson College of Idaho, Half Century Alumni, Life Achievement Award; Athletic Training Facility at Boise State University named in his honor, Dr. Richard G. Gardner, Athletic Training Center; John A. Edwards, M.D. Memorial - Doctor of the Year for Outstanding Medical and Civic Achievements; Boise State University Athletic Hall of Fame - 1983; The Idaho Statesman's Distinguished Citizen of the Month; Distinguished Service Award for Years of Service to Athletes and Athletic Trainers in the State of Idaho; Northwest Athletic Trainers, Hall of Fame - Honorary Member Some time after retiring from his orthopedic practice he wrote in his memoirs, "Mountains have become steeper, grass grows faster, and I go slower. I think I have become more mellow." Rich. Celebration of life will be held at 11 a.m. Tuesday, April 22, at the Cloverdale Funeral Home. Memorials may be made to Boise State University Scholarship Fund in the name of Richard G. Gardner, M.D.
