Archived Marriage Records
Virginia I. Holtry
Island Park summer resident
Virginia Iona Holtry, 79, of Idaho Falls, died Sept. 27, 2005, at her home in Idaho Falls.
She was born Sept. 15, 1926, in Reading, Ohio, to K.D. Dykes and Georgia Mae Sexton Dykes. She grew up and attended school in Ohio and Barboursville, Ky., and graduated from Barboursville High School.
On Sept. 8, 1972, she married Cecil “Red” Holtry in Idaho Falls. He died March 17, 1995. She belonged to the Roberts Town and Country Garden Club, where she was a district director and the president from 1995 to 1998. She was a member of the Roberts Lions Club.
Virginia and Red were well known in Island Park, where they ran cattle for 20 summers, working for Don Walker and the Spur Cattle Company. Virginia also worked three summers at the Chalet Restaurant in Last Chance.
Survivors include her children, Annette Fore Vadnais of Dubois, Diane Fore Creps of Ann Arbor, Mich., Bonnie Fore DeGraw of Ypsilanti, Mich., Gladys Holtry of Blackfoot, Jerry Fore of Muskegan, Mich., Denny Fore of Horton, Mich., Michael Holtry of Idaho Falls, Roger Holtry of Portland, Ore., and Tommy Fore of Texas; sisters, Julia Dykes Cory of Reading, Ohio, Helen Fay Dykes Higginbotham of Fort Wayne, Ind.; a brother, David "Bud" Dykes of Peebles, Ohio; 22 grandchildren; six great-grandchildren; and one great-great-grandchild. She was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Cecil; daughter, Delores Wertz; sister, Yvonne; and two brothers, Elvin and Dean Dykes.
Graveside services were held Monday, Oct. 3, at Market Lake Cemetery, with Earnest Barnes officiating. Condolences may be sent to the family at www. eckersellfuneralhome.com.
Brad Orme, St. Anthony, ID.
Bradford K. Orme 38, of St. Anthony, ID. died Aug. 16, 2005 in Island Park as a result of injuries sustained from a motorcycle accident. Bradford was born Dec. 14, 1966 in St. Anthony, ID. to Rich E. and Doris Kooch Orme. He grew up and attended school in St. Anthony, graduating from South Fremont High School. He later attended Boise State University. Brad had deep roots in Fremont Co. being among the fourth generation to ranch in St. Anthony and Island Park. He was actively involved in cattle ranching, operating the summer range on Island Park properties homesteaded by his great grandfather Kooch over 100 years ago. He had extensive spring range holdings in Clark Co. near Camas Creek. He was on the Yellowstone Soil Conservation Board, Past President of the Fremont Madison Cattleman's Association, a member of the Fremont Co. Weed Board and Past Director of the Idaho Cattleman's Association. Brad had many interests including photography, hunting, fishing, and loved the outdoors. He was loved by all and will be truly missed.
Survivors include his father, Rich E. Orme, St. Anthony, ID.; Allison (Mark) Giacoletto, Cody, WY.; Shelly (Clint) Clark, Kailua, Hawaii and Kaye (Shane) Olpin, Spearfish, SD. He was a beloved uncle to four nephews and one niece. He was preceded in death by his mother Doris in l981 Funeral services will be conducted Saturday at 11:00 a.m. in the St. Anthony Idaho Stake Center with Bp. Bill Stapleton, Officiating. Friends may visit with the family from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. on Friday at the Bidwell Funeral Home and at the church on Saturday for one hour prior to the Services. Burial will be in the Riverview Cemetery. Family suggest contributions to the Idaho Youth Ranch.
Wayne S. Johnson
Wayne Salisbury Johnson, 84, of Island Park, died Wednesday, Aug. 3, 2005, at his daughters home in Idaho Falls of a stroke.
He was born Oct. 18, 1920, in Marysville, into a lively family, his parents being Otto H. and Rosella Salisbury Johnson. He had nine siblings. He grew up on the family farm and attended high school in Ashton and worked in the drug store on Main Street. He attended both Ricks and Logan colleges, studying animal husbandry.
He became a paratrooper in World War II assigned to the 11th Airborne, stationed in the Philippines. He spent some time after the war working as a wrangler for Jack Young's Yellowstone Boys Ranch, taking boys from all over America into Yellowstone Park.
He bought a ranch on the west side of Henry's Lake and named it the Slash J, and began raising Hereford cattle.
He married Lea Mae Blackburn Dec. 22, 1956. She died in 1975. Wayne has always loved Henry's Lake and his friends that live there.
He was a member of the LDS Church.
He was a good father who gave the gift of a great childhood. He loved his granddaughter Joey Lea Ford very much.
He is survived by his daughter, Debbie (Steve) Empey of Idaho Falls; his son, Clint Johnson (Leslie) of Henry's Lake; a brother, Harold (Lucille) Johnson; sisters, Verla (Alan) Swan and Janeal (Dean) Larsen, all of Salt Lake City, and two grandchildren, Joey Lea Ford and Andrew M. Johnson.
He was preceded in death by his parents, wife, two brothers, and four sisters.
Graveside services will be held Tuesday at 1 p.m. at Targhee Cemetery, located on the north side of Henry's Lake. Arrangements are being handled through Bert Flamm Mortuary in St. Anthony.
Harvey Nelson, Island Park
Harvey Grant Nelson, 51 of Island Park and a former American Falls resident died Saturday, August 6, 2005 from injuries sustained in an automobile accident. Harvey was born January 18, 1954, to Ivan C. “Doc” and Norma Jensen Nelson in Aberdeen. He attended schools in Aberdeen and American Falls. He served two years in the Army, returning to American Falls upon his honorable discharge.Harvey married Adrianna Simms June 16, 1989. They had one daughter, Kristina Michele Nelson, the love of his life. He was a friend to everyone he met and will be greatly missed. Harvey worked for several American Falls/Aberdeen farmers and businesses before moving to Island Park, where he worked as a finish carpenter, most recently at Pond's Lodge. Harvey was laid to rest Wednesday in a casket fit for a good carpenter, lined with pine tree carvings, wearing his Pond's Lodge baseball cap.Harvey was very talented and could do just about anything he tackled. He loved fishing, hunting and being outdoors.Harvey was preceded in death by his wife, parents, and one brother, Donald Ray Nelson. He is survived by his daughter, Kristina, American Falls; brother, Allen (Pat) Nelson, American Falls; sisters, Loretta (Charlie) Constantinidis, Boise, and Norma Jean (Dan) Neu, American Falls, his father and mother-in-law, Mike and Oralia Simms, American Falls, seven nephews, and many friends.The graveside service was held Wednesday, August 10, 2005 at the Fallsview Cemetery
in American Falls under the direction of Davis-Rose Mortuary in American Falls.
Pond's to host benefit for Harvey Nelson's daughterPond's Lodge will hold a memorial celebration of Harvey Nelson's life, and an auction to raise money to help Harvey's daughter, at 2 p. m. Sunday, August 21.Kristina Nelson will begin her college studies at Boise State this fall, Pond's owner Gary Campbell said. The auction's proceeds will help pay her school expenses.The event is a potluck affair. Please bring a dish and an item or items for the auction.If you are unable to attend, drop items off at the lodge. Call 558-7221 for more information.
Fergus Briggs
Fergus Briggs, 82, of Pocatello and an Island Par cabin owner, died peacefully Saturday morning, July 16, 2005 at his home surrounded by members of his beloved family.
The son of Fergus P. Briggs and Pearle Lorene Prough Briggs, he was born in Twin Falls December 7, 1922, the first of six children. Besides Twin Falls, he spent part of his youth in Gooding before moving to Pocatello at age 13. He attended local schools and graduated from Pocatello High School in 1941. At Pocatello High School, he lettered in track and field three years and was selected to the All State Track and Field Team. Additionally, he served as Senior Editor for the high school year book. He attended the University of Idaho Southern Branch for one year where he lettered in Track and Field. He then attended the University of Washington in Seattle for one quarter before enlisting in the U.S. Army Air Corps in December 1942 following the outset of World War II.
Trained at U.S. bases as a bombsight and automatic pilot repairman on bomber aircraft, he served with the Nineteenth Depot Repair Squadron, Ninth Air Force, in North Africa, Italy and France. He was honorably discharged as a corporal from the U.S. Army Air Force in November 1945.
Upon returning to Pocatello, Fergus began a career as manager of the National Laundry Company. He attended the American Institute of Laundering, Joliet, Illinois during 1947, finishing second in his class. In 1972 the National Laundry closed and consolidated with the Troy Parisian Company. Fergus worked as a manager until 1980. He then managed the Jackson Lake Lodge laundry for a short period and was Eastern Idaho Manager for Gem Linen. In 1982, Fergus took a position as a seasonal employee in the U.S. Forest Service, Targhee National Forest. He worked seven years as a timber stand examiner, five years as a firewood manager, and eight years as an office customer relations assistant. He held a private pilots license and has been a member of the Bengal Foundation (ISU), the Kiwanis Club and several prize winning bowling teams. Fergus was a long-time member of the First Baptist church.
Fergus married Shirley Tanner in Pocatello on June 16, 1946. They had seven children who were the joy of his life. He had ten grand children and five great-grandchildren.
He is survived by his wife Shirley, children Kristine (Michael) Halperin of Camarillo, CA; Paul (Gina) of Alexandria, VA; Eric, of Pocatello; Rachael (Anthony) Chiariello, of Bozeman; Margot (Dave) Parker, of Bozeman; Darrel (Shawn) Briggs, of Pocatello; and Lisa Erickson, of Reno, NV. In addition he is survived by brothers Rolla (Ardis), of Garden Valley, ID; Robert, of San Francisco, CA; and Jack, of North Fork, ID. His surviving sister, Monna Briggs, resides in Portland, and his sister, Margaret, preceded him in death.
Services were held Wednesday, July 20, 2005 in the Cornelison - Henderson Funeral Chapel, Pocatello, with Reverend Bill McCready presiding. Burial was in the Mountain View Cemetery
with military graveside rites provided by the Pocatello Veterans Honor Guard.
Gloria Peters
Born March 13, 1933, Gloria Lee Peters, 71, went directly into the loving arms of our Lord God in Paradise on Monday, March 7, 2005. She lived on Bills Island and in St. George, Utah. She had many names while she was here with us on Earth. She was known as Gloria, “GL” & “Hurricane Gloria,” all of which truly represented the vigor, vitality and the life that flowed through her. But, most of all she was Mama, Nana, Honey and sometimes even “Ma.”
Gloria gave all of herself to each and every one of us. She had an incredible ability to make friends wherever she would go and to make you feel and know that you were her friend. She always surprised us with the many facets of her personality.
Her last days were spent at home, naturally, with dignity, surrounded by her family.
She leaves behind her: loving husband, Donald V. Peters; daughters, Michele (Gary) Foster, Stephanie (Merlin) Blatnick, Holly Noel (Scott) Schick-Lewis, and Kim Streeter; son, Bob (Margo) Schick; stepson, Bob (Laurie) Peters; sisters, Kathleen and Barbara Love; 19 grandchildren; and 11 great-grandchildren. She is preceded in death by her: daughter, Julie Kay Pollock; mother, LaPreal Forster (Duffin); father, Lloyd Love; and stepfather, Lloyd Forster.
In lieu of flowers, please send donations to the American Cancer Society, P.O. Box 102454, Atlanta, GA 30368-2454, 1-800-ACS-2345, or Web site, www.cancer.org.
May the Lord bless us all as we wait to see her again. “Mom, we will truly miss you!”
Friends and family are invited to offer their condolences at www.spilsburymortuary.com. Click on the dove. Or e-mail guestbook@islandparknews.com
Robert E. “Bob” Hill
Island Park
Robert E. “Bob” Hill, 54, passed away on Sunday, March 6, 2005 at his home in Island Park, after a year-long bout with cancer.
He was born November 17, 1950 in Pocatello, the son of Alvin Hill and Delores Pellum, who later divorced. Al then married Phyllis Hansen who was Bob’s “mom” from the time he was three years old.
Bob spent his early childhood years in Idaho Falls and Shelley. The family then moved to Pocatello, where Bob graduated from Highland High School. He was active in sports at Highland and played on the Varsity Football Team from his freshman year through his senior year.
Bob served his country by joining the U.S. Marine Corps. He was stationed two years in Brazil and other South American countries. He also served as Deputy Sheriff in Coeur D’ Alene and Blackfoot.
Bob was a man that had to explore new dreams and adventures. Doing so, he became proficient in many crafts, electronics, carpentry, businesses, and bartending. He traveled worldwide with a team that gave Saudi Arabia its first commercial satellite system. He owned and operated Hillco Satellite of Idaho Falls and the Classic Bar & Grill.
The family gives special thanks and condolences to his soulmate and caregiver Charlotte Hendren. Bob is also survived by his father, Al and “mom” Phyllis, of Blackfoot; sisters, Vickie (Wendell) Bell, Phoenix, AZ; Mickie Jean (Larry) Johnson, Portland, OR; brother, Kim (Joyce) Hill, Pocatello; half sister, Cherie (Bill) Zaverson, Boise; daughters, Phylisha (Jason) McConeghy, Idaho Falls; Misty Kumpf, Idaho Falls; son, Steven (Tara) Kumpf, Idaho Falls; and five grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his grandparents, Carl and Ella Hill and Violet Hansen Coleman; his maternal mother, Delores Hess; and brother, Phillip Hill.
Funeral services will held at 11 a. m. Saturday, March 12, 2005 at Colonial Funeral Chapel, 2005 So. 4th Avenue, Pocatello. The family will receive friends from 10 until 10:45 prior to the services at the funeral home. The burial will follow the services at Mountainview Cemetery
with military rites provided by the Pocatello Veterans Honor Guard.
Harry Wirkus
Yuma and Shotgun
Harry W. Wirkus, 76, passed away from heart failure on Wednesday, March 2, 2005, in Yuma, AZ.
Harry was the son of German immigrants, Emil Otto August Wirkus and Marta Jahnke Wirkus. He was born. raised, and educated in Ammon and Idaho Falls. He married his wife, Charlotte, in the L. D. S. Temple in Idaho Falls in October 1947. They purchased their residential lot in Shotgun in 1967. The family moved permanently to Shotgun in 1972, when they bought the Shotgun Store, which they worked hard to make a name for. Harry also worked as a general contractor and jack-of-all-trades, building roads, installing sewers, and remodeling homes.
He loved to fish and always bragged about “No-Tell-Em Creek.” He loved to explore new, out of the way, and interesting places. In winter, he enjoyed snowmachining with family and friends. His shop was the place to go for answers and advice. Helping people was his greatest joy in life. He mentored many young men and tried to teach them the art of being a man. Harry had his own way of doing things and relating to people. Most people appreciated his sense of humor — some liked it, some did not. He is greatly missed.
Harry is survived by his wife, sister Erna Sellers, brothers Erwin and Richard Wirkus, daughters Diane Kaihau and Debra Megill (Pat), six grandchildren, and two great-grandchildren.
A memorial and celebration of Harry’s life will be held in early summer in Island Park, his favorite home.
