Archived Marriage Records
Fred J. Wright
A family tribute
Fred J. Wright’s valiant battle with acute leukemia ended Thursday, January 26, 2006, when he was surrounded by his wife, Alta, and children Jan and Doug Fairchild, Jerry and Kathy Wright, Jinger and Richard Rash, Jacki and Dave Griffith, Jay and Kristie Wright, and Jim and Colleen Wright.
Pop was born Sept. 20, 1931, in Shelley, Idaho, to Orice B and Zelda Williams Wright. In 1938, Dad and his five brothers, Kay W., Dean R., Kenneth L., Roger B., Larry G., and sister Neva, moved to Idaho Falls.
His first job was delivering newspapers for the Salt Lake Tribune. He moved on to setting pins at The Hi-Ho bowling alley, which planted the seed for future bowling. He was an avid boxer for Idaho Falls High School. As he was in the ninth grade, it was quite an accomplishment that he was on the varsity boxing team, let alone claiming the title of Golden Gloves.
In his junior year of high school, he met the love of his life. They waited until her graduation two years later to be married on Sept. 17, 1950. They were in love and inseparable ever since.
In his younger years, he experienced different occupations, from butcher, milkman, sandblaster, masonry, farming, and grocer, until 1969, when he created and built, along with his sons, Wright Roofing, still a solid company in the valley. Many customers have had the good fortune of experiencing the deep satisfaction and pride dad and his crew put into every job.
Upon his retirement nine years ago, he enjoyed having more time to spend on his true passions, which included his properties in Island Park, where he hunted, fished, snowmobiled, cut trees, and spent time with his family. He favored quality time on Island Park Reservoir fishing with his wife. Cutting and supplying the cabins with firewood with his brother Kenneth was always an adventure.
He enjoyed a yearly fishing trip to Alaska, to catch that big one with his sons, daughter Jan, son-in-law, Dave, and his brother Kenneth.
In 1949, Dad, along with Dean Nalder (Uncle Pete), cut trails and established the favorite family hunting spot in the mountains of Leadore, were the perfect place for the yearly male bonding rites, and not one year was missed. This trip included the sons and every male in the family. The first week of October, which was eagerly anticipated, was the only time each year Wright Roofing’s doors were closed for business, so the week long hunt could begin.
His greatest hunting accomplishment was a 400 plus Boone and Crockett trophy elk, which can be enjoyed at Sportsman’s Warehouse, where it is on display.
One of Pop’s last wishes was to fill just one more elk tag. In between one of his five chemo treatments, he bagged a very impressive six point bull.
When dad was not busy with work or outdoor activities, he liked to spend a few hours at the bowling alley. He took up bowling in 1955 at the old Broadway Bowl. A broken hand caused him to give up the sport until 1975, 20 years later. Once back in the game, nothing could stop him from racking up accomplishments. Dad has earned many coveted awards, which include the ABC 11 strikes in a row, holding the record for the highest triplicate award (three consecutive games of 236), one 297 game, two 298 games and two 299 games. Dad also put his heart and soul in to the organization. He served on the Idaho Falls Bowling Association Board of Directors for 22 years. He was inducted into the Idaho Falls Bowling Hall of Fame in 1992, for service, superior bowling ability, and sponsorship. He contributed more than $46,000.00 to leagues and tournaments. Wright Roofing’s bowling team holds the five- man team scratch record of 3341.
Many years ago, he started a bowling tournament that became a popular yearly event. On December 12, 2005, this tournament was named for him — the Fred Wright Match Play Singles Tournament.
In 1989, Dad was full of pride when his family was named "The Bowling Family of the Year." We have a long standing joke in the family that says no one may marry a non-bowler. For the past several years, we have been able to rent a bowling alley to hold our Christmas party (thank you Larry), which is something Dad cherished. When Dad could no longer bowl, he could still be seen at the bowling alley having his morning cup of coffee with the guys, and spending time watching and coaching his wife and children to "put some fire on it" when they bowled.
His wife and children were the most important part of his life. He enjoyed teasing his children with threats of shooting that fat man and his eight reindeer, if they didn’t get off his roof. We all remember him doing the poco-moco, a game where dad would stomp, step by step, and slowly turn, and attempt to catch a kid, a sure way to get six children screaming and Mom yelling, "FRED, Stop it!" Even the parakeet learned to scream, "FRED, stop it!!"
Dad would serenade us with favorite songs. "Toot-toot peanut-butter", and "I fell in love with a girl from El Paso" were just a couple we all know by heart.
Anyone who knew our dad also knew his quick-witted one-liners, his colorful jokes, and his easy sense of humor. He always had the perfect comeback for any situation. His heart was solid gold, and he was loved and admired by everyone.
We will always remember Dad as being the family’s solid rock and strong backbone. There is a big old oak tree in the hills of California, named after Dad, called Big Fred. This tree portrays Dad perfectly. His trunk is solid and firm if we need to lean on him, his branches stretch far and wide to shield us, and we are given a perfect place to sit and rest in his shade, confident that, if there were dark times to face, the sun would always peek through.
To every nurse on the fifth floor, to Dr. Shull, and to Dr. Shull’s staff, how do we say thank you? You gave Dad such joy and comfort, and you helped Mom tremendously. You treated Dad like he was your own father, and a simple "thank you" is the tip of the iceberg of our gratitude.
Dad’s loving and giving heart was bigger than his chest could hold. He is not only our father, he is our friend. Mom will miss him deeply, daily. Jan will miss fishing with him. Jerry will miss his daily lunches with his pop. Jinger will miss the easy bantering. Jacki will miss his patient bowling coaching. Jay will miss hunting with him. Jim will miss spending time at the cabin with his dad. There is nothing he would not do for his family. There are no words to completely convey how deep our loss is.
Dad, job well done.
Funeral services were held Monday, January 30, 2006, at Wood Chapel of the Pines in Idaho Falls. Burial was in Fielding Memorial Park. Condolences may be sent to the family at www.woodfuneralhome.com.
Betty J. Rinehart
Betty J. McDonald Rinehart, 76, of Idaho Falls and Island Park, died Tuesday, January 24, 2006, at Eastern Idaho Regional Medical Center.
She was born February 3, 1929 in Parkersburg, West Virginia, to Orville J. McDonald and Ruby Freed McDonald. She grew up in Vienna, West Virginia, and graduated in 1948 from Parkersburg High School.
On August 24, 1950, she married Bennie N. Rinehart in Parkersburg, West Virginia. They moved to Idaho Falls in 1980 where they have since made their home.
She was a member of the Methodist Church. She loved bowling and spending time at their property in Island Park.
She was a loving wife and caring mother to three sons and a daughter.
She is survived by her husband, Bennie Rinehart of Idaho Falls; daughter, Pamela (Randy) Campbell of Idaho Falls; son, Michael (Sharon) Rinehart of Idaho Falls; son, Benjamin (Pam) Rinehart Jr. of Stow, Ohio; son, Wayne Rinehart of Marietta, Ohio; 10 grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren, and a sister, Kathleen Hutton of Vienna, West Virginia.
She was preceded in death by her parents.
Private family services were held under the direction of Coltrin Mortuary, 2100 First St in Idaho Falls.
Eldene H. Hymas
Our loving wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, sister and friend, Eldene Holmes Hymas, 75, returned to her Heavenly Father on Sunday, January 22, 2006.
She was born September 27, 1930 in Bennington, Idaho, a daughter of Oliver Wendell and Isabelle Janette Hall Holmes. She was raised in Montpelier where she attended public schools.
On June 9, 1949, Eldene married Merlin J. Hymas in the Idaho Falls LDS Temple. They later moved to Coeur d’Alene, where they lived for 18 years. After living in various places around Idaho, they eventually settled in Pleasant View, UT, and had a cabin on Bills Island in Island Park.
She was a faithful member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. She held various callings throughout her lifetime and served three missions.
Eldene was a member of the Daughters of Utah Pioneers. She volunteered for many years for the Red Cross. She had a great love of reading and especially enjoyed reading the scriptures. Eldene was a world traveler, but most of all she loved to spend time with her grandchildren. Eldene was a compassionate person who always helped others in need.
Surviving are her husband of Pleasant View; her children, Shauna Lee (George Sr.) Besaw, Lewiston; Michael J. (Kate) Hymas, Boise; Merlene (David) Neilson, Pleasant View; Richard Verl (Sandy) Hymas, Boise; 17 grandchildren, and 37 great-grandchildren.
Also surviving are three brothers and two sisters, Carloss Holmes, William W. Holmes, Ferris Holmes, Arlene Peterson and Mary Kaye Poulson.
Preceding Eldene in death were her parents, six siblings, a daughter-in-law and two great-grandchildren.
Funeral services were held Friday, January 27, 2006, at the Pleasant View Stake Center. E-mail condolences to the family at lom@lindquistmortuary.com .
Glen A. Bahr
Glen A. Bahr, 93, of Ashton, died Thursday, January 19, 2006, at his home in Ashton of natural causes.
He was born Nov. 14, 1912, in Miller, S.D., to William and Anna Bahr. He served in the U.S. Army during World War II in the Philippines.
On March 15, 1944, he married Elsie
Kuehl at St. John’s Lutheran Church in Salt Lake City. He moved to Greentimber after the war, where he farmed until his retirement. They were married for 58 years. She died March 25, 2002.
He was a member of Zion Lutheran Church in Ashton. Glen enjoyed spending time with his grandson, Derek Bahr.
Survivors include his son, Glendon (Gloria) Bahr of Ashton; two brothers, Wayne Bahr of Miles City, Mont., and Paul Bahr of Mesa, Ariz.; and a brother-in-law, Erich (Dorothy) Kuehl of Ashton. He was preceded in death by his wife; brothers, Melvin Bahr and Ralph Bahr; and a sister-in-law, Frieda Kuehl.
Funeral services were Monday, January 23, at Zion Lutheran Church in Ashton. Burial was in Squirrel Cemetery.
Don F. Laughlin
Don F. Laughlin, 72, an Island Park summer resident from Idaho Falls, died Wednesday, January 4, 2006, at Eastern Idaho Regional Medical Center.
He was born April 10, 1933, in Oroville, Calif., to Willis and Anna Mooney Laughlin. He graduated from San Juan High School and attended Sacramento State Junior College in Sacramento, Calif. He spent time in Germany while serving in the U.S. Army during the Korean War. He married Doris Wilmott; they divorced. In 1961, he married Marge Dagel at Lemon Hill Lutheran Church in Sacramento.
He worked at Aerojet Nuclear and transferred to Idaho in 1969. He retired from Argonne National Laboratory West in 1993.
After retirement, he spent summers in Island Park. Don enjoyed fly-fishing, bowling, bird hunting, and camping and was interested in all sports, especially baseball.
Survivors include his wife, Marge, of Idaho Falls; and daughter, Lynn (Rob) Haines of New Castle, Calif. He was preceded in death by his parents.
A memorial gathering took place Saturday at the home of Bob and Darlene Farrer in Idaho Falls and another will be held in Island Park at a later date. The family suggests memorial donations to the Don Laughlin Memorial Fund at any Bank of Idaho; or to a charity of the giver’s choice.
Carl Junior Bradshaw
Carl Junior Bradshaw, 69, of Rigby, died at Eastern Idaho Regional Medical Center Friday, November 25, 2005.
Carl was born May 24, 1936 at Rexburg, a son of Carl Raymond Bradshaw and Selma Elsie White Bradshaw. He attended schools in Rexburg and graduated from Sugar Salem High School. He served an apprenticeship with Herdti Electric in Rexburg. He married MaryLou Row, June 27, 1956 in the Idaho Falls LDS Temple. They moved to California in 1964 where he worked for Sylvania, Libby’s and then started his own business Diamond C Electric. He retired in 2000 and then moved to Rigby in 2003.
He was a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and was very involved in Missionary work, genealogy and family history. Carl was active in the Boy Scouts of America, and had been awarded the Silver Beaver. He served with the Idaho National Guard in St, Anthony, Idaho from 1954 to 1959.
Carl was an avid historian, both in Northern California and in Eastern Idaho. He served as an historical commissioner in California and most recently volunteered both at the Philo T. Farnsworth museum and the Family History Center in Rigby. He enjoyed sharing his time and knowledge with his family, in particular his grandchildren. He loved to water ski and many say he introduced the sport to Island Park back in the late 1940's. Ashton historian Jane Daniels profiled his Island Park days in the November 25, 2005 issue of the Island Park News.
Survivors include his wife MaryLou Bradshaw of Rigby, 3 daughters: Carlie Bradshaw Anson of Rigby, Luann Bradshaw Rose of Suisun, California, Sandy Bradshaw Carvalho of Rigby, 1 sister Tammy (John) Prizio of Corona, California, 2 brothers Dennis (Belva) Bradshaw of Bountiful, Utah, Keith (Linda) Bradshaw of Oakdale, Connecticut, and 12 grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents.
Burial was in the Rigby Pioneer Cemetery.
