Valley County, IDGenWeb Project | |
Joe Eld, 65, of Donnelly, passed away on Sunday, Sept. 23, 2012, at Saint Alphonsus Regional Medical Center in Boise with his wife and daughter by his side and many other family members and friends very close by.
A Celebration of Life will be held on Sunday, Sept. 30, 2012 at 4 p.m. at the family ranch, 2554 E. Roseberry Road, in Donnelly.
Folks are encouraged to bring a dish and a tale to share. If you can’t remember a great tale to share, think just a tad longer - you know you have one!
He was the son of William Eld and Nettie (Gestrin) and spent his life managing the family ranch in Donnelly that was homesteaded by his grandfather, Thomas.
His Finnish heritage was very important to him. He graduated from Donnelly-McCall High School in 1965 and earned a degree in math from the University of Idaho in 1970.
And in case you are wondering, his high school really was called Donnelly-McCall at that time and Joe would want everyone to know that, along with the fact that a certain college will always be BJC, not BSU.
Even though he often found himself on the short end when it came to backing U of I, there was no wavering of his allegiance.
While in high school, Joe was a champion wrestler, competing at state. His musical talent was cherished by the family, as he played the clarinet, composed at the piano, and was able to pick up and play any instrument.
Of course 4-H was a big part of Joe’s early life, and it became even more special when he was able to shepherd his daughter Michelle through her years as a champion exhibitor.
On Aug. 20, 1983, Joe married his partner in life, Vicki Chapin Eld. Together Joe and Vicki worked the ranch, built a life from the land, and raised daughters Yong Hee and Michelle.
Joe was a volunteer member of the Donnelly Fire Department. He reveled in the annual “No Hunt” with lifelong friends, and he was always present to support Michelle’s equestrian events.
He was the one with the biggest smile, the fullest heart, and the proudest chest. Joe was also always around in the community: to keep track of the herd, to mend fences, and to be available to neighbors for a variety of tasks for which Joe was uniquely qualified.
He leaves behind his wife, Vicki; his daughter, Michelle; his daughter, Yong Hee Wright (Peter) of Santa Paula, Calif.; and his sisters, Joice Eld (Jeff Lappin) of Donnelly, and Niki Eld of Boise. He also leaves several nieces and nephews and many other loving family members.
Joe was preceded in death by his father, William T. Eld, and his mother, Nettie Gestrin Eld.
Joe wanted to see Michelle educated more than anything in the world and worked so very hard to make that a reality.
Should you wish to assist with that dream, a college fund is set up for Michelle Eld at Sterling Savings Bank, 900 2nd Street, McCall, ID 83638.
To share memories with the family please visit Joe’s memorial Web page atwww.cloverdalefuneralhome.com.
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