Bob "Early Bird Bob" Burtenshaw

Robert John Burtenshaw, 84, passed away on March 27, 2017, at MorningStar Senior Living in Idaho Falls, Idaho.

Bob was born on February 13, 1933, at Shelton, Idaho, to John and Lilly Dale Burtenshaw, the youngest of six children. He attended the Buck School for the first seven grades and began attending the Ucon Schools for eighth grade. He graduated from Ucon High in 1951 as an Honor student. On December 20, 1951, he married his high school sweetheart, Marlene Gneiting. Bob attended a year at Ricks College in 1951 and another at Brigham Young University. He began working at KID Radio Station in 1953. His 5 a.m. broadcasts throughout Southeast Idaho earned him the nickname "Early Bird Bob." He moved to KUPI radio in 1991, and retired in 1999 after 45 years of working in broadcast radio and television.

Bob earned many prestigious awards throughout his career. He was the only Idaho member of the National Association of Farm Broadcasters and won a distinguished service award from the National Market News Association. He was a board member of the Eastern Idaho Agricultural Hall of Fame and a member of the Idaho and Eastern Oregon Potato Committee. He was presented the 1990 Silver Plow Award from the Chamber of Commerce and the Rotary Club in Idaho Falls and was inducted into the Agricultural Hall of Fame in 1999.

He was an active member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and served in many callings, including Bishop of the Jameston Ward and Stake President of the Iona Stake.

Bob and Marlene lived in Ammon for several years and then moved to their country home in Jameston.

They were blessed with seven children, Debbie, Kevin, Lanette, Curtis, Denise, Lorene, and Mindy. Bob loved working in his yard and always had a large garden. He also enjoyed camping with his family, had a love for music and a talent for singing and acting. He played leading roles in many musical productions.

Bob and Marlene enjoyed a wonderful life together for 32 years. Marlene passed away on March 28, 1983. Bob married Karla Judy on July 5, 1983, adding 3 children to the family, Jan, Kerry, and Jon. They lived in Iona and enjoyed gardening, traveling and visiting children and grandchildren. They wintered in Mesa, Arizona, and had many close friends there.

Bob and Karla served an LDS mission in the Ohio Columbus mission (2003-04) and were directors of the Idaho Falls Temple Visitors' Center (2006-08). After 32 great years together, Karla passed away on January 8, 2016.

Bob lived a life of integrity, which he exemplified throughout his professional and personal life, never wavering in his deep devotion to faith and family. He'll be missed for his warm hugs, sparkling smile, subtle humor, beautiful singing and radio voice and calm demeanor.

He is survived by his children, Debra (Carl) Gallup, Kevin (Cecy) Burtenshaw, Lanette (Mike) Ehlers, Curtis (Torri) Burtenshaw, Denise (Michael) Kirkham, Lorene (Mark) Millard, Melinda (Kevin) Knudsen; step children, Jan Hilton, Kerry Judy, Jon (Kristen); 36 grandchildren and 49 great grandchildren. We give out heartfelt thanks to the MorningStar facility and Encompass Home Health Care & Hospice for the loving and gentle care of our father.

Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. Monday, April 3, 2017, at the Jameston LDS church, 1101 East 1250 North in Shelley, with Bishop Mike Ball officiating. The family will visit with friends Sunday from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at Wood Funeral Home East Side, 963 South Ammon Road, and Monday from 9:30 a.m. to 10:45 a.m. at the church. Burial will be in the Taylor Cemetery.

Funeral Services will be held