Frank Fielding

FRANK FIELDING JAMESTON, ID -- Frank Fielding, 88, passed away June 26, 2004, in the same bedroom in which he was born, at his home in Jameston. He had been under the care of Aspen Hospice. Frank was born May 27, 1916, in Jameston, Idaho, to Joseph Fielding and Amy Arave Fielding, the 8th of eleven children. He attended Jameston Elementary through 8th Grade. Frank grew up working with his father and two brothers on their 80-acre farm, raising cattle, horses, chickens, and various crops. He enjoyed riding horses with his friends over the foothills, hunting and going to the dance hall in Wolverine. As a teenager, Frank drove the school sleigh over the drifted roads, transporting students to school in Shelley. At age 20, his friend Percy Cox, introduced his wife’s best friend to Frank. He married Marguerite Andreason April 30, 1937, at his parents’ home. They lived in a small home in the orchard south of the farmhouse until their oldest daughter, Judy, was three years old and his parents moved to Idaho Falls, when they moved into the home they have lived in since. Frank bought the farm from his parents and they raised their family and farmed there until his retirement in 1986, when he started leasing the farm. He also owned a bulk truck and, in the winter months, had a trucking business hauling potatoes all over the tri-county area. Frank had a knowledge of where so many people lived, others would call him to ask how to find different residences. He loved farming, was very knowledgeable of growing crops, and harvesting potatoes, hay and grain. He walked many miles beside a hay wagon, tossing fields full of bales up to three high on the wagon, only to unload them on top of the stack by means of a hay derrick. Frank raised and sold Hereford cattle, feeding up to 80 head in a season. Throughout his life, Frank was an avid bowler and pool player. He belonged to many leagues throughout the years, and for a while with friends, neighbors and wives on mixed leagues. He received many bowling trophies, and was well known as a "pool shark" with his steady and accurate hand. Frank also enjoyed working in his garden, traveling, fishing, hunting, and working crossword puzzles. He was a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and had served as a home teacher. Frank was a member of the Eagles Lodge, Aerie 576, for over 50 years. Dad had such tender feelings, and one could often see his eyes tear up and chin quiver over a song or a reminiscence, but it was difficult to express his feelings. Dad was also such a joker, and would pull pranks on his daughters and grandchildren often, and had a dry, subtle, and delightful sense of humor. His love for his land and his family was paramount in his life. Surviving are his daughters, Judith Ann [Bill] Olofson of Sierra Vista, AZ, Janet Rae Eason of Hamilton, MT, Gail Fielding of Idaho Falls, and Vicki [Dale] Rindlisbacher of Draper, UT; two sisters, Louise [Robert] Burton and June Arnold, both of Idaho Falls, 12 Grandchildren, 4 Great Grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents, his wife, Marguerite, who passed away May 3, 2004, five sisters, Eva Humble, Bessie Warren, Alice Olney, Ida Hampton, Ruth Reid, and three brothers, Bill, Verl, and an infant brother, James. Funeral Services will be at 11 a.m. Wednesday, June 30, 2004, at the Fielding family home, corner of Rollandet/Park Road and Jameston School Road. The family will visit with friends Tuesday from 7 to 8:30 p.m. at Wood Funeral Home, 273 N. Ridge, and Wednesday for one hour before services at their home. The family suggests memorials to Aspen Foundation for Hospice Care, 3470 Washington Parkway, Idaho Falls, ID 83404. Burial will be in the Taylor Cemetery under the direction of Wood Funeral Home.