Henry Hjelm

HENRY "HANK" HJELM IDAHO FALLS, ID -- Henry M. Hjelm passed away on December 2, 2009, following a sudden illness. Hank was born June 27, 1928, in Firth, Idaho, to Henry Gustav Hjelm and Dolphia Cecelia (Peterson) Hjelm. One of five children, Henry grew up on a potato farm, where the potatoes were harvested by a team of horses. He often spun stories of how he skied to school uphill both ways. His childhood stories about the farm were treasured by his son and eventually his three granddaughters. He went off to college and earned his Engineering degree at Utah State University. Following graduation he enlisted in the United States Air Force where he flew for Strategic Air Command. He and his brother Rex would often talk about their days in the Air Force at family gatherings, their sons sitting on the floor hanging on every word. Hank married the love of his life, Velma Jo on April 2, 1948. Velma Jo passed away this past September after 61 years of marriage. Hank and Jo had recently moved back to the Idaho Falls area from Muskogee, Oklahoma, so they could be closer to family. Hank loved to fish, whether he caught anything or not. He loved his family and enjoyed getting together and reminiscing with his sisters, JoAnn and Afton. Survivors include his son, Mark, and his wife, Cathy, granddaughter, Katie, of Idaho Falls and granddaughters, Sarah and Kristen of Phoenix, AZ, sisters, JoAnn (Lewis) Ehardt, Afton (Del) Schafer, one niece and seven nephews. Hank was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Jo, and his brothers, Russell and Rex. Hank was a treasured patriarch of our family and will be greatly missed. Hank's family will honor his request to have no services. ---------------------------------------------------- Condolences received online: Julia (Johnson) Henderson I was sorry to read of Hank's death and wish to extend deepest sympathy to his family. Hank and I were classmates in high school, and though I have not seen him since we graduated in 1946, I still have many fond memories of him during that time. Kurt Fielding Dear Mark, Cathy, and family, I was very shocked and saddened to hear about the passing of uncle Hank. I will greatly miss him. Please accept my sympathy and condolences. I am sure you have suffered much grief lately. Sincerely, Kurt Marilyn Lisk mllisk1@verizon.net My mother, Mildred Doughlas Holmes, was a cousin of Henry's. She enjoyed the few times they got together. Mother died in December, 2009. Our family offers our thoughts and sympathy. Marilyn