Jack Couch

JACK J. COUCH IDAHO FALLS, ID -- Jack Joseph Couch passed back through the veil while resting at his home in Idaho Falls on Friday, 16 July 04, just a month beyond his 84th birthday, surrounded by family and friends. Born on 15 June 1920, in Deweyville, Utah, the oldest son of John and Loenza Fryer Couch, Jack spent his early years in Cache Valley, Utah, with his two brothers (Robert and Ralph) and two sisters (Marge and Beth) all of whom survive him. He began his lifelong newspaper career in Logan, working for the Herald Journal having completed his primary schooling in Logan and attending Utah State University. In 1944 he moved to Idaho Falls to take a job with the Post Register as its advertising manager, finally retiring in 1989 after 45 years with the newspaper. Soon after arriving in Idaho Falls, he met and married his wife of 54 years, June Maurer and began their family shortly after marriage vows were exchanged on 14 August of 1948. Their union resulted in the birth of eight children, all of them surviving—Robert M. Couch (Bobette), Purcellville, VA ; Bruce J. Couch (Heidy) Draper, UT; Kathy Conrad (Larry) Kirtland, WA; Jackie Johnson (Bill) Mesa, AZ; Julie Purcell (Kody) Mesa, AZ; Joann Cline (Nathan) Shelley, ID; Bradley J. Couch (Rozie) Idaho Falls, ID; Sharon VanWagoner (Mark) Portland, OR. There are an additional 40 grandchildren and 23 great grandchildren (at last count) bonded in the united Couch family. He was preceded in death by his parents and one grandchild. Having retired in 1989, Jack spent many hours in service to the community and The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints of which he was an active and valiant member. He and June spent two years in the California, San Bernardino Mission in 1991-1993. For many years Jack was the on-field announcer for the Idaho Falls Russet baseball team at what was then Highland Park. He was on the Board of Directors for the Development Workshop and active in insuring the Bridge to Braves charity event was successful for many years. His many activities he enjoyed participating in included golfing, skiing, family history and most of all, participating with and watching his family members enjoy family outings, reunions and other such activities. Jack is loved by all. He never got on an elevator with someone and by the time they reached the top, didn’t know all about them and consider them a friend. Funeral Services will be at 11 a.m. Tuesday, July 20, 2004, at the Idaho Falls LDS 28th Ward, 1165 Azalea, with Bishop Cleo Geddes officiating. The family will visit with friends Monday from 6 to 8 p.m. at Wood Funeral Home (273 N. Ridge) and Tuesday for one hour prior to the services at the church. Burial will be in Fielding Memorial Park under the direction of Wood Funeral Home. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests a donation be made to the Aspen Home Health and Hospice, 3470 Washington Parkway, Idaho Falls.