Jerald Justesen

JERALD JUSTESEN IDAHO FALLS, ID - Jerald Vermont Justesen was born May 17, 1926, at McCormick, Utah, the firstborn child of Sephus Vermont Justesen and Phoebe Minerva West Justesen. He left this world at the home of his daughter, Karen Pearson, at Archer, Idaho, November 16, 2004, from cancer. Jerry received his education in Utah as his family moved around to find work during the Depression. They finally settled in the Delta, Utah, area where he attended high school. It was in Seminary Class that he first met his eternal companion, Emily Elder of Oak City, Utah. During his Sophomore year of school, he enlisted in the U. S. Navy to join the war effort. After basic training at San Diego, California, he was stationed at Pearl Harbor, Hawaii, and served aboard the Trumpetfish Submarine. After he was discharged from the Navy, he returned to the Delta area to farm with his father. He married Emily Elder March 12, 1947, at Pioche, Nevada. Their marriage was later solemnized at the Manti, Utah, LDS Temple. They lived at Oak City and in the Delta area until 1963, when the family moved to Salt Lake City. They moved to Idaho Falls in 1964 until moving to Rexburg in May of this year. Jerry was a Jack-of-all-Trades. He worked as a coal miner, mechanic, wrecker and tow truck driver, farmer, welder, body and fender man, long haul truck driver, and heavy equipment operator. Even though he never graduated from high school, he was a very well educated man because of his love of reading and learning. He always made sure his family was provided for. He loved to travel, fish and camp. He and Emily and the boys spent many happy hours fishing, especially on Birch Creek. He stopped many times along the highway to help stranded motorists, never accepting any payment. His sons, grandchildren and great-grandchildren were his pride and joy and he delighted in their accomplishments. After Emily passed away on February 18, 1992, he married Nancy Ann Baron Burnside at Elko, Nevada, on June 20, 1994. Their marriage was solemnized in November, 1999, at Idaho Falls Temple. He was a member of the LDS Church, where he served in many positions. His favorite calling was as a home teacher. He loved to visit with people and to help whenever he could. He also served in the Cub Scout Program, Young Men Program, as Ward executive secretary, counselor in the Bishopric, and was serving as Secretary in the High Priest group leadership until his vision failed and he was released. Jerry is survived by his children, Karen (Melvin) Pearson, of Archer, Idaho, Jerald Glen (Debra) Justesen, of Tucson, Arizona, Robert Alan (Suzie) Justesen of Kooskia, Idaho, and Roger Wayne of Idaho Falls, Idaho, 17 grandchildren and 23 great-grandchildren. Also surviving are Nancy Ann and her children, Tammy (Shawn) Roberts and Brian Burnside, and her 4 grandchildren. He is also survived by sisters, Donna Mae (Lyle) Munk of Blackfoot, LaRue (Jack) Banks, and Wanda Lou (Alan) Ferguson, both of Idaho Falls, and numerous nieces and nephews who loved Uncle Jerry and his teasing. He was preceded in death by his wife, Emily, an infant son, Raymond, a grandson, John Michael, his parents, three brothers, Calvin Dean, Keith W., and Verl Ray Justesen, and one sister, Cora Lavern. The family thanks Dr. Kevin Mulvey and Aspen Home Care and Hospice Group, and their many nurses for their tender care of Jerry during his final months and the faith and prayers on his behalf by extended family and friends. Funeral Services will be held at 11 a.m. Friday, November 19, 2004, at the Idaho Falls LDS 10th Ward, 1200 Dunbar. The family will meet with friends Thursday from 7-8:30 p.m. at Wood Funeral Home, 273 North Ridge Avenue, and Friday for one hour prior to services at the church. Burial will be at the Ammon Cemetery under the direction of Wood Funeral Home.