Kenneth Decoria

KEN DECORIA IDAHO FALLS, ID -- Kenneth Dale DeCoria, 78, of Idaho Falls, Idaho, passed away peacefully January 19, 2008, at Life Care Center of Idaho Falls in the company of family members. He was born January 27, 1929, in Arco, Idaho, the tenth of ten children born to Harry Ben DeCoria and Anna Gresile Andreason DeCoria - he was the pride and joy of his mother. He grew up and attended schools in Arco and graduated from Arco High School. He worked for General Electric on an atomic airplane engine, Argonne National Lab as an engineering technician, drove trucks moving mobile homes, drove his own long-haul truck, and traveled extensively for Westinghouse of Pittsburgh. Their stay in Pittsburgh was brief because they missed their children and grandchildren. They returned to Idaho Falls to work and play with their family, where he eventually retired from Argonne National Lab. His grandchildren remember him as a great teacher, who was helpful and patient with a twinkle in his eyes and big smiles and hugs for them. He married Berniece Elaine Call August 27, 1950, in Arco, Idaho. Their marriage was later solemnized in the Idaho Falls Temple August 14, 1953. They enjoyed three children. He was an active member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, serving two Stake Missions, one in Washington State and one in the Idaho Falls East Stake. He also served in the Young Men's organization. He cared about everyone around him, and donated blood whenever he could. He was an avid sportsman: built his own cabin, enjoyed fishing, hunting, boating, waterskiing, snow skiing, riding motorcycles and snow machines, and anything in the outdoors. Fixing and repairing everything that was broken (for himself and many others), he called himself a jack-of-all trades and master of none. He loved his family and spent time with them playing and working. They looked up to him and he was a great support to them whenever he could help. He is survived by his wife, Berniece; his children Del (Irene) DeCoria, Dianna Jean (Bob) Skinner, and K. Craig (Vondra) DeCoria; one sister, LaDene (Wendell) Hansen; 9 grandchildren, 26 great-grandchildren, and two great-great-grandchildren. Funeral services will be at 11:00 a.m. Thursday, January 24, 2008, at the Idaho Falls LDS Kearney Third Ward, 1860 Kearney, with Bishop Kurt Johnson officiating. The family will meet with friends Wednesday from 6:30 to 8 p.m at Wood Funeral Home, 273 North Ridge Avenue, and Thursday from 10 to 10:45 a.m. at the church. Burial will be in Fielding Memorial Park under the direction of Wood Funeral Home. Burial will be in Fielding Memorial Park under the direction of Wood Funeral Home. ------------------------------------ Condolences sent online: Betty Van Dolzer bettyjanev@aol.com I'm so sorry to hear of Ken's passing...........my heartfelt condolences....I know what you're going through. Vern & Sharon Conlin sdcvkc@msn.com Bernice and Family, We send our Heart-Felt thoughts to you through these past several years, and again now, with your dear husband, father, and grandfather Ken progressing leaving his earthly home. May your wonderful memories of wonderful times with him through the years always keep him close in your hearts forever. May God Bless You All. Vern & Sharon Conlin