Kurt Jigg Holverson

Kurt Jigg Holverson, 71, of Idaho Falls, passed away Tuesday, August 25, 2026, surrounded by his family after enduring a reoccurring illness for several years.

He was born April 29, 1955, in Provo, Utah, to Virgie Jo Hodge Holverson and Don Edwin Holverson. The unique middle name given to him is rooted in his grandfather's dancing ability as he was especially known for his jigg.

His family moved to Idaho Falls, where he grew up attending Whittier Elementary, Central Junior High, and Skyline High School, graduating in 1973.

On May 2, 1975, he married Jolene Thornock in the Idaho Falls Temple where they were sealed for time and eternity. Together they raised four children, Heath, Kurt, Tyrel, and Heather in their home in Idaho Falls.

Kurt loved working with his hands. He put countless hours into his family home, they purchased a modest one-bedroom, one-bathroom starter home, then expanded it room by room as his family grew over the years.

He built his first career in drywall work, a skill taught to him by his father, and spent more than 30 years working the trade, passing his knowledge to his sons and many other young apprentices along the way. Later in life, he began a second career, driving school bus for District 91, a job he held until his retirement.

He was devoted to Scouting, volunteering at weekly scout activities and annual camps, culminating in receiving the Silver Beaver Award. One of his greatest joys was watching his sons earn the rank of Eagle Scout, an expectation extended to his future son-in-law as a prerequisite to marry his daughter.

He loved the outdoors, hunting, fishing, camping, and spending time with family, especially at Birch Creek.

With his resemblance to Santa Claus, he spent years playing the part at holiday parties as a favor to friends and family, always keeping candy canes in his pocket to hand out to kids who recognized him.

He was a United States Navy veteran.

Survived by his wife, Jolene Holverson; children, Heath and Emily Holverson of South Jordan, UT, Kurt and Emily Holverson of Idaho Falls, ID, Tyrel and Kim Holverson of Idaho Falls, ID, Heather and Ryan Inns of Idaho Falls, ID, and Carlos and Kim Villagomez of Idaho Falls, ID; his siblings, Clip and Jane Holverson of Iona, ID, Scott and Rhonda Holverson of Idaho Falls, ID, Kayce and Milt Montague of Idaho Falls, ID, Kandie and Colin Howard of Idaho Falls, ID, Lisa Neild of Idaho Falls, ID, and Josh and Dani Holverson of Idaho Falls, ID; his brother-in-law, Eric Thornock; and 12 grandchildren.

Kurt is preceded in death by his parents; his brothers-in-law, Seymour Thornock and Kenny Neild; and his nephew, Donnie Montague.

Funeral Services will be at 11:00 a.m. on Wednesday, September 2, 2026, at the Idaho Falls North Stake Center, 955 Memorial Drive in Idaho Falls. The family will visit with friends from 10-10:45 a.m. prior at the church. Burial will be in the New Sweden Cemetery. Military Honors will be performed by the Bonneville County Veterans Memorial Team and Idaho Navy Honor Guard.

Services will be broadcast live here