Lyle Farnes

Lyle Russell Farnes, 100, of Idaho Falls, passed away quickly and peacefully on March 5, 2024, at Lincoln Court Retirement Community. He was grateful for his family and friends’ support and appreciated the care he received from his caregivers at Lincoln Court.

Lyle was born November 3, 1923, in Victor, Idaho, to John Russell Farnes and Ida Rosylvia Jacobsen Farnes. He was the second oldest of seven children, which included two sisters, Deloris and LaRee, and four brothers, Jay, Elden, Glen, and Larry. He grew up on a dry farm located on the beautiful North Pine Creek Bench above Swan Valley, Idaho, with no electricity or running water. Lyle attended the North Pine Creek School and Idaho Falls High School. He received a certificate in Nuclear Instrumentation from Idaho State University.

In February 1945, Lyle was drafted into the US Armed Forces. He chose to serve in the US Navy during WWII in the Pacific Theater and loved to tell others about his Naval experiences. This devotion to his country set the tone for selfless service to his family and others throughout his entire life.

On June 6, 1952, he married his sweetheart, Alice Bird, in the Idaho Falls LDS Temple. Lyle and Alice made their home in several locations in Southeast Idaho where Lyle initially farmed, and then later worked as a plant operator for the Department of Energy and US Navy at the Naval Reactors Facility.

He was an active member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, pushing his walker to attend services even the Sunday before he passed. He enjoyed hunting, fishing, trail riding on his motorcycle, boating, and snowmobiling. He spent many summers in Yellowstone Park with his family and friends. He is remembered fondly by his family for taking them on endless boat rides on Yellowstone Lake.

In retirement, Lyle lived a very active lifestyle, enjoying winters with Alice in Arizona in their 5th Wheel RV. He also drove fertilizer delivery trucks just for fun. Lyle ascended Table Mountain in the Tetons at an astounding 76 years old. His grandchildren fondly recall bike rides with him around the greenbelt until he was nearly 90 years old. Lyle was generous with his time helping others with their home construction and/or repairs.

A few months after the death of his sweetheart in April 2018, Lyle moved to Shelley to live with his daughter’s family until moving to Lincoln Court in February 2023. Lyle recently enjoyed an overflowing abundance of love and support from family and friends at his 100th birthday party in Shelley. It was a special event for him because he always looked forward to the day he would become a centenarian.

Lyle is survived by his daughter, Kenda (Steve) Nielsen of Shelley, ID; and sons, Steven (LaDawn) Farnes of Kaysville, UT, Cary Farnes of Concho, AZ, and Rodney (Angelina) Farnes of Mackay, ID. He has 21 grandchildren, 41 great grandchildren, and one great-great grandson.

He was preceded in death by his wife; parents; all of his siblings; and his daughter-in-law, Terrie Farnes.

Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, March 16, 2024, at Shelley 6th Ward, 325 East Locust Street, in Shelley, Idaho, with Steven Stone officiating. The family will visit with friends on Friday, March 15, 2024, from 6:30-8 p.m. at Wood Funeral Home East Side, 963 S. Ammon Road, and on Saturday from 10-10:45 a.m. prior to the services at the church. Burial will be in the Milo Cemetery. Military Honors will be performed by the Bonneville County Veterans Memorial Team and Navy Honor Guard.