Richard N. Wallace

Richard Nielson Wallace, 78, of Idaho Falls, Idaho, passed away peacefully at his home on September 11, 2026, after living with Parkinson's disease for approximately 20 years.

Richard was born on January 31, 1948, in Salt Lake City, Utah, to Gilbert K. and Sidney J. Nielson Wallace. When he was seven years old, his family moved to Ogden, Utah, where he lived until after he married and graduated from college. Richard went on many camping adventures and road trips with his family growing up, and he loved spending that time with his parents, sister, and four brothers.

Richard met his wife, Carolyn Ann Iannone, when they were both just 14 years old on the ski slopes of Snowbasin in Utah. Carolyn had a bad fall, resulting in a broken leg. Richard stopped to help her, skied to her rescue, and got the help she needed. This was the beginning of a 64-year relationship. They both graduated from Ogden High School in 1966.

Richard married Carolyn, his high school sweetheart, on September 1, 1967, in the Salt Lake City Temple of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. He went on to earn his Bachelor of Science Degree in Chemistry from Weber State University. Together, they began their family in Kaysville, Utah, and welcomed three daughters, Amy, Gennifer, and Natalie. In 1977, Richard moved his family to Idaho Falls, Idaho, where they later welcomed their fourth daughter, Lindsay. Ten years later, they moved to Parker, Colorado, to pursue Richard’s career. In 1993, Richard moved his family back to Idaho Falls, the place he called home. Richard always referred to Idaho as the “True State.”

Richard had a long and successful 43-year career with Betz Laboratories, which was eventually acquired by General Electric. He held many positions in the company, including District Manager, before retiring in 2013. Richard’s success as a sales manager was recognized within the company, and he earned three Eagle Awards, an award given to top sales representatives each year.

As a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Richard faithfully served in many capacities. His favorite calling was being a Scoutmaster for the Boy Scouts of America. Richard served as a Scoutmaster for more than ten years. During that time, he helped countless young men earn their Eagle Scout Awards. He led many 50-mile backpacking trips and made sure to help the young men earn the merit badges and complete the paperwork required to earn their Eagle Awards. He had a strong testimony of the gospel of Jesus Christ and always tried to live his life accordingly.

Richard enjoyed traveling the world. He found great joy in exploring new places and took his family on many vacations through the years. He loved taking the family trailer on camping trips and spending time outdoors. Later in life, he and Carolyn took countless cruises around the world, including some with his brothers and sister. Richard also enjoyed bicycling, snowmobiling, camping, hunting, and fishing. He really enjoyed U.S. history, particularly the Civil War and Native American history. He could easily recall random facts and was the one you always wanted on your trivia team. He could identify almost every tree in the Rocky Mountains and taught his daughters how to do the same. He fulfilled his dream of building a cabin in Island Park in 2015, a place where his family could gather together. He could be found fishing on Henry’s Lake any chance he got.

Above all else, Richard cherished his family. He cared for Carolyn deeply, and in his last days, his concern was for her. He always loved when family came to visit. He loved all of his grandkids, and could be found sneaking them cookies and treats when their parents weren’t looking. We could always count on him to make us laugh. His silly sense of humor and uncanny ability to recall jokes always kept things light and fun. Richard was always there when we needed him and always seemed to know the right things to say. He never complicated things and could stay level-headed. He was a gentleman. He was always handy around the house and a great problem solver. Richard was the best husband, father, and Papa we could ask for.

Richard was preceded in death by his parents, Gilbert and Sidney Wallace, and his son-in-law, Nathan John Hardy.

Richard is survived by his wife, Carolyn Wallace; children, Amy (Bryan) Myers of Broken Arrow, OK, Gennifer (Jody) Rawlings of Rexburg, ID, Natalie Hardy (Mark) Wood of Farmington, UT, and Lindsay (Brian) Ravsten of Idaho Falls, ID; siblings: Anne (Dean) Wiese of Layton, UT, Kimball (Mary) Wallace of Layton, UT, Brian (Wendy) Wallace of Clearfield, UT, Joel (Leeanne) Wallace of Medford, OR, and Robert “Bob” (Peggy) Wallace of North Ogden, UT; 17 grandchildren and 5 great-grandchildren.

The family would like to thank all those who were involved in Richard’s care and those who have supported the family during this difficult time. A special thank you to Advanced Home Health and Hospice for their kindness, patience, compassion, and medical expertise.

Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. Friday, September 18, 2026, at the Ammon West Stake Center, 2055 Coronado Street. The family will visit with friends Thursday from 6:30-8 p.m. at Wood Funeral Home East Side, 963 S. Ammon Road, and Friday, from 10-10:45 a.m. prior to services at the church. Burial will be in the Ammon Cemetery. 

Services will be broadcast live here.