Robert Nertney Sr

ROBERT J. NERTNEY, SR. IDAHO FALLS, ID -- Robert J. Nertney, 80, died July 13, 2004, as he would have wished, peacefully at his computer, of natural causes. He was born September 6, 1923, in Forsyth, Montana, to Chester and Ina Hethcot Nertney. He attended schools in Forsyth, where he was chosen for participation in accelerated curriculums. After graduation from Forsyth High School he attended Montana State University, graduating with an Engineering degree. He was accepted into the Physics Program at Pennsylvania State, where in 1951, he graduated with his Ph.D. in two years, having a layer in the ionosphere named after him. During World War II he served in the Pacific Naval Fleet as a radar specialist. In 1951, he married Ann Godtland of Butte, Montana, and the following year moved to Idaho Falls to work as a reactor project engineer at The National Reactor Testing Station (INEL). While at the INEL he pioneered the innovative nuclear safety program MORT, now used internationally. He was remarkably dedicated to this work, and was consulting on a project in Europe until his untimely death. While involved heavily with the nuclear community he was multifaceted. He was an accomplished trumpet player, and artist. As an artist he won national awards for his artwork, and served as president of the Idaho Art Association. He was involved in the startup of the Hope Lutheran Church and once served as congregation President. Bob married Mary Eileen Pullman September 23, 1996 in Idaho Falls. Together they established the Petato characters and coloring books, promoting Idaho, childhood healthcare education, and safety. They have also been supporters of a Cameroon youth ministry project, bringing the project to Idaho Falls through sponsorship of Daniel Ngwanou, with the Step Ministry Cameroon. Bob was a library of knowledge in his enthusiastic pursuits of ancient history, foreign travel, antiques, antiquities, physics, foreign languages, electronics, psychology, and art. His latest project was a self-analysis of how his role models, Leonardo DaVinci, Abe Lincoln, Sir Galahad, and Jesus, shaped him. He was a devoted husband and father. He was always involved in the education of his children, and helping others. He was loved by many as “Uncle Bob”, and had a warm smile for everyone. When someone like Bob dies it is like a whole library burning down. His wife Eileen, children, Marilyn Law, Robert Nertney Jr, Stephanie Farnworth, and their spouses, grandchildren Robbie and Tommy Nertney and Steven, Chris, and Ryan Howard, and others in his extended family survive him. His first wife, Ann, preceded him in death. Memorials may be made to Daniel Ngwanou, of Step Ministry Cameroon by contacting stepministrycmr@yahoo.com. Funeral Services will be at 11:00 a.m., Saturday, July 17, 2004, at the First Evangelical Lutheran Church, 455 West Sunnyside Road, with Chaplain John Piirto officiating. The family will visit with friends Saturday at 10:00 a.m., at the church. Arrangements are under the direction of Wood Funeral Home.