Stanley (Ken) Shoemaker

KEN SHOEMAKER IDAHO FALLS, ID -- Stanley Kenneth "Ken" Shoemaker, 55, of Idaho Falls, passed away September 12, 2008, at his home. He was born January 29, 1953, in Cody, Wyoming, to Stanley John Shoemaker and Betty Jean Marie Primus Shoemaker. He attended Billings Central Catholic High School and the University of Utah. On September 1, 1979 he married Sharon Elaine Codding in Idaho Falls. They lived in Anchorage, Alaska, and Denver, Colorado, before settling in Idaho Falls for the last 10 years. He worked for Carlson Systems and was a member of their three quarter million dollar club and later the one million dollar club. Ken worked in construction as a sales service representative. He enjoyed fishing, water skiing, and especially loved animals. Survivors include: Wife: Sharon Shoemaker Brother: Robert Shoemaker Sister: Peggy Shoemaker Glock He was preceded in death by his parents and a sister, Nancy Ann Fields. Abiding by his request, there will be no funeral. In lieu of flowers, his family suggests sending donations to the Humane Society. --------------------------------------------- Condolences received online: Brett idahobrett@q.com Sharon and family, I'm saddened to see this happen to "hoppy" -- such a great guy. He was so easy to get to know. I'm going to miss his comments and joking. Be thinking of you Sharon if you need anything just call. Except using their snowblower . . . Ken Kosovich kkosovich@ft.newyorklife.com Dear Sharon, I was saddened to read about Ken's passing in the Billings Gazette today. My condolences to you and your family. Kenny and I went to high school together at Billings Central. I saw Ken a few years back here in Billings at Clyde Schillinger's funeral. I was glad I had an opportunity to visit with Ken. He was a good friend and will be missed. My thoughts and prayers are with you. Ken Kosovich Michael Reid tmichaelreid@hotmail.com Hello Sharon, I just heard of Ken passing away and my thoughts turned to you; and, all that you had done for "Booties". Ken was a long time friend of greater than thirty-five years. Although i had not talk to either of you recently, it did not mean i had no thought about you two. I will miss Ken and always had high regards for Ken. I also have high regards for you as well. I know Ken had many problems in life, both mentally and physically; and, I know you were always there by his side to help him with all that troubled him. You were his finest advocate and partner. He loved you dearly and always commented on how wonderful you were and how much he loved you. Ken will be remember by myself has a good decent man, devoted to his wife and his friends. Sharon, you have my deepest sympathies. From an old friend, Mike Reid Owens Family jowens@billingsclinic.org Our family has many fond memories of Kenny growing up on Yellowstone Avenue in Billings. The Shoemakers, Stansells, McKeans, Tebays and Owenses all contributed kids to the general mayhem on the avenue, and it has kept us all forever linked. We are so sorry that Ken has chosen to go on ahead to a new adventure without us. We will never forget him, and we send his entire family our heartfelt condolences. The Owens Family Jean Owens Darlene Owens Jane Owens Berns Terese Frantz tfrantz@swankenterprises.com Sharon - I just found out about the passing of Ken and my heart is breaking for you. I am just so glad that we had the chance to meet both of you. Our family gathering that we had a few years ago in the Swan was a time that I will always hold close to my heart. I am just sorry that we were never able to get together again after that! Just know that we are all thinking of you and that both you and Ken are in our prayers. Take care - Terese, Dale, Kala & Alec Frantz Valier, MT Kenna (Wagoner) Carter jayco3610@ida.net Dear Sharon, I was so sorry to hear about the passing of your husband. It was quite a shock when my mother told me. It seems like so long ago when we were hanging out at either your place or mine. I miss the fun times we had. Even though time has passed, I still consider you one of my dear friends. I was also sadden to hear of the passing of your father and mother. I apologize for not contacting you then, but please know that you have been in my thoughts and prayers. My, you have had more than your share of heartache, and I pray the Lord will give you strength to get through the rough times. I looked in the phone book, but did not see a listing. We need to try and connect sometime. It's been too long. Again, please know that I am thinking of you and praying for you at this time. May the Lord bless you always. Love, Kenna John and Pat Healow Our sincere condolences. Sorry for your loss. We will miss him. John and Pat lelandswaner [lelandswaner@comcast.net] To Sharon & Family and all that care so much for “Booties,” I am so thankful to have had Ken in my life. The character of this gentleman was a gift to us all. A number of qualities that I so appreciate are so intense with his spirit, that it is hard to put it into words. I’ll give it try. The Ken & Sharon team, his love and appreciation for Sharon was conveyed to me at some point in each conversation that I had with Ken. That brings me to the fact that over all the years since I met him at the U of U back in the early 70s. He stayed in touch with me. I last spoke with him a couple of weeks ago and his spirit was as always intense and strong. Ken was always concerned and compassionate about me, I was always included in everything he did. He spoke in a totally no hold back, honest, fashion that I so totally respect that. He said “I love you” more than anyone I have ever met. Ken's ability to accept divergent thinking and look for the wisdom of it was a very powerful part of his good hearted nature. We explored so many possibilities together. When you met him, you became a friend for life. As in so many if not all the conversations I had with him, the end result would be tears of laughter from his intense sense of humor. I respect so much his “Get er done” attitude. He poured his total self into everything he did. The many people he supported in his working life were so lucky! He would do a 1,000% all the time. A one man Army per se. Ken's network of friends was spread through out the western U.S. if not the whole country, he new people every where, Alaska was a favorite. The story he and Sharon would speak of “The Lake of little black bastards & Coleman lantern bear attack” was but one of his magnificent adventures that he had with Sharon on the Alaska Highway. So many unusual and interesting things seem to come his way. His life is a true adventure, the heavens are now blessed and I’m sure thankful to have him back. He was one of the spirits that when they sent him to his life experience, it must of bummed all of them out. Some how I hear those spirits say “Since we all can no longer be complete spirits without Ken it is time to call him back” I wish I could call him back to this life, healthy as he always wanted to be. The better part of my life had Mr. Ken Shoemaker in it. Campfires, Party time, Tree Swinging, School, Bull Shit, Rodeo, Trails, Hang over’s, Smoke (Old Gold will probably go out of business), Indian wrestling, Love, Peace, Hippie, Sensitive, Curley haired, Afro, Pony tailed, Smiles, Great friends, Sunrises, Sunsets, Bad breath (Could nock the Buzzard off a shit wagon), Cold Clear running streams, Forests, Fresh air, Frost, Skiing, Laughter, Weight Lifter, Crying, Hiking, Traveling, GTO, Bros, Tequila & Lime, Whiskey, Beer, SOB, Best friend, Intense, Ten gallon Hat, Bars & Bears, Dogs, Ladies, Bush whackin, All nighters, All dayers, Saddle sitter, All weekers, Big smile, Country, Cowboy, SHARON, Family, Respectful, Integrity, Camping, Trucken, Ten feet tall, Trains, Mom & Dad, Brother & Sister, Chill, Heat, Rank, Run amuck, Get stuck, Heart ache, Dude, Skinny dipper, Fire hole, 4rth of July, get it off, Say What?, Brawls & Balls, Dust, Get down, Be around, One legged, Get lost, Hound dog, BBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBoooties. Well ok, I love him, Ken will be part me for ever. I hear his voice and feel his spirit. PEACE and LOVE to ALL, Tad Bob Pruitt pruitt@sisna.com Sharon: Boots was a great guy and he will be missed. We'll keep his humor and fun spirit in our memories. What a guy! Bob Pruitt Brad Jensen bradsclan@msn.com Sharon It would be impossible to convey how heart broken I was when Tad gave me the news. Boots was a friend you knew you could always count on thru thick and thin. From the first time I said hello, in the student union building at the U of U, to our little cross country trip in the van, The day I met you, and being an usher at your wedding, and all the trips to S.L.C for various reasons, we always kept in touch even if it had been a year or two. I will always remember his laugh and contagious personality and will miss him greatly.He is one friend I will never forget. I hope you are holding up through all of this. My love to you and to Ken's brother and sister. Love Brad Jensen & family Clay Bowden Sharon, I am so sorry to hear about Boots. I was elk hunting and didn't hear until 9/19. I have to idea what to say except that I am here for you. If you need anything, do not hesitate. Unfortunately, it seems the last time I talked to Boots, all I did was piss him off. Sure wish I could have that conversation over. I tried to call you, but there was nothing but ringing. I know you probably run over with phone calls, but believe me, people mean nothing but the best. You guys had more friends than most people could ever dream of. Please let me know when you feel like talking. 505-332-8690. Clay