Virgil Neilson

VIRGIL NEILSON Click here to view Virgil's Video Tribute IDAHO FALLS, ID -- Virgil Albert Neilson, 82, of Idaho Falls, passed away in his sleep at home, on Tuesday morning, June 23, 2009. He was born July 17, 1926, in Heman, Idaho, to G. Otto and Ora Bell Fisher Neilson. He was the third of five children. Virgil graduated from Sugar-Salem High School in Sugar City, Idaho, then attended Ricks College in Rexburg, Idaho. He was an active member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Among other responsibilities in the church, Virgil served as a Bishop in Paul, Idaho, on the Stake High Council, and as Patriarch of the Carey Idaho Stake. During World War II, Virgil was a paratrooper in the U.S. Army. He served in an Airborne Division in Japan. He was an expert marksman, an instructor in demolitions, and was awarded the Victory Medal and the Army of Occupation medal. Virgil married Ruby Lenore Mortensen September 10, 1946, in the Idaho Falls LDS Temple. They had eight children. They lived in Heman, Rupert, Paul, and Shoshone, Idaho, where the family farmed. After more than 50 years together, Lenore passed away February 6, 1997. On April 11, 1998, Virgil married Fauntelle Clarke in the Idaho Falls LDS Temple. Together they served in the California Roseville and Idaho Pocatello LDS Missions. Virgil truly loved each of his children, grandchildren, great grandchildren, step children, step grandchildren. He had a great love and profound respect for the great outdoors. He spent much time enjoying the beauties of Heavenly Father's creations. Virgil is survived by his wife, Fauntelle, seven children, Tad O. (Jana) Neilson of Wasugal, Washington; Patsy (Bob) Ekin of Klawock, Alaska; David (Merlene) Neilson of Pleasant View, Utah; Mark (Renae) Neilson of Big Fork, Montana; Julie (Stephen) Severe of Parkman, Wyoming; Jennifer (Chad) Griffiths of Roy, Utah; Sonya (Edward) Johnson of Deming, New Mexico; two brothers, Robert (Thelma) Neilson of Egin, Idaho; Chad (Karen) Neilson of Archer, Idaho; a sister, Vada (Farrest) Rudd of Ogden, Utah; seven stepchildren; 43 grandchildren and 70 great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents, his wife, Lenore, a brother, Tad Otto Neilson (killed in WWII), and a son, Steve Neilson. Funeral Services will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday, June 27, 2009, at the Idaho Falls LDS Eagle Rock Stake Center, 2020 S. Charlotte Drive, with Bishop Darren L. Rose of the Westview Ward officiating. Visitation will be from 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. Friday at Wood Funeral Home, 273 N. Ridge, Idaho Falls, and Saturday from 10:00 a.m. to 10:45 a.m. at the Church. Burial will be in the Parker Cemetery in Parker, Idaho. Military Rites will be performed by the Fremont County Veterans Memorial Team and Idaho Honor Guard. ---------------------------------------------------- Condolences received online: Callan & Marilyn Phillips calmar7@aol.com We are saddened at the passing of Virgil, Our good friend. We have thought of him so often. We send our love to all. Cal & Marilyn Mike Telford Family Dear Family of Virgil, We would dearly like to be with you this special day to honor the life of a dear friend. A youth conference commitment makes it impossible. We want you to know how special your Father was to us. He was one of the great spirits of the Paul 2nd Ward who endeared us to Paul and made it home to us. He was our bishop and the one that gave patriarchal blessings to some of our children. Along with other great farmers in the area, he was a mentor to me as I learned how to farm. They are mostly on the other side greeting Virgil and I imagine showing him their crops. When Shannon and I moved "out north" I was at a pivotal point with my feelings toward the church. Virgil stopped and visited with me on the side of the road one day and simply told me I belonged with them in the ward. It made a lot of difference. He was a man's man and we loved him. We will ever have a special bond with Patsy that time and distance will never fade. What great times we had together. God bless you all in this time of farewell. Love Mike and Shannon Telford and family Rusty and Cindy Gillette windyacres@safelink.net Sorry to hear about the death of your father. I have very fond memories of time spent in your home. Time goes by too fast. Just a few years ago, we were farming in Hidden Valley taking orders from our Great Fathers. We were blessed to have such good parents. Our thoughts and prayers are with you. Rusty & Cindy Gillette and Family Orlo & Laurel Maughan laurelmaughan@safelink.net We appreciate the things your Dad did for us when he was Bishop. Mom & Rex have been living in the house on 575 W Baseline for the last 10 years and are still enjoying the improvements he made to it. They are just finishing adding a wheelchair access garage to the east side. Your whole family was such a strength to us and the community when you all lived here. We are glad to know you all. Patsy & Tad--thanks especially for your compassionate friendship and service to us. I imagine Virgil & Harry & Mac Neibaur might be getting to have a good visit soon. Love, Orlo & Laurel