W. Merle Jensen

William Merle Jensen, 82, of Idaho Falls passed away at his home, early Monday, October 18, 2010. Merle was born September 23, 1928, at the family home in Basalt, Idaho. His parents were Rulon M. Jensen and Mary Ellen Singleton Jensen. He attended school in Basalt and graduated from Firth High School. He grew up on a farm and loved being a farmer. Merle served an LDS mission in 1950-52 in North Carolina and Virginia. On August 28, 1952, he married Sharlene Brown in the Idaho Falls LDS Temple. In November of 1952, Merle was called to serve his country in the US Army during the Korean Conflict. He was stationed in California and Germany. Following his discharge from the service, he started to farm in Osgood. Later he moved to the Rupert / Minidoka area, where he farmed and raised cattle. When Merle retired from farming he began doing carpentry work and building homes. He loved starting from the ground up to build a home. While living in Bountiful, Utah he received his Building Contractor License. Merle enjoyed working. He would never turn down an opportunity to assist his family in any building project. He was a self taught electrician. Merle assisted several Young Men with their Eagle Scout projects. Merle was a lifelong faithful member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. He served as ward clerk, counselor in a Bishopric, in Elders Quorums and High Priest leadership positions, Scout Master and as a home teacher. Merle was known as a neighborhood “handyman” and he was always willing to help anyone in need. He and Sharlene served together as volunteers at EIRMC hospital for several years. Merle loved his family. He looked forward to family celebrations and get-togethers. He was a devoted husband and father and we will miss him. He is survived by; His wife, Sharlene Jensen of Idaho Falls, ID; Daughter, Charlotte (Stan) Colby of American Fork, UT; Daughter, Delia (Doyle) Robertson of Soda Springs, ID; Daughter-in-law, Helen Jensen of Boise, ID; Sister, Verda Daw of Osgood, ID; Brother, Ronald (Naida) Jensen of Basalt, ID; 19 Grandchildren and 32 Great Grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents, a son, Steven Merle, a sister, Venice and brother, Thain R. Jensen. Funeral services will be at 11:00 a.m. Thursday, October 21, 2010, at Wood Funeral Home East Side, 963 S. Ammon Road. The family will visit with friends from 6-7 p.m. Wednesday at Wood East Side and Thursday from 10-10:45 a.m. prior to the services. Burial will be in the Ammon Cemetery with military rites performed by the Bonneville County Veterans Team and Idaho Honor Guard.

Funeral Services

11 a.m. ,Thursday, October 21, 2010 Wood Funeral Home East Side 963 South Ammon Road Idaho Falls, ID 83406 Notes: The family will visit with friends Wednesday from 6-7 p.m. and Thursday from 10-10:45 a.m., both at Wood Funeral Home East Side. Burial will be in Ammon Cemetery with Military Rites by the Bonneville County Veterans Memorial Team and Idaho Honor Guard.