Weldon Mahlon Heileson

Weldon Mahlon Heileson passed away on Friday, February 2, 2024, after a long battle with cancer.

Mahlon was born October 3, 1952, at the Rigby, Idaho, Maternity Home to Weldon Joseph and Norma Smith Heileson. He joined one sister, Marsha, and soon little sister, Janet, was added, followed by twin brothers, Boyd S. and Bard J., and finally baby brother, Blake Dee, completed their family.

The family moved to Shelley in 1960 and Mahlon completed his schooling there, graduating from Shelley High in 1970. In high school, Mahlon played the trombone in the pep band and played baseball and football. He attended the school of hard knocks, more commonly known as Salt Lake Community College for a couple of years before returning home where soon after he met Karen Jeanette Winters at Olsen’s Drive-In in 1972. They were married in 1973 and in 1991, their marriage was solemnized in the Idaho Falls LDS Temple.

Mahlon worked at AMCOR when he and Karen were first married. They welcomed a daughter, Nicole, in April of 1974. After 6 years at AMCOR, Mahlon’s health began to deteriorate from the conditions there and Voc-Rehab was able to secure him a position in the Health Physics program at the EITC. In November 1978, another daughter, Hillary Joy, was added to the family. In 1979, Mahlon graduated with a certificate of applied science.

Mahlon really enjoyed work in the Health Physics field, and received a Bachelor’s Degree in Industrial Technology, and later a Master’s Degree in Environmental Science in 2000 from the University of Idaho.

Mahlon enjoyed camping with his wife and children, hunting with his father and brothers, and always had a passion for riding motorcycles. He enjoyed traveling with his wife, friends, and family. Some of his favorite destinations were Alaska, Hawaii, and Mexico.

He was a devoted and faithful member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. He served a service mission with his wife in the Church’s Addiction Recovery Program, and loved his work so much, he extended his service even after his cancer returned.

He is survived by his wife of 51 years, Karen Heileson; mother, Norma Heileson; daughters, Nicole (Mitchell) Marchant and Hillary Chipp; sisters, Marsha (Brent) Davis and Janet (Ron; deceased) Stacey; brothers, Bard (Jill) Heileson and Blake (Diane) Heileson; and grandchildren, Andrew Parker Marchant, Rylee Madison Chipp, Ryker Justin Chipp, and Rowyn Harper Chipp.

He is preceded in death by his son, Jason Eli Heileson; his father, Weldon Joseph Heileson; and brother, Boyd S. Heileson.

Mahlon was beloved by many and will be greatly missed by those who knew him.

Services will be held at 11 a.m. on Friday, February 9, 2024, at Wood Funeral Home East Side, 963 S. Ammon Road. A visitation for family and friends will be held Thursday evening from 6:30-8 p.m. and Friday from 10-10:45 a.m. prior, both times at the funeral home. Services will be broadcast live here. Burial will be in the Taylor Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, please make donations to the American Cancer Society in honor of W. Mahlon Heileson.