Wesley Deist

WES DEIST Click here to watch a video of Wes' life Click here to read a newspaper article from the Post Register: "Deist's Half-Century of Service" IDAHO FALLS, ID -- Wesley Walter Deist, 84, of Idaho Falls, passed away January 17, 2008, at his home surrounded by his family. He was born September 20, 1923, at Bonners Ferry, Idaho, to Wesley Walter Deist and Eva Reding Deist. He grew up and attended schools in the area. Following graduation he served as an Ensign in the U. S. Navy Seals as a member Scouts and Raiders during World War II. He continued his education by attending the University of Idaho, Gonzaga University, Northwestern University, and Notre Dame. While attending college he participated in football and boxing. On November 4, 1944, he married Lenna Hooker in Fort Pierce, Florida. He owned and operated his own insurance agency. Wes loved and was involved in sports his entire life. He coached PeeWee football, officiated in college and high school basketball, and was a track official head timer for 10 years. He also coached the KIFI and Kelly Canyon Ski Teams for 52 years, coaching up to the age of 82. Wes was a member of the Idaho Falls City Council for 12 years. He was an avid golfer, bird hunter, and sportsman. He was also a member of the Holy Rosary Roman Catholic Church. Survivors include: Wife: Lenna Deist, Idaho Falls, ID Son: Kelley Deist, Idaho Falls, ID Daughter: Holley Deist DuPont, Ketchum, ID 6 Grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents and a son, Dana Deist. A Funeral Mass will be held at 11 a.m. Monday, January 21, 2008, at Holy Rosary Roman Catholic Church, 9th and Lee, with Father Joe McDonald officiating. The family will visit with friends Sunday from 6 to 7:30 p.m. at Wood Funeral Home 273 N. Ridge. Burial will be in Rose Hill Cemetery with Military Rites performed by the Bonneville County Veterans Memorial Team and the Idaho Honor Guard. Following the burial a reception will be held. In lieu of flowers, tax deductible donations may be made to the love of Wes’s life, the Kelly Canyon Ski Team Education Foundation, 5986 East 81st North, Idaho Falls, ID 83401. -------------------------------- Condolences Received Online: Arthur Chandler ksan419f@hotmail.com Lenna: We are sorry to hear of Wes’s passing. He was a great friend. I’m glad I stopped and visited him last year. We send our love. Art and Elna Chandler Amy (Minor) Sherman Dear Lena & Family, my deepest sympathy for all of you. Wes holds such a special place in my heart and my life. He is a dear man and he will be missed. My love to you all. Amy Dan Nuckols Wes was certainly a good man with a good heart. I recall when I first became a Farmers agent and Wes came around the corner just to say hello and visit a bit. I was shocked that an established agent would take the time to visit with a "new comer" like myself. During a convention in Sun Valley, before meetings I was having breakfast, Wes noticed me sitting alone and asked to join me. He always has a wise crack, a smile and a was a joy to be associated with. I will miss him. Please accept my best wishes and heartfelt sympathy. God bless . . . Dan Nuckols Liz and Adam Ranks Wes will be sorely missed. Our thoughts are with you. Love, Liz and Adam Gary Mills Although I may have beat him when I won his seat on the City Council, he never demonstrated any type of grudge. Whenever he saw me, he would greet me with a smile, a firm hand shake and many times: a "Wes wise crack." He certainly made an impact on the community of Idaho Falls. Rodger Bills sheik_akqj10@hotmail.com Mrs. Deist, Kelley and Holley: So sorry to hear about Wes' passing. My heart goes out to you for the loss of such an incredible husband and father. I owe a lot to Wes and have thought of him often over the years. He gave me my start and encouraged me at a very young age in athletics, which laid a foundation for any accomplishments I've achieved, not limited to sports, but also education, career and family. For this I will always be grateful to Wes. He will truly be missed. Ray and Linda Proctor jitrbuglinda@hughes.net Kelly, Shannon, and families, What a great man, both for his community and for his family! Please accept our condolences for your loss and know that our prayers are with you. Love to all, Ray and Linda Courtney Jelaco "When someone you love becomes a memory, the memory becomes a treasure." Sending my sincerely sympathy to each of you. Wes was a character that will always be part of my childhood memories. We loved him! Courtney Mark Brown markallenbrown@gmail.com Hi, Lenna, I just got word of Wes's death. I applaud his long, successful, and productive life! Bravo to you, Wes! You have made a lasting mark on Idaho Falls. You will be remembered in its grand history as one of the town's great contributors. And congratulations to you, Lenna, for that remarkable marriage. As for myself, I left the U.S. on September 11th of last year. I gave everything away . . . books, art collected over my life, trinkets . . . everything. I donated my car and pickup, distributed things to friends, and the day before I left I heaved my wardrobe on Goodwill. I shall spend the rest of my life traveling, trekking, and, if the mood strikes, doing volunteer work in the 3rd World. Right now I'm in Argentina having just climbed Aconcagua. I'll be here till maybe September then it'll be off to India and the Himalayas. Love, Mark Dave & Donna Christiansen dchrist2004@msn.com Donna and I are very fortunate to have known Wes and become part of the extended Deist family through our friendship and lasting memories. God bless you Lenna, Holley & Kelly Dixie Baird dixiebaird@yahoo.com Dear Lenna, Kelley and Holley, I am so sorry to hear about the passing of Wes. I have such fond memories of him, and your entire family. He had a great life and a loving family. My thoughts and prayers go out to all of you. Dixie Baird, Coeur d'Alene, Idaho