Gary L. Christesen

He was born Sept. 25, 1947 in Ucon. His parents were Christian Allen Christesen and Lillie Agnes Young. Gary was raised in a family of five brothers and one sister. Gary attended elementary school in Ucon, Idaho and High School at Bonneville High, Idaho Falls, and Highland High, in Pocatello. He attended Law Enforcement School at Idaho State University. He was happily married to Lianne Nield on Jan. 22, 1971.

From his early years Gary had a love and eye for nice cars, especially Corvettes. His home-office is packed with models and pictures of his favorite cars. He also collected and displayed Coca-Cola antiques. Gary was always tinkering and fixing things in his well-stocked garage/shop. Gary and Lianne belonged to a group of snow mobile friends that spent many weekends in the beautiful snow-bound back country of Idaho, Utah, Montana, and Wyoming. This group of close-knit friends also enjoyed other vacation trips to Lake Powell, Las Vegas, and Island Park.

Gary was an Elder in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints holding various positions throughout his life in scouting, activities committee, and home teaching. Gary served in the Army during the Vietnam War. He retired in 2004, after 30 years at Bonneville County working as Deputy Sherriff and in the Road and Bridge Department.

Gary was an outstanding civic leader. He was on the Scenic Falls Credit Union Supervisory Committee. He was a 27 year member of The American Legion, Sons of The Legion, and 40/8. Gary held various positions during his veteran’s service, including the distinction of Area C Commander. He was also a Board Member of the Idaho Veteran’s Assistance League-East (Pocatello Veteran’s Home). Gary was proud of his time spent serving his fellow veteran’s in these organizations.

Gary is survived by his wife of forty years, Lianne Christesen of Idaho Falls; three daughters, Jenette Trube (Kevin) of Covington, WA, Darci Phelps (Don) and Heather Christesen both of Idaho Falls; three brothers, Lloyd Christesen (Pearl) of Boise, Dave Holmberg (Debbie) of Rigby, Michael Holmberg of Ucon, Idaho; and 7 grandchildren; Breanne, Chance, Alair, Cheyenne, Kiara, Kyson, Chelsi.

Gary was preceded in death by his parents; two brothers, Ray Christesen (Jerrie) and Ralph Christesen (Nona); and sister, Florence Holmberg (Pete – deceased).

Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m. Saturday, September. 24, 2011 at the Ucon LDS Chapel, 10854 N 41 E in Ucon, with Bishop Michael Grifford officiating. A viewing for family and friends will be held from 7:00 to 9 p.m. Friday at Buck-Miller-Hann Funeral Home, 825 E 17th St, Idaho Falls and at the church one hour prior to the services at the church. Burial will be in the Ucon Cemetery in Ucon . Military rites will be under the direction of the Bonneville Veterans Team.