George Marion Pethtel

George Marion Pethtel, 71, of Rupert, passed away suddenly, Sunday, May 29, 2016 at Minidoka Memorial Hospital in Rupert. He was born in Nampa, Idaho on April 28, 1945 to Robert V. and Alma Reed Pethtel. He attended Highline Grade School near Kuna and graduated from Kuna High School in 1963. He married his high school sweetheart Linda Bales, on October 9, 1964 in Kuna. Together they had two sons, Tim and Chad Pethtel. They became an eternal family on October 9, 1975 in the Idaho Falls LDS temple. He and his family moved to Rupert in 1974, where he was employed by the U.S. Bureau of Reclamation at Minidoka Dam. He retired from the Bureau in 1998 as Facility Manager at the dam with 25 years of service. Retirement wasn't for him; he missed work and decided to pursue a new career. He went to work at AgWest in Burley, Idaho until 2004. He was forced to retire from AgWest following a horse riding accident. After several surgeries and physical therapy because of his accident he worked part time at Deseret Industries in Burley where he was still working at the time of his death. He is a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and served in many positions including a member of the Rupert West Stake Mission Presidency, High Councilman, member of a Rupert 10th Ward Bishopric and Scoutmaster. He loved Scouting, and helped many young men gain the rank of Eagle Scout. He received the Silver Beaver award in Scouting in 2015. He was a long time member of the Cassia County Mounted Sheriffs Posse and had served in many capacities as well as Captain. He was President of the Idaho State Riding Association and made many lifelong friends through it. He was an avid hunter, and loved to fish and camp with his family and friends. He loved all sports and coached little league baseball for many years and was instrumental in getting the Babe Ruth Program started in the Rupert area. He was a fan of the Boise State Broncos, BYU Cougars and Seattle Mariners. He is survived by his wife, Linda of Rupert, his mother Alma Pethtel of Nampa, his sister and brother-in-law, Faye and Ron Russell, of Nampa and sons, Tim and Chad Pethtel of Rupert. His grandchildren, Amber Pethtel, Tel Pethtel and Libby Pethtel of Kuna and Great granddaughters, Allie Joe Norby and Maddie Pethtel. A niece, two nephews and their families. An aunt and uncle, Helen and Gene Wade and many cousins. He was preceded in death by his father, Bob Pethtel, a grandson, Tyrel Pethtel, and his mother-in-law and father-in-law, Elsie and Bill Bales. His grandparents and many aunts, uncles and cousins. A viewing will be held from 6-8 p.m. Sunday, June 5, at Morrison Funeral Home, 188 South Hwy 24, in Rupert. Funeral Services will be held at 11:00 a.m. Monday, June 6, 2016 at the Rupert West Stake Center, 26 South 100 West, Rupert, with a viewing before the service from 9:30 to 10:30 at the church. Burial will be in the Rupert Cemetery. Arrangements are under the direction of Morrison Funeral Home in Rupert.