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In Memory

Robert Jones - Class of 1940

Idaho State Journal, 07/20/09

POCATELLO — Robert David Jones, 87, formerly of Blackfoot , passed away Friday, July 17, 2009, at Hillcrest Haven in Pocatello, Idaho. He was born in Montpelier, Idaho, in 1921 to Lee and Ethel Jones. His grandfather, Franklin Jones, was an important figure in settling the Bear Lake Valley and operated the 101 Ranch, Jones Grocery, and dairy and meat packing house in Montpelier. Bob attended schools in Montpelier, while working at the store and ranch. He was active in football and basketball in high school, receiving the Whitman award for basketball. He was class president and valedictorian. Following graduation he attended Idaho State University (then the Southern Branch) on an academic and football scholarship. His football team, known as the Bobbin’ Bengals, was undefeated.

In 1942 he entered the United States Coast Guard until 1944. In 1946 Bob married his love, Dorothy Jacobsen, (whom he met at ISU) in Blackfoot, Idaho. He continued his studies in science and pre-dentistry attending dental school in Portland, Ore. He always showed great precision in all he did, in and out of school. Bob changed direction, leaving dental school, as his desire was to teach. However, his loyalty to his family led him to Blackfoot where he worked several years for Jacobsen Fuel and Heating, the family business, as a mechanical contractor. In 1969 Bob went to work for American Potato Company, retiring in 1990 after a heart attack.

Robert served in two bishoprics, and other capacities in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. He was a major supporter of the Boy Scouts of America. He loved going to community concerts and to the symphony, where his wife Dorothy was an active board member.

He also enjoyed opera. He loved his vegetable garden and working in the yard. His wife, Dorothy, died suddenly in 1987. This was a difficult time for Bob. In 1988 he married Mildred Hartvigsen, an old friend. They enjoyed 21 years together, traveling, gardening, bowling and golfing.

Robert is survived by his wife, Mildred, two daughters, Christine (Larry) Morgan of Oklahoma City, Okla., Susan (Tony) Madsen of Pocatello, Idaho; stepson, Terry Hartvigsen of Pocatello, Idaho; grandchildren, Dr. Jon Robert Morgan, Lara Morgan Baker, Marci Morgan Goodman, Angelina Vigliaturo, Michelle Vigliaturo Stanton, Diane Madsen Littleford, Bryan Madsen, Cory Madsen and 16 great-grandchildren. A niece, he raised after the early demise of her parents, Jackie Nussbaum Kulbel; nine nieces and six nephews he was most fond of.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Dorothy; his father (when Robert was only 12); his mother; stepfather, Charles Wilson; an 8-year-old brother, Russell; two sisters, Mary Lee and Joan; brother, Milton; and stepbrother, Bob Wilson and their spouses.

Funeral services will be held at 1 p.m. Monday, July 20, 2009, at the Hawker Funeral Home.

Interment at the Grove City Cemetery in Blackfoot.