Verdis Larsen

Verdis LeRoy Larsen

March 9, 1928-Oct. 30, 2014

JEROME • Verdis LeRoy Larsen, 86, of Jerome, passed away Thursday, Oct. 30, 2014, in Boise.

He was born March 9, 1928, in Roosevelt, Utah, the son of LeRoy Larsen and Alta Mae Mecham Larsen. Verdis was raised in Jerome and graduated from Jerome High School in 1946. He served his country in the United States Marine Corps. Following an honorable discharge, he returned to Jerome. On Nov. 11, 1948, he married Joan Andres in Winnemucca, Nev. They made their home in Jerome where they raised four children. Verdis spent 20 years farming in the Sugarloaf area and then became the field man for Dairymen’s Creamery Association until retiring.

He was a longtime member of the First Presbyterian Church. After celebrating 50 years of marriage, Joan passed away on April 20, 1999. Through his service in the church, he was able to reconnect with longtime family friend, Arlene DeMars. They enjoyed each other’s companionship for the past 15 years. Verdis’ pride and joy was his family and his garden. He will be remembered as a wonderful father, grandfather and friend.

Verdis is survived by his children, Andrea (Ron) Chojnacky of Glenrock, Wyo., Terri (Dan) Kluender of Spokane, Wash., Steven (Dixlyn) Larsen of Sun Valley and Kristi Bourgeois of Idaho Falls. He is also survived by his grandchildren, Kevin, Brian, Paul, Joel, Angelina, Jared, Steve, Tommy, Angel and Jadan; 13 great-grandchildren; his companion, Arlene DeMars and her children and grandchildren; one brother, Denzel (Jackie) Larsen; and his sister-in-law, Beatrice Larsen; and many extended family members and friends. He is preceded in death by his parents; his wife, Joan; two sisters, Elizabeth and Gladys; and one brother, RL.

A visitation will be held Tuesday, Nov. 4, at Farnsworth Mortuary, 1343 S. Lincoln in Jerome, where family and friends may call from 6-8 p.m. A memorial service will be conducted at 11 a.m. Wednesday, Nov. 5, at the First Presbyterian Church, 262 E. Ave. A in Jerome, with the Rev. Nate Dreesmann officiating. Interment with military honors will follow in the Jerome Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, Verdis’ family suggests that memorials be made in memory of Joan Larsen to: Alzheimer’s Association National Office, 225 N. Michigan Ave., Fl. 17, Chicago, IL 60601.