George Rammell

George Daniels Rammell, 76, of Tetonia, Idaho, passed away Thursday, Dec. 29, 2011, at his home of causes incident to age.

George was born April 15, 1935, in Idaho Falls, and was the fourth and final child of Arthur Leon Rammell and Julia Pearl Daniels. George had three older sisters, Marjorie and Ora Pearl who died in infancy, and Glenda Rammell (Robert) Green who passed away in 2005.

George was raised in Teton Valley and lived in Tetonia most of his life. During a 13-year period between 1960 and 1973, he lived and worked in Idaho Falls as a pipe fitter at what is now Idaho National Laboratory.

At Teton High School, George excelled at football and boxing, and carefully grafted a "bad boy" reputation. However, that all began to melt away when he began dating a short and sweet girl from the south end of the valley, Mary JoAnn Berger. They married soon after high school graduation June 17, 1953, in the Idaho Falls LDS Temple.

George learned the plumbing trade from his father-in-law and has since passed those skills to his sons and grandsons -- four generations of plumbers. George worked on the construction of the Teton Dam and declared "she'll never hold" a statement that later came true when the dam failed in 1976. George was an owner in Berger Plumbing, a plumbing contractor, in Jackson, Wyo., and at one time, employed many valley men, providing much needed wages. George maintained his plumbing license and was a member of the Plumbers & Pipefitters Union Local No. 648.

George was an avid fisherman and was known as "Kingfish." He particularly loved ice fishing on Jackson Lake, utilizing the now illegal "snow plane" (christening his plane "Mellow Yellow") to access his best fishing holes. Other favorite fishing haunts included Henry's Lake and Grassy Lake. He loved the freedom and quiet solitude that being outdoors afforded him. George was also well known for his extremely wry sense of humor. He enjoyed reading a good book, loved watching sports on television, and taking an afternoon nap. George served in the LDS church as a stake missionary and teacher.

George is survived by his wife of more than 58 years; and their four children, Shayne (JoAnn) Rammell of Tetonia, Jolyn (Rod) Taylor of Phoenix, Leslee (Blaine) Bergeson of St. George, Utah, and Art (Renee) Rammell of Idaho Falls. Currently, George and JoAnn have 17 grandchildren and 16 great-grandchildren.

He is preceded in death by his parents; three sisters; and a grandson, Daniel Paul Taylor.

Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. Monday, Jan. 2, 2012, at the Tetonia 1st Ward chapel under the direction of Bishop Brent Robson. Visitation will be from 6 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. Sunday, Jan. 1, 2012, at the Tetonia church and one hour prior to the funeral services. Interment will be at Cache-Clawson Cemetery.

Condolences may be sent online to www.flammfh.com.

As a memorial to George, take a day and go fishing with someone you love.