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Van Wells Obituary
Van Lowe Wells, 72, of Shelley passed away on December 30, 2025.
Van (One Shot) was born on December 9, 1953 in Preston, Idaho to James Greene Wells and Deana Lowe Wells. He lived in Preston until he was 7 years old, then his family moved to Idaho Falls. Then later to the Taylor area. He graduated from Shelley High School in 1972. He then went to college at ISU and became a Diesel Mechanic. In August of 1973, he married Virginia Rigby, They had 3 children, Trisha (Mike) Pimentel of Rigby, Tina Wells (Ray Stark) of Caldwell, and TJ (Jenette) Wells of Idaho Falls.
He started working out at the INL in 1977 as a Diesel Mechanic, and then held other positions after that. He was a safety instructor when he retired from the INL after 39 years. Van and Virginia later divorced and he met Wanda, they dated a few years and then he asked her to marry him. They got married in May of 2013, with this marriage included Wanda’s children, Monica (Paul) Verlanic of Blackfoot, EJ (Brittny) Wyatt of Idaho Falls, Jamie (Rich) Hajek of Shelley.
Van loved the outdoors. Riding 4 wheelers, snowmobiles, and horses. He loved to go hunting and fishing and just loved being in the mountains as much as he could. As he was growing up, he loved fast cars, the faster the better, and he owned multiple.
Van is survived by his children, step children, a sister, Karen Couch of Mesa, Arizona, sister-in-law, Karen Wells of Mesa, Arizona. 16 grandchildren, 3 great grandchildren and multiple nieces and nephews.
He was proceeded in death by his parents, and brothers, Cliff Wells and Ross Wells..
Graveside services will be held 12:30 P.M. Friday January 9th 2026 at the Taylor Cemetery (720 East 129 South) in Idaho Falls. The family will receive friends Friday morning from 11:00 A.M. till 12:00 Noon, at Nalder Funeral Home (110 West Oak Street) in Shelley. Burial will be in the Taylor Cemetery.
The family would like to extend a special thank you to Symbii Home Health and Hospice and their compassionate staff, especially Amber and Shayla for the exceptional care. And a Special thanks to Dr. Brady Cook and Dr.Shawn Speirs.
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110 West Oak, Shelley, ID 83274
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