Philip R. Schwieder

Philip Ralph Schwieder, 98, of Iona, passed away June 1, 2010, at Mt. Vernon Assisted Living in Idaho Falls. He was under the care of Aspen Home Health and Hospice.

Phil was born Sept. 26, 1911, in Mink Creek, Idaho, to Arthur William and Luella Keller Schwieder. The first three years of his life were in Mink Creek. In 1914, the family moved to Dehlin, where his father homesteaded land under the United States Homestead Law. They built a two-room home there. Because there wasn't a school in Dehlin at the time, the family lived in Idaho Falls in the winter and Dehlin in the summer. In 1920, his father became the teacher at the new two-room school in Dehlin. They continued to live in Dehlin year round for the next five years.

Phil graduated from Ammon High School and attended Idaho State University and Brigham Young University. His schooling was interrupted when he was put in charge of the farm in Dehlin. He continued farming until his retirement, when he turned the farm over to his sons.

On Dec. 23, 1936, he married Bertha Maretta Patterson in the Salt Lake City LDS Temple. They raised their two sons, Boyd and Jack, and spent many happy years on the farm. Bertha passed away April 23, 1984. On Jan. 5, 1985, he married Barbara Cooper. Barbara passed away Sept. 29, 2005.

Phil was active in wheat and cattle organizations on the local and state level, serving in leadership capacities in both groups. He was a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Phil and Bertha enjoyed traveling all over the United States. Phil enjoyed golfing, fishing, spending winters in St. George, Utah, and especially time spent with his family.

He is survived by his children, Boyd (Jean) Schwieder of Iona and Jack (Myrna) Schwieder of Ammon; stepdaughters, Karen Jenson, Rosalie (John) Caffaro and Alaina (Henry) Ochoa; 14 grandchildren; 34 great-grandchildren; four great-great-grandchildren; and siblings, Harold (Mary) Schwieder of Iona, Max Ruben (Margaret) Schwieder of Longview, Wash., and Anna (Phillip) Lamb of Cedar City, Utah.

He was preceded in death by his parents; both wives; and siblings, Linda (Jim) Davis, Carvel Schwieder, Norma Schwieder, Ruth (Ken Tracy and Riley Westergard, both deceased) Westergard, Rosa (Philip) Knowles and Betty (Val) Krieger; and a great-grandson, Jarin Schwieder.

The family wishes to express their gratitude to Mt. Vernon Assisted Living Center and the staff for the loving care they have given Phil.

Funeral services will be at 11 a.m. Saturday, June 5, at the Iona 11th LDS Ward, 4707 E. Iona Road in Iona, with Bishop Robert Bodily officiating. The family will visit with friends from 6:30 p.m. to 8 p.m. today at Coltrin Mortuary, 2100 First St. in Idaho Falls, and for one hour prior to the services at the church. Burial will be in Iona Cemetery. Online condolences may be sent to www.coltrinmortuary.com.