S. Lynn Loosli

S. Lynn Loosli was called home to his Heavenly Father on Thursday, February 12, 2009, leaving behind a legacy of love, family and friends.

Lynn was born on July 25, 1935, in St. Anthony, Idaho, to Stanley and Katie Loosli. He spent his early years on his family's farm. While growing up, Lynn says he had only one dream -- becoming a farmer. He attended schools in Ashton, where he participated in football and basketball. Lynn also was active in the Future Farmers of America and received the prestigious National Star Farmer award. He was elected as a National Vice-President of the FFA traveling all over the United States promoting the program. Lynn graduated in 1953 from North Fremont High School.

Lynn attended Utah State Agricultural College in Logan, Utah, and became a nominee for the Rhodes Scholar. Instead of taking this award, he continued in the agricultural field and graduated in 1957. That fall, he entered the military to fulfill his ROTC commitment and then returned to Ashton to farm. His first project was raising eight acres of potatoes, followed the next year by seven registered Hereford heifers. Lynn continued raising potatoes and cattle -- just on a much larger scale.

On December 19, 1956, he married Portia Reeves of Brigham City, Utah, in the Logan, Utah, LDS Temple. They became the parents of nine children. Lynn was an active member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. He served as a bishop in the Ricks College 18th Ward, a bishop's counselor and various other church callings in his home ward. In 2000, Lynn and his wife were called to serve in the Canada Halifax Mission. This proved to be one of the highlights of their marriage. They returned twice to Nova Scotia in the next few years to visit special friends they met there. He served with his wife as an officiator in the Idaho Falls Temple for four years and was currently serving in the Rexburg Temple.

Lynn was active in local and state politics and served for six years in the Idaho State Legislature for District 28. He truly cherished that experience. Lynn was active in many civic groups including the Rotary Club, Republican Party and American Legion. He also served on numerous farming and irrigation boards, including the Committee of Nine for 12 years. In 1995, Lynn was inducted into the Agricultural Hall of Fame. Lynn also continued with his love of cattle and served on several boards, this year will be the 35th annual Loosli Bull Sale.

His great love was his wife, his children and spouses and especially his grandchildren. Lynn was always proud to tell everyone how wonderful they were. He often said, "There is hardly a day goes by that we don't hear something wonderful about them." He loved watching the local sport teams, especially when his children or grandchildren were involved.

Lynn is survived by his loving wife of 52 years, Portia; children, Kathryn (M.J.) Pritchett of Piedmont, Calif., Brian (Karen) Loosli of Ashton, Bruce (Connie) Loosli of Irvine, Calif., Michelle Loosli of Arlington, Va., Joel (Barbara) Loosli of Riverton, Utah, Jayne (Mel) Henderson of Falcon, Colo., Sara (David) Kimball of Helotes, Texas, Jared (Saren) Loosli of St. George, Utah, and Aaron (Michelle) Loosli of Salt Lake City, Utah; sister, Carol (Barton) Jensen of Rexburg; brother, Curtis (Marina) Loosli of Idaho Falls; and 29 grandchildren. Lynn was preceded in death by his parents and a sister, Gayle (Bob) Wynn of New Port Beach, Calif.

Funeral services will be at 11 a.m. Tuesday, February 17, at the Ashton LDS Stake Center, 516 N. Second Street, with Bishop Lynn Ballard officiating. The family will receive friends Monday evening from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. at the Stake Center and Tuesday from 9:30 a.m. to 10:45 a.m. also at the church prior to services. Burial will be in Pineview Cemetery under the direction of Baxter Funeral Home. Military rites will be conducted by the Ashton American Legion.

Family tribute