Dean Nalder

Dean Nalder was born March 26, 1927 in a log cabin, built by his father, Fredrick James Nalder, who with Dean’s mother, Hannah Elizabeth Morgan Nalder, traveled from Utah and homesteaded some ground west of Ririe.   

Dean attended grade school in the Clark schoolhouse, then into Rigby for High School.  Before graduation in 1945 he joined the Coast Guard and served 14 months in Connecticut.  Upon his return home he went to work for Old Faithful Beverage, where he met his future wife, Neva Wright.  Nine months later they were married in Shelley, Idaho, March 7, 1947. They were sealed in the Idaho Falls temple May 17, 1979.   

In November 1953 they bought a home in Rigby, Idaho and have remained Rigby residents ever since.  Dean’s employment:  Old Faithful Beverage, Swedish Bakery, Swager Motor for 15 years, then operated Nalder’s Conoco gas station for 7 months, then had the opportunity to purchase an auto parts store which he named Rigby Auto Parts. He ran the family business for 13 years, then sold the business and retired to enjoy horseback riding in the mountains, and four-wheelers and especially riding his snow machine.   

During his working years he was active: served on Rigby’s first Fire Department (1957) when he retired, he turned his fire department responsibility over to his son, Dale Nalder, who became the first full time Fire Chief.  During Dean’s productive years he served as Mr. 20-30; Chamber of Commerce President; served as Major of the Jefferson County Posse and announcer of the Jefferson County Cutter races for many years.  He was also active in the LDS Church and served as Scoutmaster; Elder’s Quorum President; Activity Chairman; High Priest Group Leader; Counselor in the bishopric, and he and wife served a two year local mission for the church in Rigby.  

He is survived by his wife and daughters Pam (Jim) Downard, Rigby; Penny (Dave) Larsen, Ririe; Dale (Pam L) Nalder, Boise, ID and Fred Nalder of Long Beach, CA.  11 Grandchildren (two deceased) and 29 Great Grand Children.  Two sisters, Norene Mitchell, Declo, ID; and Leone Ricks of Farmington, UT. He was preceded in death by his parents, two brothers and two sisters.  

Funeral services will be held 11:00 A.M. Monday, July 6, 2009 at the Rigby East Stake Center (4021 East 300 North). The family will receive friends Sunday July 5th from 6:00 till 7:30 P.M. and Monday morning 9:30 till 10:40 both at the church.  Burial will be at the Ririe Shelton Cemetery.  Arrangements are under the direction of Nalder Funeral Home in Shelley.