Kenneth Paul Fielding

Kenneth Paul Fielding, 76, of Taylor, passed away peacefully on Thursday, 15 January 2015, surrounded by his loving family.

Ken was born to Verl and Alice Elaine Oler Fielding on 5 April 1938 in his grandmother’s home in Shelley, Idaho. He was the youngest of five children. He has lived within one-half mile of his current home for his entire life.

Ken grew up on a family farm in Taylor and learned the value of hard work. They lived through the Depression and didn’t have much as a family.  Because of that he was always very thrifty and taught his family the importance of spending wisely and saving money.

Ken married his eternal companion and best friend in the Idaho Falls LDS Temple on 7 November 1958.  They were blessed with five children, 13 grandchildren, and 12 great-grandchildren.  They love him dearly and cannot wait to be with him again.  He was the patriarch of our family and was our example, teacher, financial advisor, consultant, friend. We were so blessed and honored to call him husband, dad and grandpa.  He was the wisest, best man we know.

Ken loved life and lived it to the fullest.  His life was spared when he was quite young and he felt like he may not live long.  He wanted to enjoy what time he had.  He was a daredevil, a jokester, and the life of the party.  He loved a great waterfight. He loved to snowmobile, play basketball, golf, and be active.  He was one of BYU’s biggest fans.

Ken spent his career working for the Department of Energy (DOE).  He began his career in the mailroom, and worked his way up, ending his career as the acting Chief Financial Officer.  He felt blessed to retire early at the age of 55 and spend the next 20+ years serving his church and community, traveling, and playing with his family and friends.

Ken was an active member of the LDS Church and served faithfully until his death in many callings, including Bishop, Stake President, faithful home teacher, and Gospel Doctrine teacher. He loved the gospel and one of the highlights of his life was serving a mission with his sweetheart in the London, England Mission, from April 1997- October 1998.

Although Ken had a great career, served civilly and in the community, and spent countless hours for his church, his greatest love and accomplishment was his family and testimony and love of the Savior.  He is survived by his sweetheart of 56 years, Colleen Ekstrom Fielding, children; Lori Jan (Dale) Kotter, Paul K (Julie) Fielding, Julie Fielding, Jill Fielding, Amy Jo (Todd) Rea; 13 grandchildren and 12 great-grandchildren. He is survived by his siblings, Colleen (Clinton) Longhurst, JoAnn (Lynn) Sargent, Ray (Lynda) Fielding. He was preceded in death by his parents, and brother Gary Fielding.

Funeral services will be held at 11:00 am Monday, January 19, 2015 at the Taylor LDS Meetinghouse (1101 East 1250 North). The family will receive friends and family from 5:00 till 7:00 pm Sunday, January 18, 2015 at Nalder Funeral Home (110 West Oak) in Shelley and Monday January 19, 9:30 till 10:30 am at the church building. Interment will be in the Taylor Cemetery.