Leroy John Andersen

LeRoy John Andersen, 80, of Idaho Falls passed away February 28th at the Good Samaritan Center in Idaho Falls of natural causes.

He was born March 25, 1926 in Goshen, Idaho to James and Olga Andersen who had immigrated from Denmark.  He was married June 18, 1945 to Elva Faye Smith.  Their marriage was later solemnized in the Idaho Falls temple in 1976.  They were married for 61 years.

LeRoy’s vocation was a piano tuner and technician.  He was a talented musician who played the piano, guitar and accordion.  The last 10 years of his working life, he managed a snack bar & vending machines at the D.O.E.  After retirement him & his wife spent several winters in Quartzsite, Arizona.

LeRoy was legally blind, but lived his life seeing more than most.  He was president of the American Council for the blind, a member of the Old Time Fiddlers, and a frequent entertainer at rest homes and many civic events.  When asked to perform at events he would often say, “Wood eye, wood eye!”  He was quick with a joke, a sympathetic ear, and a helping hand for anyone who needed it.  Silent George will fondly remember the numerous road trips he and LeRoy have taken together throughout his life.

He was a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, serving as a stake missionary and temple worker, he often bore his testimony by the way he lived and served others who were less fortunate and downtrodden.

He is survived by his loyal spouse, Elva Faye of Idaho Falls, three daughters, Sharon (Kent) Weaver of Hooper, UT, Ava (Lawrence) Bird of Idaho Falls, Carol (Dale) Beck of Idaho Falls, 10 grandchildren and 28 great grandchildren.  He was preceded in death by two brothers, Anton and Frank and a sister Elizabeth Poulsen.

Funeral services will be held 2:00 P.M. Saturday March 3rd at Nalder Funeral Home (110 West Oak) in Shelley. The family will receive friends Friday evening from 7:00 till 8:30 P.M. and Saturday 12:30 till 1:40 P.M. at the funeral home. Interment will be in the Goshen Cemetery.