Robert William Tolman

Dr. Robert “Bob” William Tolman, 58, of Shelley passed away Wednesday, November 5, 2008 at Eastern Idaho Regional Medical Center from complications related to an accident.

He was born July 9, 1950, in Basin, Wyoming to Rex LaVern Tolman and Ellen Dorene King Tolman.  He attended the first grade in Laramie, Wyoming and continued his childhood education in Burlington, Cowley, and Lovell, Wyoming where he excelled at playing basketball.  Robert graduated from Lewiston High School, Idaho, in 1968.  He received his bachelor’s degree in elementary education from BYU in 1974 and a master’s of education degree in educational administration from ISU in 1979, and his doctoral degree was in curriculum and instructional science from BYU in 1986.  He served an LDS mission to the England Central Mission.

Bob married Teresa Petterborg on April 12, 1974 in the Salt Lake LDS Temple.  They have four children and three granddaughters.  He worked as a professional educator in the Idaho Falls School District #91 for 33 years.  He retired in 2007.  He then became the primary care giver for his father with whom he had a very strong relationship.  He held many church callings, and at the time of his death was a teacher in his High Priest’s group.  He enjoyed doing yard work and working on various construction projects around his home.  He especially loved the family pets.

Bob is survived by his wife, Teresa; his father, Rex; daughter, Keri (Korey) Payne of Shelley; sons, Spencer Tolman of Rigby; Stuart Tolman of Boise; and Alex (Rachel) Tolman of Provo, UT; granddaughters, Kenzie, Kassidy, and Kandice; and sister, Kathy (Garth) Winter of Ucon.  He was preceded in death by his mother, Dorene.

Funeral services will be held 11:00 a.m. Saturday, November 8, 2008 at the Shelley 8th Ward Chapel, 184 North Park, with Bishop Arden Anderson conducting. The family will receive friends Friday evening from 7:00 to 8:30pm at Nalder Funeral Home, 110 West Oak and Saturday morning 9:30 to 10:40am at the church. Burial will be in the Taylor Cemetery.