Donald Paul Icke

A celebration of life will be held on Saturday, August 7, 2021 from 11:00 am to 3:00 pm at the Magic Valley Portuguese Hall at 625 E Avenue F in Wendell, Idaho

     Donald Paul Icke, 88, of Wendell was born in Alva, OK to Albert Elmer and Dora May Icke on January 1, 1932.  Dad was an extra special man that always had a warm smile and a nice word for anyone he knew, and often even those he didn’t know.  He will be greatly missed by many, but especially his family. Dad grew up working various jobs in and around Alva such as, working with his dad at the local Co-Op backing up big trucks at the age of 10 to help unload them. Dad also worked with Grandpa on their trash run around Alva at age 12 lifting 55 gallon drums up, handing them to his dad to empty and then putting the drums back in its place. This was the foundation of dad’s work ethic of working hard every day and being so strong.  Qualities that obviously instilled at a young age.

     Dad was not just a hard worker, but believed when you did something, you did it right the first time and the best you could.  He never faulted anyone for trying their best and always had an encouraging word, often believing in us more than we did ourselves.  Dad liked to hunt and fish, but most of all he loved to spend his time with mom, Emily and the rest of our family.  You would never hear him brag about himself, or complain about anything, but you would hear him tell of something one of his children had accomplished or achieved.  We were all different, but dad made sure that we each felt special, loved and so supported.  The one thing he talked about to everyone, and you knew he was proud, was his service to our country.  Dad served in the Army from September 1953 to June 1961.  During this time he was stationed at various places including - Italy, Greece and Germany and served in the Korean War as well as being stationed here in the States.  While in the service, dad was in a band that would go around and play for the other servicemen.  Dad had a wonderful voice and could play the guitar with the best of them.  After returning to the States, dad joined the Mule Pack and enjoyed working with the animals that some considered “dumb”, but he loved them.  As part of dad’s service, he was a sharpshooter and was certified both in pistol and rifle categories, as well as being a surveyor for the Army.

      Dad married the love of his life, Emily, on November 24, 1973 in Shoshone, ID.  Each of them brought children from previous marriages, but together they made the family whole.  A couple years later, they added me to the mix and our family was complete.  Dad always said, “everything will be okay.”  Sometimes things were tough, but we always had each other. Evenings would often be spent with dad playing his guitar and singing while mom made dinner. Marty Robbins, George Jones and Johnny Cash, didn’t have anything on my daddy – he could out sing them all.

      In 1978 we bought The Lost Hat Ranch just outside of Wendell and raised Registered Polled Herefords.  There with mom they raised kids, cattle and feed with a whole lot of love.  Often times you would see dad walking out across the pasture carrying his shovel, or going out to check cows.  We spent many hours working on the ranch, working hard, but we worked hard together as a family.  Dad loved the ranch and the work that came with it.  He would work from sun up to sun down without one complaint.  As the ranch downsized, dad drove school bus for Eaton’s in Wendell.  It was something he enjoyed tremendously as well as the kids on his route.  Dad was always involved in the American Legion and served on the Fireboard Committee in Wendell as well.  He always enjoyed helping out the community in any way he could, as well as anyone he thought might need it as well.          

     Dad is survived by: his wife, Emily, of 46 years; their children - Suzan (Tim), Walt (Mary), Sheri, Kirk (Kathy), Eric (Sue), John (Connie), Katrina (Greg); grandchildren - Colleen, Zachery, Joey (Jen), Jason (Amber), Jenna, K.C. (Cali), Kirstyn (Lanny), Kevin (Stacey), Jessie, Tyler, Robbie, Matt and David; numerous great grandchildren; his brother - Herman (Leona), and numerous nephews and nieces that all love him very much.

     Dad is preceded in death by his siblings: Dorothy, Lucy, Alvin, George, Albert, Roscoe, Isaac and Anna; his parents; and his children -  Denise, Charles, Bruce and Ernest; son-in-law - Joe.

     A small family memorial will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to the Alzheimer's Association or American Legion in memory of Donald Icke.

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