Bill Fuger

William "Bill" Alex Fuger, born June 25, 1933 in Fort Benton, Montana, passed away on March 29, 2013 after a long and happy life. Bill was raised in Pocatello, Idaho or, as he called it, "the Village of Alameda," by his father James E. Fuger and his mother Ella Fuger until her passing when Bill was 14 years of age. His childhood was filled with family, sports, hunting and fishing as well as running through the hills of what is now east Pocatello with a "gang" of friends. He attended Roosevelt Elementary, Franklin Junior High, and Pocatello High School before attending and graduating from Idaho State College (now Idaho State University) on a football scholarship. Bill first saw Barbara Jean Beebe while playing city league softball. Bill and Barb were married July2, 1952 having dated only each other throughout their high school years. Bill remained devoted to Barb beyond her death in 1992, mentioning prior to his own passing that he was ready to be with Mom. After graduating Bill moved his family from Pocatello to Sheridan, Wyoming to take his first teaching job at Sheridan High School where he taught and coached football, wrestling and track. The family returned home to Pocatello in 1964 where he initially taught at Irving Junior High and coached at Pocatello High School. Bill soon began teaching at PHS where he was a fixture for two decades. His favorite classroom was located in the hallway near the exit by Big Gary's, all because of the enjoyment he gained from catching students ditching class to grab a snack and hangout. Although he coached sports for many years, he found a true passion in 1970 when he began advising the PHS Indianettes. He advised the drill team for more than 20 years leading them to countless championships while shaping and touching many lives. Bill had many joys in his life including his family, hunting, fishing and the great outdoors of Idaho. He combined these joys with family vacations to Island Park until the mid-seventies when he joined with the Chatterton family to construct a cabin near the Frank Church wilderness area. Many happy days were spent and good friends made at the cabin. He also traveled to Alaska, whenever possible, to spend time fishing for halibut and salmon with his sons and daughters. During these fishing trips, he generally out-fished even the most experienced Alaska fishermen. Bill will always be lovingly remembered by family and friends. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in his name to the Pocatello High School Education Foundation by sending a check made out to Pocatello School District Education Foundation. Send checks to Education Foundation, 3115 Poleline Road, Pocatello, ID 83201 and specify that you would like the donation directed to Pocatello High School. He is survived by his daughter Lynn Fuger of Hailey, ID; son James Fuger of Twin Falls, ID; son Bill Fuger of Wasilla, AK; daughter Cindy Bateman of Boise, ID; sister Velma Stewart of Pocatello, ID; sister Sharon Fox of Comanche, IA; sister Helen Anderson of Salt Lake City, UT; 9 grandchildren and 10 great-grandchildren. Bill is preceded in death by his wife Barbara Fuger, father James E. Fuger, mother Ella Fuger, step-mother Verla Fuger, brother Bob Fuger, and brother Dave Fuger. Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. on Wednesday, April 3, 2013, at Colonial Funeral Home, 2005 S. 4th Ave. A visitation will be held from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. on Tuesday, April 2, 2013, also at Colonial Funeral Home, as well as one hour prior to the funeral service. Burial will follow services at Restlawn Memorial Gardens. FISH ON!