Fred Stiles Woodin

Fred Stiles Woodin, 81, passed away December 24, 2022.  

Fred Stiles Woodin was born in Purdy, Arkansas on January 6, 1941, the fourth child of Edward Stiles Woodin and Carol Miller’s 10 children. Fred was raised in Montana in several locations, but he considered Glasgow, Montana his childhood home.

Fred’s childhood was not an easy one. He became a ward of the state at a young age and lived with foster families. In 1957, George and Laverne Rahlf became Fred’s foster parents, in his teenage years, and gave Fred a loving second family of nine siblings. While Fred lived with the Rahlfs, he learned about the gospel of Jesus Christ. Their example and teaching led Fred to act on his newfound faith, and on December 27, 1959, Fred was baptized into the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. This decision became an anchor and guide for the rest of his mortal life.

Fred attended primary school in Malta, Great Falls, and Fairfield Montana. He graduated from Glasgow High School in May of 1962. He then attended Northern Montana. His education was interrupted in September of 1963; Fred was drafted into the United States Army. He served for 2 years as an infantry soldier with thirteen of those months stationed in Korea. When Fred finished his military service, he dedicated the next two years to the Lord. Fred served a mission for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints in the state of Texas from 1965 to 1967.

When Fred returned from his missionary service, he turned his attention back to his education and moved to Rexburg, Idaho to attend Ricks College. He was pursuing a teaching degree in education when he met his best friend and eternal companion. On August 7, 1970, Fred married Katherine Ann Briscoe in the Idaho Falls Temple for time and all eternity. They soon moved to Chubbuck, Idaho and started their own family. Over the next 12 years they added seven children to the family: four daughters and three sons.

Fred was anxious to provide for his rapidly growing family and soon found a good job at FMC. Fred worked long days, nights, and lots of overtime at FMC as an equipment operator for 27 years. When the factory shut down, he went to Idaho State University and received a degree in culinary arts. With that education he got a job at the restaurant in the Red Lion Hotel. He really enjoyed preparing and cooking food for others. The final years of his employment he worked for the Pocatello School district as a janitor and part of the maintenance crews. Fred worked hard to provide for his family.

Fred enjoyed many things throughout his life. As a teenager he participated in the local school plays, and church youth activities with his foster family. Fred loved to watch sports. He would watch or listen to all sports. He coached his children’s soccer teams even though he said he knew nothing about the game. Fred was often found on the side of a ball field, cheering on a child or grandchild no matter what the sport, or the weather. When he was not at the ball fields, he was on his hands and knees in the garden. Over his lifetime, Fred grew millions of tomatoes, cucumbers, potatoes, peas, carrots, corn, squash, and anything he could plant in the ground. He would give away the fruits of this labor of love to his family, neighbors, co-workers, and friends. He loved to make up songs and play games with his kids.

He served in various church callings throughout his life. One of his favorites was as the financial ward clerk to Bishop Jack Egbert who nicknamed him ‘Pinocchio.’ He served the young men in the scouting program. He served in Elders Quorum presidencies and loved teaching the Sunbeams in Primary. He was a faithful Home Teacher and Ministered to all those around him. He was faithful in all his assignments and callings. He Loved his Savior and never doubted his faith.

Fred was an amazing example to all who knew him of Christlike service. He gave and gave and gave some more. He was always humble and never wanted to be in the limelight. He was incredibly patient and rarely lost his temper. He provided a home for nieces and nephews and helped care for a niece during her fight with cancer. Whenever he saw a need that he could fill, he quietly took care of that need. Fred never complained of any extra burden or work. He was always helpful, loving, and kind.

Fred’s greatest joy was his children, and his grandchildren, he loved and prayed for them always. Katherine is the love of his life, and he would do anything to see her smile. They were married for 52 years; and he served her diligently, daily right up to the end. Katherine was by his side when he peacefully passed away at home, on December 24, 2022.

Fred is proceeded in death by his

Father: Edward Woodin

Foster Father: Frank Rahlf

Mother: Carol Winkel

Foster Mother: Laverne Rahlf

Sisters: Della Mae, Alice, Darlene

Brothers: Melvin, Larry

Foster Sisters: Paula, Kathy

Fred is Survived by his

Wife: Katherine Ann Briscoe

Children: Becky (Kirk) Stratton, Edward Allen Woodin, Cindy (Samuel) Hayward, Jason (Nanette) Woodin, Jonathan (Monica) Woodin, Julie (James)Willford, Shawna (Marshall) Reynolds.

Thirty grandchildren

Seven great-grandchildren and one on the way.

A viewing will be held at Wilks Funeral Home on Friday, December 30, 2022, from 6:00 pm - 8:00 pm.

211 W Chubbuck Rd, Chubbuck, Idaho 83202

A viewing will take place at the Tyhee Stake Center before the funeral on Tuesday, January 3, 2023, at 10:00 am

Funeral Services will be at the Tyhee Stake Center on Tuesday, January 3, 2023, at 11:00 am.

12146 W Tyhee Rd; Pocatello, Idaho 83202

Internment at Restlawn Cemetery January 3, 2023, 12:30 pm.

2864 S. 5th Ave; Pocatello, Idaho 83204

Memories and condolences may be shared with the family by visiting the Tribute Wall tab above.

Memories and condolences may be shared with the family by visiting the Tribute Wall tab above.