George Robert Housel

George Robert Housel passed away at his home on February 20, 2014 from a courageous battle with cancer. He just celebrated his 69th birthday on February 2nd. He was surrounded by his family, as he returned to his Heavenly Father.

George was the son of Ernest Claude Housel and Olive Apple Housel. He was born in Boise, Idaho and attended grade school at Cole Elementary. The family later moved to Coeur d'Alene, Idaho and then on to Lewiston, Idaho where George graduated from Lewiston High School.

He joined the Idaho National Guard in 1965. He attended the University of Idaho for one semester and then duty called. His unit was deployed to Vietnam on May 13, 1968. He served in Vietnam until April 11, 1971. Upon returning home he joined the Idaho State Police and was stationed at the Port of Inkom Weigh Station. George met Jacqueline Howe in June and they were later married on August 28, 1971.

While with the Port of Entry George helped implement and ran one of the first portable weigh station units in the State of Idaho. He later became a Bannock County Deputy Sheriff and became the first Court Marshall assigned to the 6th District Court in Pocatello. He later moved to the Pocatello Police Department where he retired on July 17, 2000 at the rank of Patrol Lieutenant Shift Commander. He served the City of Pocatello as detective and fire arms instructor. He received numerous awards for his marksmanship. George also commanded the first grant program for the Pocatello DUI Task Force.

George loved sports of all kinds, especially football, baseball and golf. He loved to play a round of golf with his sons at his favorite golf course in Jackpot, Nevada. In his younger years he enjoyed camping, fishing and hunting.

George is survived by: his wife, Jacqueline Housel of Pocatello; a brother, Ernest Claude Housel Jr of Pullman, WA; daughter, Stephanie Ann Housel of Pocatello; son, Blake Robert (Cari) Housel of Spokane, WA; son, Ryan Scott (Jessica) Housel of Pocatello; and six grandchildren, Megan, Robert, Carter, Mackenzie, Decker and soon to be Easton.

He was preceded in death by his father and mother.

George's family wishes to thank the following people who helped and assisted George in his final battle: Primary Care Specialists, Portneuf Medical Center and the 4th floor doctors and nursing staff, Pocatello Cancer Center, Portneuf Brain and Spine, the Pocatello Veterans Home and Heritage Home Health and Hospice. The medical teams and prayers by all will always be remembered and greatly appreciated.

George, we hope you are enjoying the golf courses in heaven, we know they must be beautiful. And, by the way, Dad how's the weather up there? We love you and will always keep you in our hearts.

The family would love to meet with all family and friends at a visitation from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. on Tuesday, February 25, 2014 at Wilks Funeral Home 211 W. Chubbuck Road. Graveside services will follow at 2:00 p.m. in the Mountain View Cemetery, section 55 East, with full Police and Military Honor Guard.