John Wegner

John Gustav Wegner, 69, was born in Twin Falls ID September 7, 1941. He passed away January 13, 2011 at Portneuf Medical Center in Pocatello ID. He was the third of seven children born to Gustav and Opal (Sexton) Wegner. He married Shirley Long in 1963. They later divorced. She was the mother of his daughters, Kim and Julie, of whom he was very proud. John married Starlene Bolton Sept. 6, 2009. He was known by her family, their many friends and co-workers as "J.W." He enjoyed spending time with them, and would always start a tale with "Let me tell you a true story," while waving his hand. He never met a stranger and made friends wherever he went. John learned to operate farm and logging equipment while growing up working on the family dry farm/logging operation in Rockland. Though small in stature his strength and stamina were evident his whole lifetime. While attending Rockland High he excelled scholastically and in sports and was both Student Body and Class President. He graduated in 1960. John attended Links Business College and was an intern at St. Alphonsus before proudly serving his country in the Navy. He was trained as an engine operator, hard hat and scuba diver. He often joked about being a squid. He worked for long haul trucking companies, driving in all 48 contiguous states, Mexico and Canada. He was an owner/operator for a time, and also worked for Haliburton at Rock Springs WY as a truck driver, pump operator and nitrogen equipment operator. He attended several safety schools, had his Haz-Mat license, and helped clean up nuclear waste at the INL. Recent years he drove for construction companies. He was currently part of the crew building the new road and bridge between McCammon and Soda Springs. He was a respected resource and mentor and was well known for his expertise in driving and operating equipment. He took pride in his ability to back a big rig anywhere. John was a member of the Teamsters Union, American Legion and The Order of Eagles. He enjoyed hunting, bowling, shooting pool, boating, and especially fishing. He was as excited as a kid when he caught one. He is survived by his wife Star, daughters Kimberley Wegner and Julie (Bill) Davis, step-children Tonya Fiendblatt (Travis), Troy (Dana) Passey, Eric (Mandy) Passey, Leslie (Brian) Nate, 15 step-grandchildren, 2 great step-grandchildren, mother-in-law Elaine Bolton, sisters Carletta (Ralph) Breding, Rose Vee Wegner, Sheila (Greg) Hahn, 1 uncle, 3 aunts, many nieces, nephews, cousins and friends who will miss him greatly. He was predeceased by his parents, brothers Don and Tim, and sister Cheryl. Per his wishes, he was cremated. A celebration of his life will be held in July. Notice will be posted at that time.