Richard J. Trussel

Richard Joseph Trussel, beloved husband, father, grandfather, brother, and friend, passed away peacefully at his home in Pocatello, Idaho, on Monday, March 10, 2025, following an extended illness. He was 81 years old.

Richard was born in Montpelier, Idaho, in 1943 and moved to Pocatello in the ninth grade. It was there that he met his lifelong best friend, Randy Guidinger. He graduated from Pocatello High School in 1961 and soon began working for Idaho State University, installing seats in the Mini Dome (now the ICCU Dome). While working in maintenance at ISU, he took night classes to become a welder. Over the course of 37 years, he dedicated his career to ISU as a machinist and welder until his retirement in 2008.

In 1959, Richard met the love of his life, Kay Hulet. After three years of going steady, they married in 1962 and spent 62 wonderful years together. Their love and commitment built a strong and loving family, raising three children: Lisa Allgood (Damon) of Magna, Utah; Jay Trussel (Tonique) of Pocatello, Idaho; and Rikki Trussel of Pocatello, Idaho. His legacy continues through his grandchildren: Nicholas Trussel of Pocatello, Bryce Allgood (Shital Jumbad) of Salt Lake City, Brooklyn Lowry (Zack) of Idaho Falls, Kaylee Proctor of Pocatello, Aidan Trussel of Pocatello, Wren Trussel of Pocatello, El Trussel of Pocatello, and Dylan Trussel of Pocatello. He also considered Gabby Abernathy an honorary granddaughter. Richard is also survived by his sister, Gwen Gilbert of Pocatello, Idaho.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Joseph Trussel of Pocatello and Barbara Thompson of Montpelier, as well as his in-laws, John and Vera Hulet of Pocatello. His brother-in-law, James Gilbert, also preceded him in death.

Richard was a man of many talents and passions. He had an innate ability to fix anything, always willing to lend a hand to friends and family. A true motorcycle enthusiast, he rode Harley-Davidsons his entire life, considering a plain Harley t-shirt the height of formal attire. He was a proud member of the A.B.A.T.E. motorcycle club.

Beyond his love for motorcycles, Richard was an exceptional pool player, known as one of the best in Pocatello. He played on seven different pool teams throughout the years, frequently traveling across the West to compete. His skills even took him to multiple international tournaments in Las Vegas. His love for the game led him to collect pool cues and later start a business repairing and re-tipping them. During his time at ISU, he spent his lunch breaks playing pool at the ISU Game Center, a tradition that lasted throughout his career.

To honor Richard’s life, his family invites friends and loved ones to a Celebration of Life on Saturday, March 22, 2025, from 2:00 PM to 5:00 PM at the ISU Game Center, 921 S. 8th Ave. Pocatello, ID. Food will be provided, and attendees are encouraged to share stories, visit with the family, and play a game of pool in Richard’s honor.

The family would like to extend a special thank you to Heritage Home Health and Hospice, especially David and Patty, for their compassionate care and support during Richard’s final days.

Richard’s legacy of love, laughter, and skillful craftsmanship will be forever cherished by those who knew him. He will be deeply missed but never forgotten.

Memories and condolences may be shared using the guestbook below.