Roger Chase

Roger Wardle Chase, 71, of Pocatello, passed away peacefully on December 5, 2023. He was born 11 April, 1952 in Burley, Idaho to Ellis Benion Chase and Audrey Melissa Wardle Chase. Before his first birthday the family moved to Nampa, Idaho where they lived for four years during which time his father passed away. The family then moved to Pocatello, Idaho to be close to family.

Roger loved growing up in Pocatello! His childhood was filled with wonderful friends, teachers, coaches, scout and church leaders. The neighborhood he grew up in and the people there shaped the man he became. He treasured the old neighborhood. He loved the outdoors and had many adventures camping, fishing and hiking. He attended high school at Pocatello High School, graduating in 1970. He was a member of the football and basketball teams. He loved his time at Pocatello High School! He had many friends and teammates there that he cherished.

After high school he attended Idaho State University where he played football. He served a mission for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. His mission covered Las Vegas, San Diego and the Navajo reservation. He loved his time there and the people he met and served.

After his mission, Roger married Julie Hanks and they had a daughter, Robin Gayle Chase. He always said that Julie made him a better person. They later divorced and he married Janis Rhoads who he said taught him a lot about helping others. He devoted many years to providing care for Janis as her health declined.

Roger was an active member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. He served in many callings but his favorite was that of Sunday School teacher. He loved the youth and the youth he taught were a great blessing to him.

Roger owned a small grocery store for 5 years before he began working at the JR Simplot Don plant where he worked for 21 years. During that time, he served as a union representative for 20 years. He later formed Clearview Consulting firm and was able to help several businesses locate and expand in East Idaho.

Roger’s passion was politics. He began his political career as a member of the Pocatello city council in 1990. He served two terms on the city council. He then served three terms in the Idaho State Legislature and then for two terms as the Mayor of Pocatello. He finished his career in public service as a member of the Idaho Water Resources Board from 2009-2022. During that time, he served as both chairman and vice-chairman of the board.

Roger’s passion was Pocatello! He loved his hometown and spread his enthusiasm and optimism to everyone around him. He served as a volunteer, committee member and board member on many projects as he tried to better his community. He was an integral part of the projects to build the Marshal Public Library, City Hall, the connector, the Pocatello Greenway, Brooklyn’s playground and the downtown infrastructure revitalization. He also volunteered for the homeless shelter and Aide for Friends. He was a strong supporter of the arts and education. He also worked tirelessly to protect Idaho’s most valuable resource, our water.

Roger is survived by his wife, Janis Rhoads (Pocatello), his daughter, Robin (Morgan) of Pocatello, his sister, Ann (Pocatello) and his four grandchildren, Kirstine, Spencer, Wesley and Jaymin. His grandchildren were the joy of his life, and he often was found in the stands cheering them on or giving them rides to games and practices. He is preceded in death by his parents, Ellis and Audrey Chase, his brothers, Gary, Kenneth and Dale, his sister, Carolyn and his brothers-in-law, Bud, Rick and Tyson.

A viewing will be held on Wednesday, December 13, 2023 from 5-7 pm at Wilks Colonial Chapel, 2005 S. 4th Ave. Pocatello, ID and on Thursday, December 14, 2023 from 10:00-10:45 am at the LDS Bannock building, 5425 S. Bannock Hwy, Pocatello, Idaho. Funeral services will be Thursday, December 14, 2023 at 11:00 am also at the LDS Bannock Building. A burial will follow at Mountain View Cemetery, 1520 S. 5th Ave. Pocatello, ID.

In Lieu of flowers please make contributions to:

Pocatello High School Foundation

325 N. Arthur Avenue

Pocatello, ID 83204

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