Gerald Allen “Jerry” Farnsworth, 81
Gerald Allen “Jerry” Farnsworth went to Heaven August 10, 2020, after a fierce battle with Covid, while at Kootenai Health of Coeur d’ Alene, Idaho. He was born in Coeur d’ Alene on January 19, 1939; Jerry was the son of David Pearson and Elena Leah “Lee” (Weaver) Farnsworth.
Jerry attended schools at the old Osburn Elementary and the old brick Wallace High. In 1956, his mother Lee convinced him that the Marine Corp was more important than girls and beer. He served at Twentynine Palms for two years and earned his GED.
Jerry worked as a body repair man at Morrow Automotive in Wallace, until he discovered his calling in life, building a custom home for his mother. He went on to build over 100 custom homes, garages, shops and business buildings over the next 50 years.
Jerry was a master of his craft; he drew his own designs and created beautiful furniture, clocks, jewelry boxes and so much more.
Jerry married Lyola Hauser on November 22, 1972. They brought five children to the marriage. Lyola was the love of his life and his soul mate, even after 45 ½ years; they were best friends. Lyola was also his secretary/bookkeeper.
In his younger years, Jerry raced snowmobiles and he and his family were members of the Silver Capital Hi-Riders; Jerry also was a member of the Wallace Elks. He loved boating and water skiing with his family and friends. After the children were grown, Jerry built from scratch, a Super Stock race car and raced at the State Line Speedway. He also restored classic cars and corvettes.
Jerry retired in 2008 and he and Lyola then took up camping and RVing. He loved building wood models of sailing ships, airplanes, intarsia ferris wheels and doll houses. Lyola and Jerry traveled and enjoyed NASCAR races across the USA, but Osburn was always home. They sold their business building and purchased a used double wide, which they transformed into their beautiful final home.
Jerry was very loved and will be missed by his beloved wife Lyola Farnsworth of the family home of Osburn; three children Kristi (Calvin) Heinig of Smelterville, Idaho, Kurt (Angie) Farnsworth of Spokane Valley, Washington, Kathy Miller of Boise, Idaho; eight grandchildren Jessica (Nick), Ricky (H), Tabitha (Todd), Ashley, Torrie (Shawn), Stephen (Megan), Justan and Amber; seven great-grandchildren Kendra, Joe, Iyana, Dagan, Dakota, Austin and Jordyn; he is also survived by several nieces, nephews, cousins and many, many special friends. Jerry was preceded in death by his parents, one brother David, his son Keith and a daughter Marla.
Cremation was held and Jerry will be inurned at the Osburn Day Cemetery of Osburn next to his parents, brother and son.
You may send condolences to Lyola and family at P.O. Box 516 Osburn, Idaho 83849.
Due to the pandemic, a Celebration of Jerry’s Life will be held and announced at the Osburn Club at a later date.
You may share your memories and sign Jerry’s guest book at www.shoshonefuneralservice.com
SHOSHONE FUNERAL SERVICES & CREMATORY KELLOGG, IDAHO is entrusted with services.