Hermiena (Minnie), Berendina (Dena), Jantjen (Jane), Catharina (Kate), Maria (Mary), Hermanus (Herman), and Harmina (Minnie) Van Leeuwen
Working through and scanning more of the Bremer photos, this photo and two others matched up and caught my attention. I don’t have many photos of my Great Great Grandma Van Leeuwen so this one was a great find. I have written previously of the Van Leeuwen family.
Harmina was born in 1860 in Gorssel, Gelderland, Netherlands. She married Gerhardus Hendrik (George Henry) Van Leeuwen in 1880 in Arnhem, Gelderland, Netherlands. He was born in 1856 in Oldenzaal, Overijssel, Netherlands. Minnie passed away in 1921 in Ogden, 102 years ago. This photo obviously predates her passing. George isn’t in the photo, so it may be after his commitment.
Dena was born in 1898, Kate in 1902, so four years between them. I am guessing Kate is somewhere around 12 and Dena somewhere around 16. That would put Herman at 18, Mary at 21, Jane at 23, and Minnie at 24. George isn’t in the picture and had married in 1908. Jane married in 1913, Minnie and Mary married in 1915, and Herman married in 1916.
So, if Kate is 11 or 12, this photo would be about 1913 to 1914. They appear to be dressed up, but no clues to the occasion, whether church or a wedding.
Minnie, Jane, Mary Van Leeuwen
Here is the second of the three photos. This one captures the three sisters together with Jane and Mary smiling. Then the last photo adds some additional context.
Jane Van Leeuwen and Fred Bremer
This photo seems to help pin it down a little bit more. Fred and Jane married 10 December 1913 in Ogden. There is grass on the ground and leaves on the trees. The tree on the left behind appears to have leaves coming out, as well as the bush or whatever is in front of the individuals. So, this appears to be a springtime photo. Since these photos came from photos passed down to the Bremer children, I am going to suggest this after Fred and Jane had married and they were visiting the family. If this is 1914, none of Jane’s siblings were married and may have been living at home still.
This house located at 3282 Wall Ave, Ogden, Utah was built by Gerhardus Hendrik Van Leeuwen. His wife, Hermiena Jansen Van Leeuwen, is standing on the front porch. This was their home.
In each of the photos, you can see the round pillars of the house next door. But in the first picture, you can see the square column of the house in which the family stands in front of. You can also see the brick, or concrete work, under the porch column. That square column also matches this photo of their home from the front.
As such, I believe this photo was taken at the Van Leeuwen home at 3282 Wall Avenue, Ogden, Utah in the spring of 1914. Minnie passed away in 1921, so the photo with her home is before 1921.
In Grandpa and Grandma’s possessions were two pamphlets from the 1979 and 1954 dedications of the church buildings in Plain City, Utah. Here is the 1979. Grandpa helped work on this building. He also helped extensively on the 1954 building. As I previously wrote, Grandpa also had a hand in obtaining the land for the construction of the 2, 7, and 8 Ward building. I will share the 1954 pamphlet at a later date.
Dedicatory Program for Plain City Stake Center 20 September 1979
Dedicatory Service
Plain City Utah Stake Center and Plain City Third & Fourth Wards
The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints
2120 North 4575 West
September 30, 1979
2:00 PM
Dedicated under the direction of Bernard P. Brockbank
Member – First Quorum of Seventy
Stake Presidencies
Plain City Utah Stake
Samuel S Lower – 1st Counselor
President Kent W Calvert
R. Alton Griffin – 2nd Counselor
Ogden Utah Farr West Stake
Robert E Jennings – 1st Counselor
President H Orvil Holley
Shirl K Fadel – 2nd Counselor
Bishoprics in Plain City Utah Stake
Plain City Third Ward
Robert Ewer – 2nd Counselor
Bishop Layne S Thompson
Dennis Carlson – 1st Counselor
Plain City Fourth Ward
Ronald L Larsen – 2nd Counselor
Bishop Harold O Hadley
Theodore G Balderree – 1st Counselor
Farr West First Ward
E Robert Rauzi – 1st Counselor
Bishop Dale John Chugg
Sheldon W Taylor – 2nd Counselor
Farr West Second Ward
Val Stratford – 1st Counselor
Bishop Harvey W Higley
Paul W Bryner – 2nd Counselor
Plain City First Ward
Alvin G Foremaster – 1st Counselor
Bishop Darwin J Taylor
Gary L Thompson – 2nd Counselor
Plain City Second Ward
Ronald H Olsen – 1st Counselor
Bishop Robert L Sharp
William A Van Hulten – 2nd Counselor
Program
Organ Prelude – Marjorie Westergard
Prayer Hymn “Abide With Me” Dedicatory Choir Donna Vause Conducting, Marjore Westergard, Organist
Welcome and Acknowledgements – President Kent W Calvert
Hymn “The Spirit of God Like a Fire is Burning” Choir and Congregation
Invocation – President J Raymond Johnson
Hymn “Oh How Lovely Was the Morning” (Jesus Lover of My Soul)
Multi-Media Presentation – Ward Conference Committee, Carl R Saunders, Rober Ewer, Harold Westergard, Photographer and Sound Technician Larry Hansen
Remarks – President H Orvil Holley
Remarks – President Kent W Calvert
Hymn “Song of Dedication”
Address and Dedicator Prayer – Bernard P Brockbank
Closing Hymn “Come Come Ye Saints” arr. by J Spencer Cornwall
Benediction – President Wayne Cottle
Organ Postlude – Marjorie Westergard
FLowers – McEntire’s Bachelor Bouquets
Historical Contributions – Plain City, Lyman Cook, Farr West, Helena Watson
Ushers – High Council & Assistants
Carl R Saunders, Boyd B Call, Ronald W Jenkins, F Leroy Williams, Owen C Garlick, R Kent Jenkins, Gary L Jackson, Steven F Smith, Dennis W Moss, Alan Yorganson, Rodney A Roper, Alan S Hadley, E Lionel Brady, Don H Wade, Robert A Ewer, Carl C White, Harold A Westergard, Ross C Moore, Duane Bullock, Scott K Jenkins, Sterling Mayhew, Lloyd Beutler
Stake Patriarch – Charles A Groberg
Dedicatory Program for Plain City Stake Center 20 September 1979
History of the Church in Plain City
A history of the Church in Plain City is and was directly related to the restoration of the Gospel in this dispensation and the organization of the Church in 1830. The conversion to Mormonism of many of the eventual settlers of Plain City and their testimonies of the truthfulness of this knowledge enabled the early saints to endure the physical hardships and the migration of modern Israel into the Salt Lake Valley.
A group of early saints, numbering about one hundred people, of neighbors, friends, and converts from Lehi, Utah, who found the water there had already been claimed, came north to Plain City on March 17, 1859 to make their new home, Their first homes were dugouts in the hill with a grass and dirt roof, and a dirt floor. Many of these dug-outs were used for meetings. Meetings were held outdoors and in a large tent.
One July 24, 1859, a dance was held on the barrens, near the dump to celebrate the saints arrival into the Salt Lake Valley. The music was furnished by a comb band, and many danced barefoot.
The first church and school was built in 1859 of adobe which was eighteen by twenty-four feet, and located on the south side of the square. In 1863 a twelve by eighteen foot split log addition was added. It was shingled at this time. A bowery of willows was constructed near the meeting house to be used in the summer. In 1874 a new building was built of adobe on the northeast corner of the square. In 1889 a brick chapel was dedicated which was across the street from the south side of the square. A kitchen, recreation all, upstairs, and classrooms were added in 1914. This building was born down in 1953. 1953-54 the present three-ward chapel was built and dedicated. This same building was remodeled and additions added. The dedication of the new remodeled building was February 14, 1971. 1978-79 the new Plain City Stake Center on 2125 North was built and dedicated September 30, 1979.
1859-1877 Plaint City was a branch with four different Presiding Elders. 1877-1960 Plain City was one ward with 12 different Bishops. 1960 the Plain City II Ward was created. 1974 the Plain City III Ward was created. 1977 the Plain City Stake was created. July 1979 the Plain City IV and V Wards were created.
History of Farr West Wards
On November 30, 1890, Harrisville and West Harrisville were divided and the west section was named Farr West. This name was selected to honor Lorin Farr, the first mayor of Ogden and former president of the Weber Stake, and Chauncy W West who prior to 1870 was presiding bishop of Weber County.
William Andrew Taylor Sr was chosen as the first bishop of the Farr West Ward (1890-1892), followed by William F McEntire (1892-1897), James Martin Sr (1898-1909), Moroni Chugg (1909-1928), Lorenzo Taylor (1928-1938), Almon D Brown (1959-1964), Brian L Taylor (1964-1971), Owen C Garlick (1971-1977). In 1972 the Farr West Ward was divided into Farr West First and Farr West Second Wards. Owen C Garlick remained bishop of Farr West First Ward and Jay A Davis became first bishop of the Farr West Second Ward (1972-1975), followed by Harold A Westergard (1975-1978), and Harvey W Higley (1978-present). Dale J Chugg followed Bishop Garlick as bishop of Farr West First (1977-present).
In 1873 the first building for church and school was built across from the present chapel. It was used until 1880 when the Ward Hall was built at the cost of $1,500. In 1926 the present chapel was dedicated by President Heber J Grant. This building cost $19,700. In 1958 an additional was built costing $142,000 and was dedicated by Richard L Evans.
In 1945 the Farr West Ward purchased 10 1/4 acres of land. This became the first welfare farm in the Farr West Stake.
The ward population listed for 1900 was 231; in 1931, 325; 1960, 577; in 1979, about 471 for Farr West First and about 670 for Farr West Second.
The Far West Wards have been in four different stakes; namely, Weber, North Weber, Farr West, and now Plain City.
Dedicatory Program for Plain City Stake Center 20 September 1979
“And that thou mayest more fully keep thyself unspotted from the world, thou shalt go to the house of prayer and offer up thy sacraments upon my holy day” D&C 59:9
Sterling R Lyon – Architect
John L Wadman – General Contractor
Dedicatory Program for Plain City Stake Center 20 September 1979
Sarah Myler, Mary Mylder, Ruby Myler, and Leila Myler
I came upon a stack of Van Leeuwen and Bremer photos from my cousin Jennie Bremer Britzman’s estate.
I worked through all the photos, sorted and scanned them. The ones I recognized I uploaded to FamilySearch. The ones I did not, I shared with other Van Leeuwen family online. Nearly all of the photos were named. This one above was one that nobody seemed to recognize.
The back of it only said the following in four rows:
“top Sarah
“Mary
“bottom Ruby right
“Leila left
I presumably had 4 sisters, or closely related girls, with the names of Sarah, Mary, Ruby, and Leila.
Since these were of some relationship or linkage to the Bremer/Van Leeuwen families, I posted on an Ogden website. Almost immediately I had an obituary that was shared with me.
I started researching Mary Myler Standing and everything seemed to fall into place. Reviewed their profiles on FamilySearch confirmed it. They looked like these girls and were the right age. One of them even had a similar photo of the same age, probably the same dress and same day. Not only had I found the family, these four sisters are relatives of Amanda and my kids through the Buttar/Keep line.
I am still not clear on how or why the photo might have been in with the stack of photos. My only hunch is that these girls grew up in Clarkston, Utah and somehow knew the Bremer family of Richmond, Utah.
Here is the obituary:
WASHINGTON TERRACE – Our precious, courageous mother, Mary Myler Standing died at home, Thursday morning, October 31, 2002 of cancer, with her testimony of her Savior, Jesus Christ, and her membership in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints still strong. She was generous to those in need, the Church Missionary Program, Humanitarian Aid and Perpetual Education Fund. Mary Standing was born January 7, 1912, in Clarkston, UT to George Joseph Myler and Rachel Buttars Myler, the third of six children. She grew up in Clarkston, UT and graduated from North Cache High School. She worked on the family farm with her dad. She was a good horse rider and loved to race her horse with anyone willing. She always loved music. In her youth she would play the organ to accompany her dad playing the violin. She married Joseph Rulon Standing of Fielding, UT on January 21, 1933 and sealed in the Logan Temple December 16, 1937. They were blessed with six daughters. Mary always sewed for her daughters through the years, even though many of those years she had to use a treadle sewing machine late into the night. She provided an atmosphere of music in her home for her daughters. This required her working outside of the home part-time so that she could afford to have a piano and have them take music lessons. Later, when living in Denver, she gave free piano lessons to young people in her ward who could not afford lessons. She was famous for her wonderful home-made fudge and Boston Crème candy. Kids came from all over the Terrace on Halloween and asked, “Is this the place where you get the home-made candy?” (She also made “melt-in-your-mouth” pie crusts.) Mary always welcomed everyone, expected or not, into her home for meals or for just a place to spend the night. Everyone always felt welcome. During World War II, Mary and Rulon moved from Fielding, UT to Ogden so he could work at the Ogden Arsenal. Mary worked at the Washington Terrace Drug Store, Ballard & Carter Electronics, and eventually became a professional seamstress, both in the Ogden area and Denver, CO, for 11 years. Mary retired as a professional seamstress in Denver in 1974. When her husband retired from Chevron in 1975, they returned to Washington Terrace to live. Mary and her husband celebrated their Golden Wedding Anniversary in Ogden in 1983; they were one month short of their 66th anniversary at his death on December 15, 1998. Mary has served in numerous teaching and executive positions in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. She and her husband served as ordinance workers in the Ogden Temple for a number of years. Mary always made the Savior and His Church her number one priority in her life. Her teachings and example of honesty, integrity, and testimony have been unwavering throughout her life. Her grandchildren and great-grandchildren loved her and visited her often. They felt the love and interest she had for each of them. She is survived by a sister, Vendalyn Apgood of Clarkston, UT and brother, George Blaine Myler of Mesa, AZ. She is also survived by five daughters: Lois Howell (Don), Centerville, UT; Doris Hancock (Harlen), St. George, UT; Linda Anderson Lucas (Gary), North Ogden, UT; Susan Rideout (Mack) and Retta James (Rick), both of Salt Lake City, UT, and 20 grandchildren and 46 great-grandchildren, numerous step-grandchildren and step great-grandchildren whom she loved with great devotion. She was preceded in death by her husband; daughter, Kathleen Standing; parents; and three sisters, Leila Thompson, Sarah Godfrey, Ruby Godfrey. The family wishes to thank Dr. Frank Haglund, McKay Dee Hospital Staff, and CNS Hospice staff, especially Michelle Miller, Doris Valentine, and Queenie Aydelott. Viewings will be held Sunday evening, Nov. 3rd, from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. at Leavitt’s Mortuary, 836 36th St., in Ogden, UT, and Monday morning, from 10:45 a.m. to 11:45 a.m. at Washington Terrace Third Ward, 4900 S. 300 W. The services follow in the chapel at 12 noon. Burial will be at the Fielding, UT Cemetery.
Colleen Mary Andra graduated 24 May 1946 from Preston High in Preston, Idaho
I was given a box of photos. I have been working through those photos to scan and catalogue them. In that box were the Diploma from Preston High School for my Grandma and her Certificate of Graduation from Seminary.
Colleen Mary Andra (1928-1999) graduated 24 May 1946 from Preston High School in Preston, Franklin, Idaho. I was able to do a little homework on the individuals behind the signatures.
Orvid Ray Cutler was born 21 July 1903 in Preston, Idaho and died 24 January 1975 in Preston. A physician and surgeon, he was also active in public service. He was on the Eastside School Board for over 30 years, Mayor of Preston, and on the Idaho Cancer Board.
William Horland Simmons was born 13 February 1905 in Clawson, Teton, Idaho and died 10 April 1988 in Idaho Falls, Bonneville, Idaho. He spent 24 years as Superintendent in Preston. He then went to Idaho Falls. A charter member of the Preston Lions Club.
Colleen Mary Andra graduated 20 May 1945 from L.D.S. Seminaries.
Colleen graduated 20 May 1945 from L.D.S. Seminaries in Preston. I have a suspicion it was actually 1946, but I am not certain. The wrong year is one thing, but there is another interesting twist. Heber J Grant’s signature is on the Certificate. President Grant had passed away on 14 May 1945, so he passed away before the graduation in 1945, but did they really use the same certificates in 1946? I don’t know what is correct but presume the current graduation with high school is probably correct. So those old 1945 certificates may have been used in 1946.
Heber Jeddy Grant was born 22 November 1956 in Salt Lake City, Salt Lake, Utah and died 14 May 1945 in Salt Lake City. He was president of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints from 1918 until his passing in 1945. He is the son of Jedediah Morgan Grant and was a long time church leader. Grandma would not have known another church president as he became President before she was born.
Paul Richard Wynn was born 18 September 1899 in Lyons, Rice, Kansas and died 23 March 1966 in Preston. I cannot find much about him but he was apparently the President of the Board of Education and he lived in Preston. Sounds like he was Stake President in Preston at one time. Even says he prayed in General Conference. A boy from Preston apparently led the Church Board of Education. Of interest, he married to Mary Ellen Hemsley, sister of Richard John Hemsley, Amanda’s ancestor.
Ernest Eberhard Jr was born 20 June 1909 in Stuttgart, Stuttgart, Germany and died 29 June 1988 in Bountiful, Davis, Utah. I could find where he was the first Mission President of the Idaho Mission when created in 1974 and the Utah Mission in 1976. He was signer as Principal of the Seminary in Preston. He was called by Elder Widtsoe to take the position in Preston for which he stayed for 26 years. He was Bishop of the Preston 1st Ward for 10 years (1944-1954) as well as Mayor of Preston (1951-1955).
Franklin Lorenzo Richards West was born 1 February 1885 in Ogden, Weber, Utah and died 21 October 1966 in Salt Lake City. He was the Dean of Arts and Science at Utah Agricultural College and became Commissioner of Church Education until 1953.
Star Candy Company with William Scott Donaldson standing with the white apron
On 26 November 2022, the Weber County Heritage Foundation linked the above photo and made this comment.
“In honor of Small Business Saturday….
“In 1903, William Donaldson was the proprietor of a confectionary business called Star Candy Company, located at 2309 Washington. Pictured is an inside look at Star Candy Company with Mr. Donaldson in the white apron. (*the other individuals are unidentified.)
That little clip added more than we knew previously.
Here is what I had written previously, “Somewhere in all this, he also had a confectionery store, of which we have one picture but no other information.”
Knowing it was called Star Candy Company located at 2309 Washington Ave in Ogden certainly tells us more than we had before! We don’t know how long he had it as he was listed as a plumber on the 1910 Census. On the 1900 Census William was still listed as a railroad conductor. The clip above does not tell us if that was when he opened it. I have asked if the Weber County Heritage Foundation has additional information. Here are the responses received.
“I believe it was only open for a year or two, circa 1903. No partners that we know of.”
“As far as we could find this store opened sometime after May 1902 and suffered a fire in November 1903. Newspapers say the store was gutted from the fire. However, they were able to re-open in late December of 1903. By 1905 a different business, owned by a different person, was operating at this address.”
My Dad called me last week to let me know Larry Aslett passed away. We often called him Uncle Larry growing up. Dad and Larry were friends and co-workers, business partners, as associates for more than 50 years. They first worked together in the 1960s and have kept in contact ever since. Dad, Larry, Steve, and Marvin all worked together at Circle A Construction. Dad worked there from like 1971 until 2004 or so when he retired. I will share a few photos I could find. I thought I had some more of Marvin, Steve, and Larry, but cannot find them right now.
Larry Dean Aslett passed peacefully in his sleep at the age of seventy-eight with his loving wife by his side on October 30, 2022. He was born to Marvin Aslett and Larie Stanger-Aslett on June 14, 1944 in Wendell, Idaho.
He started working for Circle A Construction at the tender age of 14, where he continued to work his entire life (except for the 3 years, 9 months and 28 days that he served our country in the United States Navy.)
Before entering the Navy, Larry also worked in Jackson Hole, Wyoming as a service station attendant. In the Navy, Larry was at sea on the guided missile destroyer USS Lynde McCormick DDG-8. He started out in the boiler room and then was a cook and went on to be a baker. He was known for his cinnamon rolls that were a favorite of the Commander of the fleet. Larry was an owner of Circle A Construction, Aslett Electric, Aslett Ranches and Mikey’s Graphics. He spent his life as Operations Manager with Circle A Construction, running all of the jobs through the years.
On March 28, 1965, Larry married the love of his life, Louise. They first lived in Randolph, Utah. They moved to Ogden, Utah in 1971 and then in 1977, they moved back to Jerome. They had two daughters, Lori and Lisa. He was an extremely proud dad and grandpa and would talk about his kids and grandkids to anyone and everyone.
House in Randolph, Utah that Larry and Louise Aslett lived in.
Next to his family, his other love was animals. Larry loved animals of all kinds and was often bringing them home for Louise to raise. His collection of exotic animals included everything from buffalo to fallow deer, and even a zebra.
He and Louise introduced the Asletts to horse racing with their horse, Solar Bar, in 1976. Horses were a huge part of his life. He loved riding into the back country on his horse, Sparky, while leading his mules, Jackie and Mable. Pack trips with Sage were some of his fondest memories.
Larry loved spending time with family and friends. During his life, he started the Magic Valley Draft Horse Association with Harold Horting and the Jeep Preservation Club of the Magic Valley with Wes Stapleton and Les Abbott. He had a love for the old jeeps and had lots of laughter and fun on jeep trips throughout the years. His collection of old military vehicles led to his love of collecting later in life.
Larry’s life was filled with laughter. He taught his children and grandchildren to laugh at the absurdities in life, the frustrations in life, and the silly things in life. To laugh at life itself and not let it get you down.
Larry was preceded in death by his grandparents, Bop and Baw; parents, Marvin and Larie; and his brother, Steve. He is survived by his wife of 57 years, Louise; daughters, Lori (Frank) Norcutt and Lisa (Tom) Jaramillo; nephew, (son of his heart) Steve, Jr. “Sage” Aslett; beloved aunt Lorraine Kerruish; brother, Dave (Sharon) Aslett; sister-in-law, Barbara Aslett; step-sister, BZ Waite; and his beloved grandchildren, Dylan, Kayla, Kylie and Nikita.
Larry is embarking on a great adventure and we are at the window waving goodbye. It is not hard to imagine the joy of those awaiting him in Heaven. Those of us left behind find great comfort in knowing how much love he received the moment he was enveloped into their arms. We love you. Rest in Peace Grandpa. 8-11 Deano.
A viewing will be held from 6:00 pm until 8:00 pm, Monday, November 14, 2022 at Farnsworth Mortuary, 1343 S Lincoln Ave., Jerome. A military graveside service will be held at 1:00 pm, Tuesday, November 15, 2022 at the Idaho State Veterans Cemetery, 10100 N. Horseshoe Bend Rd., Boise, Idaho 83714.
Circle A Construction Truck in Paul Idaho Parade, in front of the Felton Apartments, about 1985.
I don’t think I remember a time when I did not know Larry and Steve Aslett. Even growing up we went to the roundups in Mackay, Idaho every year. For several days we rode horses above Mackay, above White Knob. I loved those times and was sad when they sold that ranch and purchased the Three Creek Ranch near Rogerson, Idaho.
Steve Aslett passed away late last year.
Steven L. Aslett passed away surrounded by his loving family on Dec, 21st at the age of 74. He was Born on October, 14th 1947 to Marvin Aslett and Larie Stanger in Wendell Idaho.
He had two brothers Keith (Pat) and Larry (Louise) and two half brothers Lenard and David. He married the love of his life Barb Stuhlberg on April 1st (not a joke), 1967. He attended elementary school at Pleasant Plains north of Jerome, Graduated from high school in Jackson hole Wyoming in 1965. Graduated from Weber State University in Engineering with a minor in business in 1970.
Steve was an owner of Aslett Electric and Circle A construction. He loved spending time at House Creek Ranch, Fairfield, and Magic Reservoir. He had a passion for hunting, snowmobiling, golfing and boating. Above all, He loved spending time with his Family.
He is survived by his wife of 54 years Barb, Father Marvin, son Steve (Sage)(Connie), Daughter LeAnne (Reid), Grandchildren, Colton(Christina), Michael(Ashleigh), Shelbie(Sage), Brydon, Roper, Great Grandchildren, Rowan, Roper, Stetson, Brixton, and Wyatt and numerous nieces and nephews. He is preceded by his mother and grandparents.
His strength throughout life has been an inspiration to all of us. He was the cornerstone of our family. Always ready to tell you how things are and what should be done. There was never a moment when a good band wasn’t around the corner for a chance to dance, and one eye open to see a new friend. There was always a plan on the horizon with Jim Keyes and Glen Somerset, whether it was a guided hunt by Sage, an outing on the golf course with team Circle A and buddies, the trail to find powder, or the four wheeler adventures. He loved getting on the phone with LeAnne for her daily lecture, enjoying her long hugs, and taking a drive with her hands off the dash and feet off the seat.
There will be a viewing at Parke’s Magic Valley Funeral Home in Twin Falls on Tuesday December 28th from 5pm to 7pm, and a memorial on December 29th at the turf club starting at 6pm.
We will miss you Mr. happy feet! Family requests any memorials be given in Steve’s name to the charity of your choice.
Marvin Aslett, their father, passed away just earlier this year.
Circle A Construction trucks in front of the Idaho Capitol in 2000
Marvin Aslett passed peacefully in his home on August 7, 2022, surrounded by family. Marvin was born April 4, 1926 in Montpelier, Idaho, to parents Leon and Leona Aslett, and they lived in Lava Hot Springs. As a young boy, Marvin attended school in Cokeville, Wyoming. It was a tiny schoolhouse with two boys and two girls! In 1936, they moved to a farm in Jerome, Idaho, where he attended school out at Pleasant Plains. Marvin went to school till halfway into his sophomore year. He then moved to Sun Valley and worked as a bus boy in the Sun Valley Lodge.
In 1943, Marvin married Larie Stanger and their son, Keith, was born. Marvin joined the U.S. Marine Corp on May 25, 1944. His son, Larry, was born one month after Marvin went into the Marine Corp. During his time with the Marines, Marvin served in World War II / South Pacific Theater. He was on invasions into the Philippines, fighting Japanese. He served until February 8, 1946 when he received an honorable discharge at the rank of corporal. His third son, Steve, came along in 1947.
In 1952, Marvin, along with his Mother and Father, started Circle A Construction. In 1965, his son, Larry, rejoined the company after being in the Navy. Then in 1979, his son, Steve, also joined the company.
Marvin married his second wife, Afton, in 1957, and their son, Leonard, was born. They divorced, and Marvin married Norma in 1962 and had son, David. Then, in 1977, Marvin married Joy Hollibaugh, He and Joy were married for 40 years.
Marvin and Joy loved golfing! Marvin had 4 holes-in-one. One at Jerome, one at Clear Springs and 2 in Hawaii. At 96, Marvin still enjoyed golfing with his friends and family.
In 1980, Aslett Ranches began racing quarter horses throughout the Western United States. Their horse won the “Poor Boy Futurity” and in 1981, they captured the Intermountain Quarter Horse Derby. Their stallion “Circle A Special” received a Racing Register of Merit in Emmett, Idaho, where he set a track record in the 250-yard dash. He set another track record in Pocatello, Idaho in the 400-yard dash. On January 4, 1988, Governor Cecil Andrus appointed Marvin to the Racing Commission, where he served for 13 years as Chairman of the Board. In 2007, Marvin was inducted into the Idaho Quarter Horse Racing Division’s Hall of Fame.
Marvin was also active in his community. In the early 1980’s, he served on the Boise State University Board of Trustees. He was also on the College of Southern Idaho’s foundation Board and continued the Leon Aslett Scholarship Fund that his father had set up. Also, in 1983, Marvin served as President of the Association of General Contractors.
In addition to the racehorses, Aslett Ranches is a 500 + cow/calf operation. Operating for the last 20 years in House Creek, previously located in Mackay.
Marvin is survived by his sister, Lorraine Kerruish; sons, Keith (Pat) Aslett, Larry (Louise) Aslett, Leonard (Carolyn) Aslett and David (Sharon) Aslett, and his stepdaughters, Deb Steinaker and Bz Waite; daughter-in-law, Barbara Aslett; 15 grandchildren, 25 great-grandchildren and seven great-great grandchildren. Marvin was preceded in death by his parents, Leon and Leona; his wife, Joy; his son, Steve; stepson, David; and stepdaughter, Marilyn.
Circle A Construction grain trains at the end of a field for harvest
Dave Donaldson class picture (back row, sixth child from right)
I know David William Donaldson attended Lincoln School. I have another photo I will share that has a school banner behind him. Initially, I did not think this photo appeared to be in front of that school. However, I was able to confirm with another person, cousin Nancy Jonas Howard, who also attended the same school, albeit 20 years after Dave, that these doors were on the Lincoln School.
Here is a picture of Lincoln School that I could find. It was apparently built in 1891 and tore down in 1970. I understand it was located east of Washington Avenue just north of 3rd Street. Knowing that the family lived in 8th Street, Five Points is not that far.
Five Points School, later known as Lincoln School
I do not have tons of information on this class picture. David William Donaldson was born 25 November 1928 in Ogden, Weber, Utah. I am guessing he is somewhere around 10, which puts the photo somewhere around 1938.
Here are two photos that came into my possession just in the past month. One from an unknown person on FamilySearch, the one above, and the whole Jonas family photo below found by my Uncle William Melycher in Jackie’s possessions. I have written of the Joseph and Lillian Jonas family before.
I am somewhat unsure what to make of the photo above. It is a colorized version of another photo I do not have. I have this one which appears to be a blurrier version.
Joseph and some friends at work after a game of shoes
It is obviously the same photo as the strange reflections and shapes in the window behind Joseph are in the colorized photo above. But whether they have another photo or the computer has somehow tried to enhance the one above, I don’t know. I am somewhat skeptical of the colorized photo above. For example, the dimple in his chin for which he was well-known is missing but you can see it in the photo where they are holding the horse shoes. It obviously messed up his temples and hairline.
However, some of the characteristics the photo pulls out, like his lower eyelids, is not in the blurry photo but can be seen in some degree in his Brigham Young College photo.
Joseph Nelson Jonas’ Brigham Young College yearbook picture
The photo is familiar to me, it seems to be mostly accurate, but I don’t know how it was done. Fascinating. I wrote on Joseph before, but he was born 19 November 1893 in Ellensburg, Kittitas, Washington and was electrocuted 6 September 1932 in Ogden, Weber, Utah.
He married Lillian Coley 6 September 1916 in Logan, Cache, Utah in the Logan Temple. They had the 8 children, the last just before his untimely death in 1932.
Joseph Nelson Jonas and Lillian Coley family, Joseph Herbert, Spencer Gilbert, Irwin John, Wilburn Norwood, Ellis Seth, Evan Reed, Lillian Annetta, LeReta Mary
Sagacity 