Don A. Bliesner

On April 24, 2019, Donald Allen Bliesner peacefully went home to our Heavenly Father.
Don was born July 11, 1941, in Twin Falls, Idaho, to Guy Allen Bliesner and Beulah S Lee.  Don grew up in a loving family on a farm in Eden, Idaho. He attended high school at Valley High School where he lettered in football, basketball, baseball, and track.  He was a gifted athlete and was offered a scholarship to play football at the University of Montana. Don attended Idaho State University where he received an associates degree in electronics.
From his early childhood Don learned the value of hard work.  At age 26, he began a career in the fuel business. He owned and operated bulk plants, convenience stores and car washes for over thirty years. Though work came first Don enjoyed playing golf and had fond memories of earning his pilot's license and flying his twin engine Cessna.
In 1967 Don married Evelyn Hope Edgington.  She passed away from an illness in 1986.  Evelyn's passing was by far the most difficult experience of Don's life; an event that led to a renewed focus on God, our Savior and eternal principals.  This renewed focus led him to meet and fall in love with Bonnie Jean Bower Kelly and in 1991 they were married. Don became the father to Bonnie's three sons whom He loved as his own.  Don was a devoted and loving husband, father and grandfather.  As each grandchild was born, they held a special place in Don's heart.  Nothing was more important to Don than his family.
Don loved the Lord and willingly gave his time in serving others. Don was an active member of the Church of Jesus Christ where he served as Elder's Quorum President, Sunday School President, on the High Council, and as a Bishop. A high point in their marriage was when he and Bonnie served as Proselyting Missionaries in the California San Jose Mission where they formed eternal friendships with those to whom they taught the Gospel.  Upon returning from their mission they served as Officiators in the Idaho Falls Temple until Don's health prevented that service. This temple service was a precious time for Don and Bonnie.  The time of failing health was difficult for Don as it limited his ability to serve others. Nevertheless, he continued to do all he could to lift, teach, council and assist those around him.
Don was proceeded in death by his wife, Evelyn, his parents, Bonnie's parents Melvin and Selena Bower, his sister Phyllis Egelus (Gerald) and a grandson Harrison Kelly.
He is survived by his wife Bonnie, his sons Arlyn McCulloch, Ryan McCulloch (Tara), Nicholas Kelly (Laurel), his grandchildren Alexa McCulloch, Madalyn Kelly, Addison McCulloch, Savanna Kelly, Taegen McCulloch, Emma Kelly, Boston McCulloch, and Porter Kelly, and his brothers Guy Bliesner (Sheri) and Ron Bliesner (Jill).
During Don's mortal journey he touched many hearts. His life was not without adversity but he used that adversity to grow personally and to bless the lives of others. His example and influence remains with us.  We will miss him but look forward to a grand reunion one day.
Funeral services will be at 11am Monday April 29, 2019 at the LDS Church (4600 Victory St.) A viewing will be on Sunday April 28, 2019 from 6-8pm also at the church and again 1 hr prior to services on Monday.  Interment will be at Restlawn Memorial Gardens.