Franklin Lutz Hedelius

Pocatello-Franklin Lutz Hedelius, 79, returned to his Heavenly Father on Friday, December 14, 2012. He passed away at Quinn Meadows Care Center in Pocatello, Idaho under the care of Alliance Home Health and Hospice after a courageous battle of Pancreatic Cancer.

Frank was born February 10, 1933 in Rexburg, Idaho to Emil Robert and Mary Vilate (Lutz) Hedelius. He was the third son in a family of four sons and one daughter.

Frank was a very loving person. He always had a sweet smile to offer. When his nieces and nephews would visit, he always showed them a good time and was always kind. He worked hard on the Rexburg farm with his dad and brothers. He also helped on the neighbors farms as well. Because of his superior strength he was nicknamed "Samson." It was not unusual for him to lift a milk can full of milk onto the milk truck with ease. He could lift a 70 pound sack of potatoes up onto the truck with one hand. He was a big help to his mom. It was his responsibility to make sure that the wood box and coal bucket was full for the cook stove. He loved the kitchen and was always helping with the meals. His mom taught him to make bread. That was his passion for most of his life until he could not make bread any longer.

From 1982 to 2012, Frank was a resident at Independence Home in Pocatello, Idaho. For 30 years that was his family. As a resident there, he made bread on a weekly basis until just a few years ago. He went to the Sr. Citizen Center several times a week and enjoyed the company of the people there and loved to play bingo. He earned several awards playing bingo. His most favorite sport though was bowling. He had a long career of bowling and earned many awards participating in the Special Olympics Bowling Tournaments every year. In spite of worsening health conditions, he not only entered the 2012 Special Olympics Bowling Tournament, but took first place. Frank had a wonderful talent in music. He mastered the harmonica and those that were privileged to hear him play enjoyed a special treat. He also played the organ.

Butter Burrs was his favorite place to eat and he never missed an opportunity to eat there if someone would take him. Frank will be greatly missed but is enjoying peace with those who have waited so long to be rejoined with him.

He is survived by his oldest brother, Dr. Robert Keith (Anna Jean) Hedelius of Ephraim, Utah and his only sister, Mary Bernita Hedelius Sagers of Salt Lake City, Utah, along with many nieces and nephews. He is preceded in death by his mother, Mary Vilate, father, Emil Robert and two brothers, Rulon J. and Carl G.

Funeral services will be held Wednesday, December 19, 2012 at 11:00 a.m. at the Manning-Wheatley Funeral Home in Pocatello, Idaho. The family will receive friends from 10:00 a.m. to 10:45 a.m. prior to services. Internment will be at the Burton Cemetery in Rexburg, Idaho.

The family wishes to express sincere appreciation to the staff and residences of Independence Home, Quinn Meadows Care Facility, Alliance Home Health and Hospice and especially Dr. LaVonne Mills who was his caring doctor for many years. Funeral arrangements are under the care of Manning-Wheatley Funeral Chapel.