Eldred Lee

Eldred Lee, age 93, of Grant passed away peacefully on Monday, September 10th, 2007, at Turtle & Crane Assisted Living Center in Idaho Falls from causes incident to age, surrounded by members of his loving family. He was born April 5th, 1914, in the family home in Grant, the youngest of six children born to John Lee and Eliza Ann Taylor Lee. He grew up in Grant and resided there his entire life except for the years he was away at college and on his mission. He attended schools at Grant and Midway and graduated from Midway High School in 1931. With the help of a $100 scholarship he received, he attended the University of Idaho for the next four years, graduating in 1935 with a Bachelor’s Degree in Agriculture. He also received a diploma that same year from the LDS Institute as a member of the first graduating class in the LDS Church. Eldred served an LDS mission to Denmark for the next three years, which put him in the middle of the tension in Europe just before World War II broke out. He developed a great love for Denmark, the land of his ancestors. After returning from his mission, Eldred met the love of his life, Ornealo Burke, who came to Grant to teach school. They were married June 4, 1941, in the Cardston, Alberta Temple. They lived in Grant all their married life and raised their five children there. She died April 24th, 2007. Eldred was elected twice to the Idaho legislature, where he was known as one of the most conservative members of the House of Representatives. He was passionate about national and world politics as well as local politics and always enjoyed a good discussion. After his legislative service, he was elected to the Jefferson County District 251 School Board, where he served for sixteen years. He was an active member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. In 1946 he was called as bishop of the Grant Ward and served for ten years. While he was bishop, he encouraged several young men in his ward to go to college, some of whom went on to get PhD’s and have distinguished careers. He also served on the Stake High Council and in numerous other callings. He had a strong testimony of the Gospel and found much joy in serving and helping other people. He was an expert in Danish genealogy, having learned to read Old Gothic script. He completed genealogical research for many of his Danish relatives back to the 1600’s, as far as surviving records allowed him to go. Many people came to him for help with their Danish research, and he always enjoyed the new challenges they brought. Eldred was deeply involved in water issues in the Snake River Valley. He served as Secretary of the Great Feeder Canal for forty-five years, taking over the position from his father after he died in 1949. Between them they held the position for eighty years. He also served as Secretary of the Burgess Canal for nine years. While in his eighties, he wrote a valuable book on the history of the Great Feeder Canal. Eldred farmed in Grant all his working life, raising potatoes, alfalfa, grain, and cattle. He was inducted into the Agricultural Hall of Fame in 1995. In his free time he loved to go fishing with his friends and relatives and he knew all the best fishing holes in Eastern Idaho. He and his wife enjoyed going to the family cabin in Island Park for many years, relaxing in his beloved Idaho scenery. He was a devoted and exemplary husband and father, who leaves a posterity grateful for his integrity, encouragement, support, and love. Eldred is survived by four of his children, Marilyn (Leo) Brown of La Jolla, California; Royce (Annette) Lee of Idaho Falls; Phyllis Millar of Grant; Michael (Linda) Lee of Carmel, California; a son-in-law, Sam (Kristen) Medford of Galisteo, New Mexico; eighteen grandchildren, eighteen great-grandchildren; two sisters-in-law, Furla Burke of Idaho Falls and Genevieve Smith of Orem, Utah; and numerous nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his wife of sixty-six years; a daughter, Barbara Medford; a son-in-law, David Millar; his parents, three brothers, and two sisters. Funeral services will be at 1 p.m. Saturday, September 15, at the Grant Ward Chapel, with Bishop Blaine Ball officiating. The family will visit with friends from 11 a.m. to 12:45 p.m. at the church before the services. Burial will be in the Grant Cemetery under the direction of Eckersell Memorial Chapel in Rigby.