Joseph Dudley Tucker

Joseph Dudley Tucker passed away on Tuesday, December 13, 2022 in Mesa,
Arizona at the age of 91. He was born on April 24, 1931, in Idaho Falls, Idaho, the
son of Joseph Major and Grace Gneiting Tucker.
Dudley grew up in Menan, Idaho where he attended school. He played football,
joined the band and made life- long friendships. During his high school years his
dad owned a potato warehouse where Dudley had a job after school shoveling
potatoes. In 1952 after returning from his mission to New York, he was anxious to
begin farming on his own. However, because of the involvement of the United
States in the Korean war the local draft board obtained a promise from the local
young men that they would agree to be drafted into military service after they
served a mission.
Dudley married Carol Joyce Morgenegg on Feb 25, 1953, in the Idaho Falls
temple. They rented a small farm and planted their first potato crop. In June
1953 Dudley received orders from the draft board to report to California for basic
training. At potato harvest time, Dudley requested an emergency leave and went
home to harvest his potato crop.
After finishing his miliary service Dudley began his dream of farming. He farmed
in the Bonneville and Jefferson County area for many years. He was one of the
first farmers to farm in the Arco desert. He also owned a liquid fertilizer plant as
well as a potato warehouse.
Dudley was an active and committed member of the Church of Jesus Christ of
Latter-day Saints. He served in many church callings throughout his life including
Young Men’s President, Elder’s Quorum President, Priest Advisor, Stake
Missionary, High Councilman, Bishop and Stake President. He and his wife
Joyce served as ordinance workers in the Idaho Falls Temple for 30 years. They
also served three missions to West Africa.
During retirement Dudley enjoyed driving truck for his son, golfing, and spending
time with family. Dudley loved his children and looked forward to their visits.
Between missions and temple holidays they also liked spending a few weeks each
year in Mesa Arizona where they golfed and attended the temple.
Dudley is survived by his wife Joyce Tucker of Rigby, Idaho, seven daughters and
two sons: Gretchen (Bill) Follett of Rigby, Idaho, Carolyn (Jay) Anderson of
American Fork, Utah, Paula (Gary) Cooper of Rexburg, Idaho, Mark (Cindy)
Tucker of Idaho Falls, Idaho, Kristin (DuWayne) Streeper of Idaho Falls, Idaho,
Laurie (Richard) Longhurst of Idaho Falls, Idaho, Reed Tucker of Idaho Falls,

Idaho, Suzy (Mike) Mickelsen of Rigby, Idaho and Carla (Layne) Walker of
Rexburg, Idaho.  Two sisters: Susan Kinghorn of Seattle, Washington, and Barbara
Giauque of Salt Lake City, Utah and Two brothers: Thomas Tucker of Idaho Falls,
Idaho and Paul Tucker of Seattle, Washington. He is also survived by 41
grandchildren and 90 great grandchildren.
He was preceded in death by his parents, two sisters, Betty Tucker and Jackie Lake
as well as a grandson, Jonathan Tucker and a great granddaughter, Charlie
Streeper.
The family will be holding private services.