'Puffer' Wierschem

William Thomas Wierschem "Puffer" left this life on earth on Feb. 7, 2014, at the age of 68.

A service will be held at Rost Funeral Home, McMurtrey Chapel on Thursday, Feb. 13, at 11 a.m. with burial to follow at Mountain View Cemetery. Arrangements are under the direction of Rost Funeral Home, McMurtrey Chapel.

Puffer was born July 3, 1945, in Portland, Ore. He was the third child born to Maude and Thomas Wierschem.

Puffer grew up on the family farm in Bothell, Wash.. In school he was very active playing baseball and playing the trombone in the band.

After high school, he sailed on a ship with the U.S. Geodical Survey. He also learned to fly amphibian planes and had many other adventures.

On Feb. 21, 1971, he married his soulmate, Oley. They lived in Washington and California before moving their family to Mountain Home in 1976, where they made their home.

Through the years, Puffer worked in the logging industry and spent many years in construction as a painter.

Puffer was an avid hunter, fisherman and golfer. He enjoyed working with wood, growing flowers and spending time with his family.

He had a contagious smile, loved to laugh, tell stories, and have a good time.

He will be greatly missed by his family and friends.

Puffer is survived by his children, Renee Forbis (Kim Billetts) of Mountain Home, Troy (Kathy) Palmer of Orem, Utah, Greg (Julie) Wierschem of West Jordan, Utah, Todd (Stephanie) Wierschem of Kuna and Brandie (Clint) Seamons of Boise, his sisters, Nancy (Earl) VanOrman of Kenmore, Wash., and Martha Murphy of Pomona, Calif., 13 grandchildren, six great grandchildren, three nieces and one nephew.

Puffer was preceded in death by his parents, Maude and Thomas, and his wife, Oley.