Robert Vern Worstell

Robert Vern Worstell 1921 ~ 2014 Robert Vern Worstell, 93 of Twin Falls, passed away August 20, 2014 at Bridgeview estates in Twin Falls, Idaho. Bob was born November 4, 1921 in McMinnville Oregon, the son and second child of Ralph William and Winnifred (Powell) Worstell. He grew up with his three brothers, Ralph Lawrence "Larry, William "Bill" and Paul, attending school, he graduated from high school in Klamath Falls Oregon in 1940. After graduation, Bob went to work as a machinist in the Puget Sound Naval Shipyard in Bremerton, Washington. Shortly thereafter World War II would commence, and in 1943, Bob enlisted in the United States Navy and served in the Naval Station Great Lakes while he attended training to become a Radio & Radar Technician. While stationed in Chicago, he met the girl that stole his heart and that was to become his future wife, Doris Elane Clement. They met at the USO Center on Wabash Ave. at a dance in 1944. Shortly after they met, Bob shipped out on the USS Hanford and served in the South Seas, Phillipines and Japan. One of his most memorable experiences was watching through binoculars as the signing of the Armistice took place on the deck of USS Missouri in Tokyo Bay on September 2, 1945. After being honorably discharged in 1946, Bob returned home to Corvallis Oregon and returned to college where he would receive his Bachelors Degree in Agricultural Engineering. During this time, Doris traveled by train to meet Bob's parents. While Bob was in the service, he had made an effort to travel to Mauston, Wisconsin to meet Doris' parents, because he knew then that she was the one for him and he wanted their permission to marry her. October 31, 1947, in Corvallis Oregon, Bob married the love of his life Doris Elane Clement. It was a very small wedding as none of Doris' family were able to attend. In 1953, their first child, James Robert was born, during this time Bob was working for the Soil Conservation Service in Lakeview Oregon. In 1956, their second child Wendy was added to the family while Bob was completing his education with a Masters degree from UC Davis, Davis California. Bob continued his employment with UC Davis until 1965. June 19, 1965 saw the family moving to Idaho, due to Bob accepting a job with the Kimberly Research Extension Service. It happened to be Doris's birthday, she put the key in the door of their new home and that was it. They have resided in Idaho ever since. Bob retired from the Extension Service in 1982. At this time, Bob was offered a unique opportunity to go to Pashawar, Pakistan where he worked for Harza Engineering Company on a drainage project in Mardan, Pakistan. They returned to Twin Falls, in 1984. Retirement became boring so Bob began working for the Idaho Dept. of Water Resources until he retired for the final time. Upon settling in Twin Falls, the family immediately joined the Immanuel Lutheran Church. They became staunch members and Bob held many different positions from Treasurer to a seat on the Board of Elders where he served for many years. He never said no to any job he was asked to perform. He had an extremely caring and generous heart, some would say as big as all outdoors. He always made sure his family had everything they needed. His motto was "First things First". One of his many gifts to the church was that he designed the original sprinkler system at the church. He lived his faith and it showed in everything he did. Bob was a Charter Member of the Twin Falls Monarch Lions Club, and served on the Salvation Army Board of Directors for several years. When time allowed, he loved camping, fishing, hiking and exploring Idaho. One of his favorite things to do was to drag his family on weekend jaunts. He was always hearing about some unique phenomenon and then they would be off to find it. He loved adventure and he loved his family. They were the two most important things in his life. Surviving Bob is his loving wife of 66 years, Doris of Twin Falls, son Jim Worstell of Twin Falls, ID; daughter Wendy (David) Marsh of Twin Falls,eight grandchildren and nine great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents, his three brothers, Larry, Bill, and Paul, and by his daughter-in-law Sharon. A celebration of Bob's life will be held Monday, August 25, 2014 at 2:00 PM at Immanuel Lutheran Church 2055 Filer Avenue East, Twin Falls Idaho. Private Inurnment will take place at a later time at the Idaho State Veterans Cemetery in Boise Idaho. In lieu of flowers, the family wishes donations to be made in Bob's memory to The Salvation Army,348 4th Ave N Twin Falls, ID. All services and arrangements are under the direction of Parke's Magic Valley Funeral Home of Twin Falls. ID. Those wishing to share memories and condolences may do so on Bob's memorial website at www.magicvalleyfuneralhome.com.