LEROY JACOB KOHNTOPP

Leroy Jacob Kohntopp 1917 - 2011 Leroy Jacob Kohntopp, age 93 of Filer, Idaho went to be with Heavenly Father from his home in Filer on April 8, 2011. Leroy was born on August 9, 1917 in Kansas City, Missouri. At a very early age, his family moved to Twin Falls where he attended schools Willowdale, Pleasant Valley, Elmwood, Maroa, and graduated with honors from Filer High School. After graduating from high school, Leroy enlisted in the Navy on December 6, 1939 in Firecontrol. He was at Pearl Harbor in Hawaii stationed on the USS Maryland at the time of the Japanese attack. He then was transferred to Washington DC becoming a Firecontrol Instructor. He took tests and received an Ensign's rank working in the Navy Department. When he was honorably discharged, he farmed and ranched. Leroy married the love of his life, Wanda Olson on June 30, 1944 in Washington DC. Their marriage was later solemnized in the Salt Lake Temple. To this union were born five children, Larry, Linda, Leslie, Denise, and Robert. Leroy was a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter day Saints. During his membership, he served as ward clerk, first and second counselor in the bishopric, as Bishop and on the Stake High Council. Leroy also was asked to serve as President and Idaho State Chairman of the Pearl Harbor Survivors Organization. During his spare time, his hobbies included gardening, fishing, hunting and traveling. Surviving Leroy is his loving wife of 66 years, Wanda of Filer, Idaho; son, Larry (Jeanie) Kohntopp of Pocatello, Idaho; daughter, Linda (Travis) Bergeson of Moses Lake, Washington; son, Leslie (Janet) Kohntopp of Miles City, Montana; daughter, Denise Headrick of LaBarge, Wyoming; and son, Robert (Wendy) Kohntopp of Filer, Idaho. Also surviving are 13 grandchildren and 36 great grandchildren. Leroy was preceded in death by his parents, Jacob & Clara (Reichert) Kohntopp, brothers Ralph, Raymond, and Allen Kohntopp, who died in World War II in a Japanese prison camp, and granddaughter, Autumn Kohntopp. Funeral services for Leroy will be held Tuesday, April 12 at 11:00 AM at the Filer Church of Jesus Christ of Latter- day Saints in Filer, Idaho. Visitation for Leroy will be held from 10 AM to 10: 45 AM at the church. Interment and Military rites will follow at Sunset Memorial Park Cemetery in Twin Falls, Idaho. All services and arrangements are under the direction of Parke's Magic Valley Funeral Home of Twin Falls, Idaho. Those wishing to share condolences may do so at www.magicvalleyfuneralhome.com.