Merrill B. Ingelstrom

Our dad, Merrill B. Ingelstrom, once again put on his dancing shoes and joined our mom in heaven on July 8, 2018 at the age of 83. He was born on March 7, 1935 to Fredolph Theodore and Mildred Fontella (Berry) Ingelstrom in Ogden, UT. He was welcomed by his older brother, Jimmy. Dad grew up in Shelley, where he enjoyed hunting, fishing and basketball. He always laughed that music wasn't his thing as he took the money his mom gave him for accordion lessons, paid the teacher and went fishing instead. Merrill attended Idaho State University for a year and half. Upon his return, he worked in the M & F Club, a cigar store, that his dad owned. On June 2, 1957, he married Marlene Selma Lenz in Ashton, ID. They were married 44 years before her passing in 2001. Their family consisted of three daughters and one adopted daughter. Vicki (Jeff) Miller-Ingelstrom, Debbie Brady, Wendy (Scott) Reed and JoAnn (Bill) Flagler. In 1964, Merrill bought Fords Bar, along with his brother Jimmy and good friend, Ralph Ingram. He had bartended since he was sixteen after lying about his age. Anyone who has been to Fords would recall his loud and robust laugh echoing throughout the bar. Being a devote Christian and elder at St. John's Lutheran church, Merrill never saw a conflict with owning a bar. He presided over many wedding receptions and wakes at Fords. He went to the hospital bedsides of sick people from his church and from the bar. After 33 years, the bar was sold leaving a void in the history of Idaho Falls. Merrill committed himself to the second love of his life, Judy Thomas on July 1, 2012. They enjoyed years of laughter and fun traveling and playing slot machines anywhere they could find one to play. Judy provided our dad with all the love and support until he passed. She has truly been a God-send to not only our dad but our entire family. Judy brought to our family a son Matt Thomas (the brother we always hoped for) and one grandson Nicholas. Merrill passed on his legacy of the importance of family to his nine grandkids: Megan (Josh) Weaver, Ryan Brady, Michael Brady, Seth Ingelstrom, Marlissa Reed, Austin Reed, Laurie (Chris) DeKorver, Douglas Flagler and Nicholas Thomas. Also, to his six great-grandkids: Jeremiah, Jayden, Rylan, Finley, Jake, and Grace. Merrill took the family on numerous fishing/hunting trips, cruises and vacations. He always taught us it was more important to create memories than acquiring possessions in life.
Merrill was preceded in death by his wife, parents, brother, and infant sister. There is an opportunity to meet with Merrill's family on Friday, July 13th from 6:00 p.m. to 8 p.m. at Buck Miller Hann Funeral Home located at 825 E. 17th Street in Idaho Falls. A funeral will be held Saturday, July 14th at 11:00 a.m. at St. John's Lutheran church located at 290 Seventh Street in Idaho Falls.
Arrangements made under the direction of Buck Miller Hann Funeral Home. Online condolences can be left at www.buckmillerhann.com.

Service Details.

Visitation

When: Friday, July 13th, 2018
Location: Funeral Home
Address:

Interment

Location: Funeral Home
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