Elmer Orian Arstein of Boise, Idaho, born April 30, 1926 in Murtaugh, Idaho, died in faith October 22, 2009 in his home in Boise. He was the son of Anna Sophia Dalquist Arstein and Christian Andrew Arstein. The funeral will be held on Thursday, October 29th, 11:00 am at Hope Lutheran Church in Eagle, Idaho. The viewing will be held at the same location on the same day at 10:00 am. He will be buried at Dry Creek Cemetery in Boise, Idaho. Elmer grew up in the small farming community of Artesia near Murtaugh in southern Idaho with his brothers, Oscar and Mark, and sisters, Sherley, Olivia, and Annalee. He joined the Navy at the age of 18 and served in World War II on the USS Tallidega at Iwo Jima, Okinawa, and the Philippines. After the war he attended Denver University in Colorado and graduated with a degree in accounting. He married the love of his life, Jacqueline Jane Cash from Kaycee, Wyoming, on October 18, 1954 and had five children whom they raised in Pocatello, Idaho. They recently celebrated their 55th wedding anniversary. Elmer worked in Pocatello at Farmers Insurance for more than 25 years. Shortly after retirement Elmer and Jackie moved to Boise to be near grandchildren. He was an active member of Grace Lutheran Church in Pocatello, Idaho and Hope Lutheran Church in Eagle. His marriage was strengthened and enriched by his Christian faith and the participation and leadership for many years in Lutheran Marriage Encounter. He's been a devoted father and grandfather. He loved attending his grandchildren's games, competitions, Taekwondo meets, parades, recitals, concerts and graduations in Boise, California and Arkansas. With three trips to Norway, and reunions in the U.S., he had close ties to his Norwegian relatives. Elmer and Jackie's Norwegian exchange student, Annette Nikolaisen, and her family were loved as honorary members of the Arstein family. He will be remembered for the example he set living the life as a Christian man of faith, and how the love for his Savior was reflected in love he gave his wife, family, and many friends. He is survived by his wife, Jackie, daughter, Cindy Arstein-Kerslake, her husband Gary and their children Anna, Sara and Olivia of Sacramento, California, daughter Jana Villemez, her husband Chris and their children Derek and Andy of Little Rock, Arkansas, daughter Sonya Greene, her husband Greg and their children Joseph and Jacob and son Mark Arstein, his wife Debbie, and their children Calvin Arstein and Emily and Grace Melgard. He is preceded in death by his mother, father, brother, Oscar, and sisters, Olivia and Sherley and son, Eric. Memorial contributions can be made in honor of Elmer O. Arstein to Lutheran Community Services. Service is being arranged by Summers Funeral Home Ustick 343-6493.

Published in Idaho Statesman on October 27, 2009