Charles J. "Chuck" Dalry

RUPERT - Charles J. Dalry, passed away on Monday, July 7, 2014, in Rupert, Idaho. He was received into God’s Kingdom and was given the gift of eternal life by faith in his Savior, Jesus Christ.

Charles John Dalry, Jr. was given life by his Creator and was born on April 4, 1934, in Kemmerer, Wyo. He was the 3rd-born child to Italian immigrants, Charles John Dalry, Sr. and Lena Mary (Seppi) Dalry. At six months of age, his family left Wyoming and he moved as an infant with his parents to Minidoka County living in Rupert, Idaho, where he has lived during the remainder of his life. His father passed away from pneumonia complicated by Black Lung Disease from working in the coal mines when Chuck was at the age of five. His mother and siblings, Mario, Lucille, and Robert, were left to mourn the loss; however, Mrs. Lena Dalry remarried Silvio Bott, an Italian bachelor, and they became the proud parents of triplet daughters, Sylvia, Shirley, and Sharon. The Bott triplets, as they were known, turned the family of four children into a quick seven.

Charles John Dalry received the gift of Holy Baptism and became a child of God as an infant in Kemmerer, Wyo., later becoming a member of the St. Nicholas Catholic Church in Rupert, Idaho, attending that parish with his family throughout his childhood. He especially remembers his best friend, Wally Vinanti, and the memories they shared while growing up. Many of the other Italian immigrants attended church there as well, and, those immigrants depended on one another becoming a family of sort as they all shared similar culture and origins or roots from Italy. In fact, Chuck as he was also known by his family and friends, along with his daughter and son-in-law, was scheduled to depart for Italy on July 14, 2014, to visit his family in Italy and to visit the homeland of his parents. However, God in is infinite wisdom and according to His will, called Chuck home to Him exactly one week prior to his departure for Italy. Chuck was born a U.S. citizen and was a faithful and patriotic individual. Chuck loved living in the State of Idaho and had a deep sentiment and appreciation for the Mini-Cassia area. Chuck’s parents were hard-working people who farmed and had a small dairy for the family’s livelihood. He had to begin working at a young age around the home and the farm in order to assist his family with the many tasks or chores that had to be accomplished. This work ethic began young and remained with him his entire life even up until his passing at 80 years of age. The highlight of many family conversations was discussion about life on the farm with his siblings and with other children of families that they visited or hosted at their home. While they worked very hard, they also valued time spent with family and friends.

Chuck attended grade schools in Rupert, Idaho, and graduated from Rupert High School in the Class of 1952. He enjoyed his years in high school and was a member of the R-Club which was composed of athletes who had earned their varsity letter. He especially loved being involved in theatre and music. His most memorable acting experience was when he was playing the part of a military general and in a serious portion of the script, he was to extend a kiss as a character departed - leaving his mustache on his female counterpart. Chuck was and has always been quick thinking and spontaneous if needed but he is especially admired for his ability to plan and for his sense of responsibility. One of his favorite sayings was, “If you fail to plan, then plan to fail!” He prided himself on setting goals and felt accomplishment on attaining those goals.

Charles J. Dalry married his childhood girlfriend. He worked on a farm next to her father’s farm. Chuck would share that he enjoyed teasing and talking to her when he would go over by her home for a drink of water or just to rest a while under the shade trees. That love blossomed as they dated during high school and Charles John Dalry received the gift of a beloved companion in Barbara Lorraine Plocher proposing marriage on June 14, 1954, with the approval of her parents. They were married on Oct. 24, 1954, at the Trinity Lutheran Church Rupert, Idaho, pledging and committing their love for one another and to God before family and friends, officiated by the Reverend John Westendorf. They were near to celebrating their 56th wedding anniversary prior to the passing of his wife, Barbara, in 2010.

Charles John Dalry was confirmed as an adult into the Trinity Lutheran Church in 1955 following his marriage to Barbara Lorraine Plocher Dalry. He was confirmed by profession of faith and his confirmation was officiated by the late Reverend Alfred Eichmann. Chuck was a faithful member of the church until his passing - enjoying one last worship service on the Sunday prior to his death where he enjoyed hearing God’s Word and the sermon message as delivered by Pastor Sunderman entitled, “Rest for the Weary.” The Holy Gospel text for the day was from Matthew 11: verses 25-30; and verse 28 had special meaning for Chuck as the next few hours would unfold into Monday, the day of his death and the Bible says, “Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.”

Charles J. and Barbara L. Dalry were blessed with the gift of children and were the parents of two daughters, Sheryl Ann born in January 1957 and Pamela Kay born in February 1961. God blessed their lives with the addition of their sons-in-law through the marriage of their daughters. Their oldest daughter is Sheryl Harris, and their son-in-law is Kevin Harris, who also resides in Rupert, Idaho. They are also involved in the family electrical and HVAC contracting business. Kevin is currently the president for Dalry Electric, Inc. and Sheryl is the secretary / treasurer of the corporation. Kevin and Sheryl have two daughters, Michelle and Melanie. The Dalrys have a second daughter, Pam Jensen, and she married Chris Motley and they were later divorced. Pam is currently married to her husband, Vern, and they reside in Surprise, Ariz. Pam has two sons, Alan and Jason. Vern has two children, Keisha and Devon. As the children and grandchildren have married, it has been a joy to extend the family with new members. The Dalrys are also very proud of their grandchildren and their great-grandchildren as well - enjoying each moment they shared with them. Spending time with their family was their favorite hobby! Other hobbies over the years have included water skiing on the beautiful Snake River, snow skiing at Pomerelle, camping, fishing, or about anything which included fun, food, family, and friends. Once asked on a family history page what was Chuck’s favorite place, he stated, “Home.” He felt that about his earthly home and he feels that now about his eternal home in heaven where he is celebrating rest in the arms of Jesus to await the resurrection of the dead and life everlasting.

After graduation from Rupert High School in 1952, Chuck pursued a career in the electrical industry working for the City of Rupert as a utility lineman and for the electrical department. This began his legacy in the electrical industry. He was later employed for a number of years as an electrician with Lott Electric in electrical contracting and service. Mr. & Mrs. Dalry started their own electrical company in January 1968, and the business was incorporated in 1971 currently known as Dalry Electric, Inc. The business is still located in Rupert at 624 Oneida and it will continue to exist following Chuck’s passing which pleased him very much. For the past 46 years, Dalry Electric, Inc. has been fortunate to work for many fine customers and businesses throughout the Mini-Cassia area as well as Southern Idaho. The business originally started out with electrical contracting and later added the heating, ventilation, and cooling aspect also known as HVAC to their operations. Charles J. Dalry was a journeyman electrician and licensed HVAC journeyman as well in the State of Idaho. Chuck has trained and supervised many electricians over the years during his career to include support staff in the Shop. Various employees have expressed their appreciation for teaching them the trade and for the preparation to be involved in a fine occupation or industry. Chuck was especially proud that he was able to train and equip his son-in-law, Kevin Harris, to be a licensed electrical and HVAC journeyman as well. Chuck and Kevin began working together in 1974 and up to the very day of his death, they worked together! Chuck was blessed to have both his daughter, Sheryl, and his son-in-law, Kevin, present with him at his shop at the time of his passing. His daughter, Sheryl, worked daily with him in business and shared life with him daily as a daughter. He spoke to his daughter, Pam, almost daily by phone since she lives in Arizona. This daily contact with his family was important not only to Chuck but to all and will leave a void demonstrative of his paternal nurturing and his leadership as head of our family. He was honored to work with the many fine people throughout the years and he loved the electrical industry, the employees of Dalry Electric, the suppliers, the customers, and all those that he was involved within relation to his occupation and his business.

Chuck and Barbara thought there was no better place to live than in Rupert, Idaho. They enjoyed the landscape and the environment, but they mostly loved the people. Chuck’s allegiance to Rupert was obvious as he served in many capacities to include being a volunteer fireman for more than 20 years. Chuck was also a charter member assisting with the formation and organization of a rural fire department which is now the East End Fire District. Once established, Chuck served both the city fire department as well as the rural fire department for a substantial number of years helping many victims of fire. Chuck was elected to a term as Rupert City Councilman and enjoyed this position in administration of the City and its policies. During this time as a councilman, he was influential and assisted in the formation of a committee to organize and develop a senior citizen center which was established and located in Rupert, Idaho, serving the elderly residents of Minidoka County. The center is still thriving and conducts many activities for the citizens as well as provides meals at the center and meals delivered to shut-ins. Chuck was also in the National Guard for a number of years based out of the Rupert Armory. Chuck Dalry was an active part in the planning and preparation for Rupert’s annual 4th of July celebration. He served for eight years as parade chairman. These responsibilities involved the entire family as they decorated floats for their business, Dalry Electric, and even the Dalry’s daughters were pressed into duty wearing large mascot like costumes walking in the parade greeting children along the way with hot summer temperatures outdoors. He also enjoyed serving on the rodeo committee as well for a number of years. Chuck was quick to state that he would not have been able to be involved in these various groups without the encouragement and support of his loving wife, Barbara. She was the second half of what made a great team! Charles J. and Barbara L. Dalry were honored to be the Grand Marshals for the parade for Rupert’s 4th of July Celebration in 2007, which was a highlight for them and their family.

Charles J. and Barbara L. Dalry, as Dalry Electric, Inc., were longtime members of the Rupert Chamber of Commerce which merged into the Mini-Cassia Chamber of Commerce. He was honored as the recipient of the Businessman of the Year for 2006 from Minidoka County as sponsored by the Mini-Cassia Chamber of Commerce. Chuck assisted with the electrical wiring of the building under the Community Chest which is the current facility for the Mini-Cassia Chamber of Commerce and Economic Development. Dalry Electric, Inc. also donated to the Chamber signage on the north side of the building as well as other Chamber projects. Chuck and Barbara do not consider these examples of community service as their civic duty but their civic privilege by giving back to the community which they love so dearly. Chuck has donated numerous hours doing electrical and HVAC work at the Renaissance Arts Center for the Wilson Theatre renovation and was awarded Volunteer of the Year in 2005 at the annual Renaissance Ball event. He also completed the electrical and the heating/cooling for the new educational addition at the Trinity Lutheran Church in Rupert donating all of his labor. This labor of love does not go unnoticed as many individuals and project organizers are grateful for the assistance. Even though Chuck may not have charged money for his services on many occasions, he was paid with appreciation for his expertise and work with a voice of thanks which was very valuable to him.

The Dalrys absolutely loved music of various kinds and their passion for this could be witnessed by their attendance to many community events or performances. A highlight for Chuck and Barbara was attending the Jazz Festival held in Sun Valley each year in October. The Dalrys have been involved in the leadership and the committees for the Burley/Rupert Knife & Fork Club as well as the Mini-Cassia Community Concerts in years past. Chuck served as president for the Burley/Rupert Knife & Fork Club for several years. Many of you may remember his performance in a community play in which he was Tevye, from Fiddler on the Roof. This definitely was a family affair because Sheryl, his daughter, was his prompter and practice coach. His wife, Barbara, was his costume designer and seamstress. His sister, Lucille, played the accordion in the orchestra. Chuck was blessed with a wonderful singing voice inherited from the talent of his mother. Often one would catch Chuck humming or singing as he went throughout each day. He still sang occasionally in public when begged by his daughter to do so, but, he was humble about this talent. Most recently on Good Friday prior to Easter in April of this year, Chuck was privileged to sing as cantor with Pastor Bryan Lindemood.

Chuck has served in many professional organizations such as president of the Idaho Electrical League and was on the State of Idaho Electrical Board for eight years. Even though Chuck was officially retired, he would be at work each day at 7:30 a.m., or shortly thereafter, checking on things, assisting if necessary, or finding some project to work on. The only time that he was not at the shop was when he was needed at home for the two years that he cared for his disabled and paralyzed spouse, Barbara, following her debilitating stroke. His loving care of his wife was a good example to his family showing the depth of his commitment and his integrity as an individual. He said that even though his current position since retirement with the corporation did not pay very well, he was compensated in ways much more valuable than money and more fulfilling for him than staying home alone. He enjoyed returning home daily after socializing at work even after fitting in a nap or two here and there. It is believed that if you asked Chuck what his hobbies were, he would probably have said work, because even though he could be out fishing or doing something else, he chose to be at his place of business, which was a lifelong passion and was present there even on the day of his death in his chair at the main desk as you enter Dalry Electric, Inc. assisting customers and taking work orders by telephone, fax, or email. Chuck enjoyed working with Barbara over the years serving as the secretary/bookkeeper for Dalry Electric, Inc., which was in addition to her most important job as a homemaker and, following her death, he enjoyed working with his daughter, Sheryl, who stepped into her mother’s footsteps in her absence on behalf of the corporation and the family business. Dalry Electric, Inc. will continue to move forward with the foundation that has been laid by Charles J. and Barbara L. Dalry. However, there are big footsteps to fill in the passing of the head of the household and the founder of our business. The Dalrys were very proud of their daughter Pam who is a retired Registered Nurse and their son-in-law Vern.

Chuck was currently the co-chairman of the Rupert High School Alumni Association and he had served in this capacity for the past several years. He was instrumental in planning and inviting all graduates and classmates who attended R.H.S. to a reunion luncheon and entertainment which are held the second Saturday of July each year. He was in the midst of the final preparation for the upcoming reunion and his presence in regards to leadership will be greatly missed as expressed by the committee he works with, as well as his personal attendance. He looked forward to this each year and the minute one would end, he would begin planning for the next annual alumni reunion. Chuck enjoyed his special visits with his co-chairman, Gene Snapp, and their coffee breaks together.

When a person was asked what they would identify as characteristics that Chuck was known for, the answer was quick. Chuck was known for his generosity, his kindness, his honesty, and his friendliness. Chuck did not know a stranger! He was a personable favorite among many throughout the community. Chuck loved his family here in the United States of America and also in Italy. He treasured his many friends throughout his life and always made time for anyone that wanted to speak with him or visit. He greeted everyone he passed with a smile and an extended handshake, hug, or kiss. Another example of his impact on others was that he was described as a “ray of sunshine” and a “special guy with a big heart.” He touched the lives of others individually as it applied to each person being genuinely interested in their lives and in their welfare. His favorite song was, “What a Wonderful World,” and he would be the first one to direct us to God, our Creator, encouraging us to give Him thanks for creating this beautiful world that Chuck was blessed to live in and for each magnificent creation in each of you. Every time we see the sun rise and set, we will think of Charles John Dalry, Jr., our ray of sunshine, and mostly we will give thanks to God for giving him life to be a son, a brother, a husband, a father, a grandfather, a great- grandfather, a friend to many, and a stranger to none! May your enthusiasm for life and your ability to love deeply be shared with us now and forevermore as we cherish our many memories and the life lessons that you taught us. May you rest in peace in the beloved arms of your best friend and wife, Barbara, who went on before you and most importantly, in the presence of God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Spirit. We await our glorious reunion with you in heaven someday along with all of our other family members. But until then, we will continue to strive to make you proud and to do the things that you have prepared us to do upon your passing with the help of God as we live our lives on earth without you.

Surviving are his daughters, Sheryl (Kevin) Harris of Rupert, and Pam (Vern) Jensen of Surprise, Arizona. Survivors also include his grandchildren, Michelle (Joe) Pierson of Mendon, Utah, Melanie (Zack) Gillette of Burley, Alan Motley of Twin Falls, and Jason Motley of Salt Lake City, Utah. The surviving great-grandchildren are Alex and Aubrey Pierson of Mendon, Utah as well as Mya and Zia Gillette of Burley. Surviving step grandchildren are Keisha Chiarolanza and Devon Jensen both of Minot, N.D. His surviving siblings are Lucille (Leo) Ketterling of Rupert, Robert (Juanita) Dalry of Del Mar, Calif., Sylvia (Jack) Pretti of Twin Falls, and Shirley Cole of Boise; and sister-in-law, Elaine Dalry of Burley. Surviving also are many cherished nieces and nephews.

Preceded in death are his parents, Charles John Dalry, Sr. and Lena Dalry Bott.; his spouse, Barbara L. Dalry; his brother, Mario Dalry; his sister, Sharon Johnson; his brother-in-law, Ron Cole; and his mother and father-in-law, Edward and Blanche Plocher.

The funeral will be held at 11 a.m. Monday, July 14, at the Trinity Lutheran Church, 909 8th St., in Rupert. Burial will be in the Rupert Cemetery.

Friends may call from 5 until 7 p.m. Sunday, July 13, at the Rasmussen Funeral Home, 1350 E. 16th St., in Burley, and from 10 until 10:45 a.m. Monday at the church prior to the service.

Memorials may be made to the following: Trinity Lutheran Church; the Wilson Theatre; or to the Minidoka County Historical Museum.