Rod Lionel Cottom

Rodney (Rod) Lionel Cottom, 80, of Heyburn, passed away peacefully in his home with his family by his side on Sunday, May 5, 2019.

Rod was born on July 15, 1938 in Sugar City, Idaho to Clarence and Marcella Cottom. He was the third of eight children. His family lived in California for a short time before moving to Rupert, Idaho where he grew up. Rod attended Minidoka County schools. In 1955, at the age of 17, he joined the Navy as a cook. He proudly served in the Navy until 1959, when he returned home to Idaho.

Upon returning home from the Navy, he began dating the love of his life, Brenda Fleck. They were married on December 23, 1961. Rod worked in grain mills and at the Co-op in Rupert early in their marriage. During this time the couple were blessed with three children: Lori in 1962, Darin in 1966 and Corey in 1969. He received a degree in Electric Service and Appliance Repair from Advanced Schools in 1974. He went on to earn an Associates Degree in Air Conditioning and Refrigeration Repair from CSI in 1975. All this schooling he did while he raised a family and worked to support them. He spent the rest of his career working at Simplots on the Refrigeration and Heating/Air Conditioning units until his retirement in 1995.

Family was the most important priority for Rod and Brenda. When Lori married Leland Ulrich and Corey married Jennie McAlister, they were not seen as in-laws, but as another son and daughter that were added to the family. Rod and Brenda were thrilled when they were promoted to grandparents in 1987. Lori and Leland celebrated the birth ofScott, who three years later became the older brother to Spenser. Corey and Jennie started their family when they celebrated the birth of their daughter, Brittany. Their family grew again when Colton and Steven were born. Scott married RalynSutton and they have three daughters: Keiriana, Kynidee and Kenzi. Colton married RaNaiAsher and they have two sons: Jaxyn and Cobie. Brittany married Taylor Osterhout and they have one daughter, Leeah. Whether born or married into Rod and Brenda's family, you are family and treated as their own. Rod was so proud of his family and his love for them was tremendous.

Rod always enjoyed spending time with his family. Whether it was camping, fly fishing, card/game nights, attending children and grandchildren's sports games or watching the NFL, he made sure his family knew just how special it was to be spending time with them. Rod was exceptionally talented at woodwork and enjoyed building many beautiful projects for his family. He was the best role model when it came to hard work and doing his best at everything he did. He kept busy in his yard/gardens. He was an amazing cook and enjoyed his time in the kitchen as he and his wife taught their children/grandchildren favorite recipes. He loved to sit down and reminisce about his family growing up, his time in the Navy, but most of all he talked about how great his family was and just how proud he was of them. He loved to brag how he had the best children/grandchildren in the world. He was a man of love, compassion, knowledge and pride in his life. He will be missed beyond measure.

Rod was preceded in death by his parents, Clarence and Marcella Cottom; siblings: Gary, Leroy, Mona (Cottom) Whittington, and Daniel Cottom; Mother-in-law, Iola Fleck; and grandson, Spenser Lee Ulrich.

He is survived by his lifelong love, Brenda Fleck; children: Lori (Leland), Darin, Corey (Jennie); grandchildren: Scott (Ralyn), Brittany (Taylor), Colton (RaNai), and Steven; siblings: Bradley, Larry and Catherine (Cottom) Lopez.

The family would like to give a special "Thank You" to Kippy, Erica and Kathryn at Harrison's Hope. Also, we would like to thank Dr. Kelly Anderson, Melissa and Trina for all their help and compassion given to Rod and Brenda. We cannot thank you enough.

The funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m. Saturday, May 18, 2019 at the Hansen Mortuary, 710 6th Street in Rupert. Urn placement will follow in the Rupert Cemetery with military rites provided by the Mini-Cassia Veterans.