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Cline Fred Preston

Jul. 5, 1927 - Jan. 31, 2021

Date of Service: Feb. 13, 2021

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DECLO - Cline Fred Preston, age 93, of Declo, passed away, Sunday, Jan. 31, 2021, at Highland Estates in Burley.

He was born on July 5, 1927, in Declo, Idaho to Cline and Emma Preston. He loved growing up in Declo with his older sister, Maye, and younger brother, Joe.

In June of 1945, Fred convinced his mother to let him join the United States Navy even though he was just 17 years old at the time. He served his country on the USS Kasaan Bay in the Pacific Theater of World War II.

Fred married Barbara Jensen in 1947. In July of 1948, they welcomed a son, Murray, and a daughter, Nancy, who joined the family in November 1952. Fred and Barbara later divorced.

In March of 1966, Fred married Joyce Anthon and delighted in adding three children: Marilyn, Leslie, and Michael to the family. Fred and Joyce welcomed another daughter, Valerie, in August 1968. Together they raised their family on the farm in Declo where he was raised.

Fred loved the great outdoors. The mountains often called to him and he spent many hours on horseback wandering through the sagebrush and pines. He was an avid hunter and fisherman. In his younger years, he was a well-known guide for cougar and bear hunts. As a sportsman, Fred enjoyed being involved in the National Rifle Association, Sportsman for Wildlife, the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation, Pheasants Forever, and the West Magic Dam Fools.

Serving his country had a profound effect on Fred and he was very proud to be a World War II Veteran. He treasured his service in the American Legion offering his time and knowledge in various positions. Throughout the years he served as the Commander of Post 144, the 5th District Commander, Area Vice Commander with the Department of Idaho, and remained a member of Post 144 for many years. He loved the American flag and all it represented. Fred and George Maas promoted flag education in the Mini-Cassia area schools. One of Fred’s favorite things was participating in the Veteran’s Day program held each year at Declo Elementary, it was something he looked forward to every year.

Fred was always actively involved in the community. The Declo Hills held a special place in his heart because he had ridden in those hills since childhood. Fred and Frank Gillette fought hard to protect the Declo Hills from being purchased and becoming privately owned. He also looked forward to chatting with Zeb Bell on the radio, discussing various current events and offering his opinion.

Above all else, Fred loved his wife and cherished his family. They were his pride and joy and he loved them dearly. Fred enjoyed loading up a kid and taking them out on the four-wheeler to ride down the canal or to check the fields. Fred raised a variety of game birds and chickens. The grandkids relished in chasing the chickens, especially when Grandpa wasn’t looking. Fishing and camping were some of Fred's favorite pastimes to share with his family. He spent a lot of time doing both while creating wonderful memories. Memories that will be held deep within our hearts and cherished.

Fred was preceded in death by his father, Cline Preston; his mother, Emma Preston; his brother, Joseph Preston; his beloved son, Murray Preston, an infant son; and a great-great-grandson.

He is survived by his loving wife of 54 years, Joyce; his sister, Clea Maye Wilkinson (Lloyd, deceased); his sister-law, Doris Preston; his daughter, Nancy Peterson; his daughter, Marilyn Osterhout (Rodney); his son, Leslie (Kim); his son, Mike (Brenda); his daughter, Valerie Loveland (Chauncey); and his grandchildren, Gene Peterson, Amber Peterson, Terri Rodriquez (Manuel), David Preston (April), Susanne Campbell (Kelly), Heather Gonzalez, Melanie Osterhout Clark (Hank), Mindy Osterhout Vail (Scott), Marlea Osterhout Rowley (Ted), Jason Armstrong, Jeff Preston (Jaclyn), Tony Preston (Nancy), Shannon Bach (Joseph), and Megan DeWaal (Dallen). He is also survived by 35 great-grandchildren and 15 great-great-grandchildren.

The funeral will be held at 1 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 13, at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints - Declo Stake Center, 213 W. Main, with Bishop Wayne Hurst officiating. Military rites will be provided by the Mini-Cassia Veterans Group. Burial will be in Declo Cemetery.

Friends may call from 5 until 7 p.m. Friday, Feb. 12, at Rasmussen-Wilson Funeral Home, 1350 E. 16th St., in Burley, and at the church on Saturday, from noon until 12:45 p.m.

For those unable to attend the funeral in person, a live webcast of the Funeral Service will be available at the following link: https://youtu.be/H1Wxc-muoDQ.

To assist in mitigating COVID-19, the wearing of face masks and social distancing will be observed at the viewing and funeral service.

Condolences for Cline Fred Preston

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From Cameron Wilkinson:

Uncle Fred was one of a kind in the best way possible. Memories pheasant and duck hunting with him are cherished. And sitting in the front room hearing stories about chasing mountain lions into trees or caves are the stuff childhood memories are made of. Thank you Uncle Fred for being a fun and important part of my life -- you will be missed!

From Earl Miracle:

I had the pleasure to meet Fred and hunt geese with him and my Father. My Dad had the utmost respect for Fred as a good friend and skilled Outdoorsman and Hunter. Fred was in a Outdoor life story written by my Dad on Cougar hunting in the Jarbridge mountains. Fred was always full of life and ready for adventure. He will be missed

From Doreen Lowder:

So sorry for your loss. Fred was a wonderful person who always had a big smile when he greeted you. That will be missed by many.

From Gaylen and Carolyn Smyer:

To Joyce and Family, we are sorry sorry for your family’s and the community’s loss. Fred was an amazing man. I am grateful for a friendship spanning many years and containing countless cherished memories. He was a friend, mentor, and provided inspiration. He was responsible for providing much of the encouragement resulting my obtaining additional education and he emphasized the importance of community service. I will be forever thankful for his influence in my life. Thank you for sharing Fred. Best wishes to each member of the family.

From george Maas:

Im sorry for your loss, Will miss the chats we had, Fred inspired those around him. ,Fred loved God , Family , Country And our Great American Flag, Rest in Peace Ship Mate

From Whittney Anthon Cheney :

I just found out that I was named after Whitney Powell on this post. Uncle Fred was one of the main reasons I participated in the American Legion Speaking contest. I loved seeing him in the audience rooting me when I competed. One day when I was at his house I noticed he had a picture of me packing the American flag on my horse, I was honored to grace his shelves in his hunting trophy room. Uncle Fred was a man of many tales, and believe it or not they were all true. His caregivers had to verify with us that all of his stories about hunting were legitimate. Uncle Fred will always be Declo’s “The Man, The Myth, The Legend”.

From Lorna Gillette:

I am remembering the many contacts Fred had with Frank. One of the memorable time for Frank was hunting for cats at Jarbridge when Fred told Frank to go into a cave to shoot a cat. Frank got the cat.
Sympathy to Joyce and family

From Stephanie Wolf Hamilton :

I remember Fred trying to cut my ears off (with the wrong side of the blade) when I was little. Even as I got older and married, he’d take out his pocket knife when he saw me and just smile. He scared me to death when I was little but I can laugh now. RIP dear Fred

From Lynn Osterhout:

Fred was truly a great friend to so many! He taught everywhere he vintured, his keen ability to remember everyone he ever met by name amazed me. We will miss this great friend till we meet again! Our thoughts and prayers are with his family at this time.

From Gary Mallory:

That picture of Fred brings back some good memories,I always enjoyed visiting and listening to the knowledge he had about many things. ( Especially hunting). My condolences to the family RIP my friend

From Nonnie Osterhout Johnston:

Marilyn and Rod. I am so sorry for your loss.

From Whitney Powell :

Uncle Fred you made a difference in my life !
As a kid I always wanted to stay on his farm .
In the winter he would give us a snow ride , he was driving the snowmobile and us kids were in a trailer in back .
And the years hunting pheasants , I was to young to carry a gun , but uncle Fred alway was there teaching us .
Also feeding the hounds , he told me be careful boy that one bites !
I love and cherish this man to this day and I always will .
He is one of the great ones that walked the earth .
I love this man !

From Larry Stevens:

Fred was the best neighbor a young kid could possibly have. He took me and Bob with him countless number of times.

From Rick Smyer:

I have many fond memories of hunting cats with Fred he had some great stories he sure lived a full and exciting life.

From LeAnn Tinney:

Valerie,
I’m so sorry Think of the reunion on the other sideHUGGZ to your family.
LeAnn Jorgensen Tinney

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