George Freitas Bellem, 80- year-old Paul resident, devoted husband to
Mary, loving Father of ten children, went peacefully home to Jesus
surrounded by his entire family on June 10th, 2004, at St. Alphonsus
Regional Medical Center.
He was born in Twin Falls, Idaho to Fernando Freitas and Maria Ceo
Pascoal Bellem on December 1, 1923. He led a very active and adventurous
life, gifted with wisdom and a special love of learning. George
graduated from Jr. High and High School as Valedictorian of his class.
He married Mary Freiburger on Nov. 23, 1950, at St Nicholas Catholic
Church where he was an active member until his passing.
Farming north of Paul until his retirement, he was also an avid hunter
and fisherman, loved camping, exploring, gardening, berry picking, wine
making, and anything to do with the outdoors. He was an active member of
the Snake River Trail Riders Association and the NRA. In his retirement
years, his love of travel took them all over the western United States
and Mexico. His four wheeler was the cycle of choice for exploring off
road areas.
George left this life as he lived it with strength of character, courage
and dignity. Loving and laughing until the beginning of his eternal life
with Christ. We have not lost a husband, father, grandfather, friend;
heaven has gained a good and faithful servant!
George is survived by his wife of 54 years, Mary; his children Chris
(CJ) Fisher of Eagle Id, Carol Main of Boise, Linda (John) Bellem-Kraus
of Pittsburgh, Pa., Mary (Tom) Reeves of Rupert, Diana (Roger) Nebeker
of Emmett, Georgia (Joe) Tate of Rupert, John Bellem (Judith Hope Faye)
of Good Year, Ariz., Julie (Neil) Jorgensen of Bozeman, Mont., Lisa
(Ross) Corless-Negu of Ucon, JoAnn (Brad) Schell of Paul; one sister,
Alice Craven of Paul; one brother-in-law, Art Moncher of Paul; one
sister-in-law Lillian Bellem Heinrich of Rupert; 23 grandchildren and
two great grandchildren.
He was preceded in death by his parents; one brother, Clarence Bellem;
one sister, LaRena Moncher; and one son-in-law, Randy Corless.
The family requests that in lieu of flowers, donations be made to St.
Alphonsus Regional Medical Center Foundation (Infectious Disease
Department), in memory of George Bellem.
Rosary and Vigil will be held Sunday, June 13, 2004, at 7 p.m. at Rupert
St. Nicholas Catholic Church, 802 F St., Memorial Mass service will be
held 11:00 a.m. Monday, June 14, 2004, at 11 a.m. at the church with
Father Gabriel Vargas as Celebrant. Interment will be in the Paul
Cemetery.
Arrangements are under the direction of Hansen Mortuary Rupert Chapel.
Published June 13, 2004 The Times News
Submitted by Janice Rice