Brad DeVere Illum

Brad DeVere Illum, 71, of American Falls, Idaho, passed away peacefully in his home on January 12th, 2024.  He battled tongue cancer valiantly and struggled with the effects of his treatment for over a decade.

Brad was born on September 16, 1952, to DeVere and Glenna Illum in Malad, Idaho.  After graduating from Malad High School, Brad moved to Pocatello to study at Airplane Mechanics School at Idaho State University for two years.  Shortly thereafter he started his career as a heavy equipment operator at J.R. Simplot Company, where he worked for over 40 years.

He married Cheri Schorsch in 1983, a relationship lasting 21 years.  Brad and Cheri had two children together, Carl and Katie. Brad’s greatest joy was found in being a father to his children.

Brad was a good friend to all he met, a great listener and someone you could depend on.  Even near the end of his life, when he could no longer speak verbally, he could make anyone laugh by his witty comments written on his white board.

He was an avid reader and had particularly great knowledge about airplanes, World War II, and birds.  He loved being out in nature, exploring, studying and hunting.  He had a great respect for the outdoors. When he had to come indoors, he enjoyed cleaning his guns and reading.

Brad was a most supportive father and could always be found at sporting events to watch Carl play and Katie cheer and dance.  Sitting for long periods was painful, so he would “hold up the wall” and stand in his special place on the edge of the gym. He enjoyed working on the Chain Gang during football games and continued in that role for several years, even after his children graduated.

He became active in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in his mid 50s and had a strong testimony of Jesus Christ. When he went through his painful radiation treatments where he had to lie down with a tight mask over his face and hold still for 30 minutes, he would pray the entire time for strength to endure.

Brad is survived by his children Carl (Laura) Illum, and Katie (Nelson) Arave, his stepson Derek Schorsch, his grandchildren Ashton, Beckham, Sterling, Brooklyn, Luke, Archer, Chase and Mercer, his sister Delaine Qawasmeh, brothers Terry Illum and Chris Illum, and numerous nieces and nephews.  He was preceded in death by his grandson August, parents DeVere and Glenna and his brother Garth.

His funeral will be held on Thursday, January 18th at 11:00 am at the Wapello LDS Church in Blackfoot, Idaho.  The family will meet with friends for a viewing beforehand beginning at 10:00 am preceding the funeral.  Interment services will be held at Taylor Cemetery in Shelley, Idaho immediately following the funeral.

Brad will be remembered for his perseverance despite overwhelming challenges that plagued his body. He will be remembered for his faithfulness and trust in the Savior.  He will be remembered for the devotion and love he gave to his children and grandchildren.  When his time came, he carried himself with dignity, strength, and full of love for those who went before him as well as those left behind.  He will be missed dearly.

To order flowers, or to share condolences, memories, and photos, please visit DavisRoseMortuary.com.