Jose Elguezabal

Jose Martin Elguezabal 86 of Aberdeen, passed away peacefully with his wife and his family by his side on Sunday January 14, 2024, due to recent failing health.  Jose was born December 26, 1937, on a small farm in the Basque Country of Vizcaya, Spain to Martin Elguezabal and Isabel Goricelaya Elguezabal. 

He was raised in the Catholic faith.  At the age of 18 he served with the Spanish Navy for the required two years.

Jose came to the United States in 1963 through a work contract to work for J.W. “Walt” Vanderford as a sheepherder.  Later he went on to work for Charlie Shackelford. He continued to work for them part time after he became employed at J.R. Simplot food division, working as a laborer and security guard.  He enjoyed fishing, camping, and hunting pheasants. 

While working at the ranch with the sheep, he met Blanche Wilson who was the cook at the time.  They were married on July 20, 1976.  He became the stepfather to Blanche’s five children, John, Joy, Brenda, Calvin Jr. and Jay.  They were surprised when they found out they were expecting and welcomed Jose Jr.

Charlie Shackleford was planning on tearing down some farmhouses.  Jose and Blanche had some vacant lots.  With his ideas and Blanche’s brains they became owners of several rental properties.  He liked to see the properties clean, lawns green, cut and no weeds.  If they weren’t, you would see him on his mower driving down the road.

Jose was very devoted to Blanche and when her health began to decline, he continued to work full time.  With the help of the now adult children that lived locally, she was able to be home when she passed away in August 2002.

Jose didn’t like coming home to an empty house so on October 4, 2003, he married Rose Evans. 

He is survived by his wife Rose, his sons Jose Jr. (Pam) of Aberdeen, Calvin Jr.  of Boise, Jay (Charlotte) Wilson of Pocatello.  One brother Andres (Ramona) Elguezabal of Bakersfield, California, one sister Marisol Elguezabal of Spain, Son-in-law Owen Young of Pingree,  28 grandchildren, 53 great grandchildren, 24 great great grandchildren and one on the way. Also survived by many nieces and nephews in Spain and Idaho.

He was preceded in death by his first wife Blanche, 3 sisters, 2 brothers, 2 daughters, Joy Mayer and Brenda Young, a son John Wilson, daughter-in-law Janet Wilson, and 2 great grandchildren.

Visitation will be Friday, January 19, 2024, 12:00 p.m., with the funeral starting at 1:00 p.m. at Davis-Rose Mortuary, 170 Idaho Street, American Falls, Idaho.  Interment will be at the Aberdeen Cemetery.

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