Malad…Nolan Allen Blaisdell, 69, lifelong resident of St. John (Malad), Idaho, passed away November 3, 2012 at the Oneida County Hospital with family by his side. He had been battling cancer for many years. He was born in Malad on May 17, 1943 and was the oldest son of Nolan T. and Letitia Rae Gibbs Blaisdell. He was raised on the family farm in St. John and was educated in Malad, graduating from Malad High School, Class of 1961. Nolan then attended Ricks College in Rexburg and also the Stevens-Henagar’s Business College in Salt Lake City. He entered the military in March of 1965, during the Vietnam era and served honorably for two years in the U.S. Army. He was a member of the 6th Battalion of the 9th Artillery and achieved the rank of E5 Sergeant. Nolan was stationed for 18 months in Giessen, Germany where he was the army supply sergeant. He was also the second best shot in the battalion. Nolan married Cherie Smith on February 9, 1968 and they made their home in St. John, where they farmed and ranched. They had four children together; 2 boys and 2 girls; Chris, Heather, Kim and John. Nolan loved to tease and being around family and friends. He loved farming with his father and brother and especially loved Cottonwood where they raised their cows with other Blaisdell relatives. He and Cherie later divorced and he married Mary Ellen Dexter on January 19, 2005. They were sealed in the Rexburg LDS Temple on August 30, 2008. They enjoyed traveling together and visiting their kids, grandkids and friends. Nolan was an active member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Later Day Saints, where he had served in many capacities through the years. He was kind to everyone and helped anyone he met and will truly be missed by all. He is survived by his wife Mary Ellen of St. John; four children; Chris (Barbara) Blaisdell of St. George; Heather (Jerry) Thomas of Malad; Kim (Joshua) Skidmore of Taylor, Utah and John (Jaimie) Blaisdell of Malad. Also, three step children, who he loved as his own.; Meladee (Trace) Gardella of Bakersfield, CA.; John Ryan Hathaway (Angie) of St. Anthony, Idaho and Milisa (Kevin) Parker of Parker, Idaho; 13 grandchildren and 11 step grandchildren. He is also survived by a sister; Janice (Hunter) Barrus of Deweyville, Utah and a brother; Dean (Lori) Blaisdell of Malad. He was preceded in death by his parents, Nolan and Letitia Blaisdell as well as step mother, Iris Barker Blaisdell. The family wishes to express heartfelt appreciation to the staff at the Oneida County Hospital and to the many Drs. and nurses at the Huntsman Cancer Center for the many years of excellent care given to him there. Funeral services will be held on Wednesday November 7, 2012 at 12 noon in the Malad LDS Stake Chapel, 1100 W. 1250 N., Bishop Matt Tubbs, officiating. Friends may visit with the family this evening (Tuesday) from 6-8 pm at the Horsley Funeral Home 132 W. 300 N. in Malad. and on Wednesday at the church from 10:30-11:45 am. Burial will follow in the St. John Cemetery, with military rites.