Boyd Philip Schwieder

Boyd Philip Schwieder was born December 24, 1937, in Idaho Falls, Idaho, the son of Philip Schwieder and Bertha Maretta Patterson. As a child and youth, he lived in Iona and worked with his father and uncle on the family farm in Dehlin, learning farming skills and a work ethic from them. He graduated from Bonneville High School in 1956. He loved sports and played football and basketball for the school.

He dated Jean Ricks in high school, and they married on November 29, 1957, in Idaho Falls. They were sealed in the Logan Utah LDS Temple, and together they raised seven children.

Boyd attended Utah State University and graduated in 1961 with a degree in agriculture and animal husbandry. They moved their family to their first home in Ammon, Idaho, and Boyd began working in education.

Boyd taught school under a provisional teaching position while he earned his teaching certificate. His first teaching assignment was in Ririe, where he taught 5th and 6th graders. In the Fall of 1963, he went to Firth and taught 7th and 8th grade science. He started a boys’ basketball program there and enjoyed being Coach Schwieder. In 1968, he was the principal of Firth Jr. High. In 1969-1981, he taught math at Bonneville Jr. High.

While working in education, Boyd continued to work on the farm with his father, brother, and uncle. He worked long hours after school and on weekends and moved his family to the Dehlin farm for the summers. He also leased land in Ammon. In 1976, Boyd and Jean bought a farm and moved their family to the east side of Idaho Falls. He retired from teaching in 1981 to take over the family farm full time in partnership with his brother, Jack. In 1986, Boyd and Jack formed Schwieder Brothers—a farm and cattle operation. They grew wheat, barley, and hay and raised cattle. Farming was a family affair for Boyd. Jean and his children contributed to the work of running the farm and ranch.

Boyd was a humble, influential leader in the farming and ranching community, with time spent in local, state, and national organizations that promote agriculture. He travelled to Asia, Indonesia, and South America on trade missions to promote the marketing of US grain. He also hosted guests from foreign companies to Idaho and the Pacific Northwest, guiding tours of farmland and production and building relationships with other countries to encourage trade.

Membership and leadership positions include Idaho Barley Commission, Idaho Grain Producers (lifetime member, board of directors, executive board and president), Idaho Wheat Commission (appointed by Governors Batt and Kempthorn), Bonneville County Wheat Commission, US Wheat Associates (executive board and chairman of the board of directors), Eastern Idaho Agriculture Hall of Fame (inducted 2005), Bonneville County Farm Service Agency, Idaho Fish and Game Advisory Board, Idaho Falls Chamber of Commerce (board of directors).

Boyd was a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. He held leadership and service positions with youth and adults, including YM/MIA President, Elders quorum presidency, High Priest Quorum president, High Priest Quorum instructor, and gospel doctrine instructor in Sunday School.

Boyd’s most precious time was with his family and dogs. He loved John Deere gator rides with his grandchildren around his land and through his cattle. He enjoyed telling stories and had an easy-going sense of humor, finding joy in the simple things in life.

Boyd is survived by his wife, Jean Ricks Schwieder; children: Doug Schwieder, Jill (Ken) Stewart, Toni (Ross) Ellis, Janna Young, Jon Schwieder, and Chris (Asa) Nims; 16 grandchildren and 26 great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by son Derrald Schwieder and granddaughter Mistee Jacobson.

In lieu of flowers, please donate to the Iona Historical Museum, PO Box 623, Iona, ID 83427.

Funeral Services will be held at 11:00 a.m., Wednesday, May 21, 2025, at Black Canyon LDS Ward Chapel, 4459 John Adams Parkway, Idaho Falls. Services will be broadcast through Facebook.com/Coltrinmortuary. The family will receive friends from 6:00-8:00 p.m., Tuesday, May 20, 2025, at Coltrin Mortuary, 2100 First Street, Idaho Falls, and one hour prior to services at the church. Interment will be in the Iona Cemetery. Online condolences may be sent to www.coltrinmortuary.com.