Hans Deede

Hans Günter Deede, 77, of Shelley passed away peacefully on October 15, 2026. He was surrounded by his wife, Lenea, and his five kids, Carissa, Josh, Shiloh, Sara and Jack. He died of complications after battling pancreatic cancer for over a year.

Hans was born to Hans Michael Deede and Ella Elisabeth Deede on July 6th, 1949, in Pattensen, Germany, a small village outside of Hamburg. In 1951, his parents immigrated to Idaho, with Hans and his older sister Ursula (Uschi). After a few years in Idaho, his baby brother, Manfred (Manny) was born. Hans spent most of his life in the Idaho Falls area, graduating from Bonneville High School in 1967. Hans attended a year at Ricks College (now BYU Idaho), a year at Texas A&M and completed his college education, earning a degree in Nuclear Engineering, from Idaho State University. Hans worked for a short time through Mel Brown, tending to the sprinkler systems for many farms in the area. In 1976, Hans started working at the INL, retiring in 2016. All his children were ever told about his work was, “I give speeches to different people, and design tools for different projects.” He also worked in D&D, cleaning up nuclear contamination, leading his younger children to believe he was a garbage man.

In 1970, Hans married Sondra Getsinger and welcomed a daughter, Carissa. He and Sondra later divorced. In 1977, he met and married Lenea Bolinder. In 1978, Hans and Lenea welcomed their daughter Shiloh. In 1979, Hans adopted Lenea’s son, Joshua, choosing Joshua as his own. In 1982, Hans and Lenea welcomed their daughter Sara. In 2011, Hans and Lenea were honored to bring Jackson into their home after the death of his father. Jack was accepted and raised as one of the siblings, seamlessly.

Hans was an active member of St. John Lutheran Church, holding many positions within the congregation, which he was part of for 75 years, since his family immigrated. One of his greatest joys was sharing his musical talents and gifts in praising God and sharing his love for Jesus.

Hans will be remembered for his gentle demeanor, his love for animals, quick wit, green thumb, and his total devotion to his wife and love for his children and grandchildren. Those lucky enough to know him personally, will remember his big grin and sheepish smile as he cracked a joke and played “word” games. He was a friend of all musical instruments, with his favorite being the acoustic guitar, but Hans could pick up any instrument and within moments, create a recognizable tune for those around.

His grandchildren, nieces and nephews, and extended families’ children cherish the “magic” he invented–water games, lawn games, board games, and special activities. He loved to go on “walkabouts” to share the many projects he worked on around the house and the three acres he lovingly and tirelessly cared for. He also thoroughly enjoyed his time volunteering at the Shelley Senior Center and the Shelley Public Library.

He is survived by his wife, Lenea Bolinder Deede – Shelley, ID; daughter, Carissa Neff (Robert) – Austin, TX; son, Joshua Deede (Melanie) – Shelley, ID; daughter, Shiloh Deede – Seattle, WA; daughter, Sara Deede (Danny Walker) – Portland, OR; and son, Jackson Bolinder (Kiara )– Idaho Falls, ID. He is also survived by 9 grandchildren, Lila, Elsa, Deric, Mariah, Katrina, Zaira, Vesta, James and J.T. As well as his sister, Ursula (Uschi) Walsh–Augusta, GA. Many others also considered him as a father figure.

He is preceded in death by his parents, Hans and Ella; his brother, Manfred (Manny), his siblings: Heinz, Helga, and baby Heike – all whom he never met, as they didn’t survive the war, along with his beloved grandson, Devin.

The family will receive visitors on Thursday evening, Oct 22, 6:00PM until 7:30PM at Nalder Funeral Home, 110 W Oak St, Shelley, ID 83274. Funeral services will be held on Friday, Oct 23 at 1:00PM with visitation one hour before, at St. John Lutheran Church, 290 7th Street, Idaho Falls, ID 83401. Interment will be immediately after the service at the Shelley Hillcrest Cemetery, 781 E 1200 N Shelley, ID 83274.

Condolences may be sent to the family at www.nalderfuneralhome.com.