William Esbensen

William J. Esbensen, Jr., 72, of Mountain Home, died at his home on Oct. 7, 2008, after a battle with a long-term illness.

A memorial service will be held at 3 p.m on Thursday, Oct. 16, at Rost Funeral Home, McMurtrey Chapel.

Bill was born April 11, 1936, in Philadelphia, Pa., during the Great Depression. He was raised in south Philadelpia, where he met his first wife, Norma. They married and had four boys, Richard, Ralph, Bill and Michael.

He joined the Air Force where he proudly served 20 years. He saw action in the Korean Conflict and did two tours in Vietnam.

He moved his family from Hawaii in 1974 to Mountain Home and retired in 1976.

He later remarried and adopted three children, Mark, Melissa and Miranda.

After retiring, Bill worked for the USPS, AFFES Military Exchange, and at Herb Hawley's Texaco.

Bill enjoyed two things in life -- fishing and fishing, his family said.

"We will miss his infectious laugh and smile," they added.

He is survived by: his four sons Richard, Ralph and Bill, all of Boise, and Michael of Philadelphia, and his adopted children, Mark and Miranda, and nine grandchildren.