Bart Eben

Bart Eben, surrendered his physical body joining the spirit of Mother Earth on November 19, 2019. He was surrounded by loving family and friends. He was a long-time resident of Mountain Home. Cremation was under the care of Rost Funeral Home, McMurtrey Chapel.

Born July 8, 1931, in San Fernando, California he was the sixth child of Anton and Harriet Ebentheuer.

At twelve, he traveled to Idaho with a dream to be cowboy and have a horse. That horse and her colt began his lifetime love of Idaho.

In 1953, he married Janet Francis and began work as firewatch ranger during the fire season. Needing year round employment to support his family, he joined the Union Pacific Railroad as a switchman. They had two daughters Dixie and Christine divorcing in 1957.

In 1960, Bart married Margaret Gilman having a daughter, Vicque. They later divorced.

After leaving the railroad he joined the Operating Engineers Union as a Heavy Equipment Mechanic. He was proud of his contributions in building sections of I-84, reconstruction of White Bird highway and Grand Teton and Swan Falls dams. In the late 90’s he retired from the union.

In retirement he worked on White Hawk Lookout and loved spending time in Bear Valley. Concerned about grazing effects on streams, he lobbied his congressman to protect it and was a big contributor to the now healthy streams in that area. He also traveled to Idaho and Montana schools with his hybrid-wolf Smokey teaching children about the importance of protecting our wildlife. He enjoyed sharing his knowledge, working on projects for family, friends and the community.

Bart was an avid recreational pilot and photographer. He loved spending time and debating with his family and friends. He maintained the attitude, “a good argument was healthy and educational”.

He is survived by daughters, Dixie Soderling (Dirk), Christine Atwood (Mike), Vicque Ebentheuer (Dean Meer), sister Joan Hansen, dear friends Steve Nemeth, George and Trina Szeles, eight grandchildren, fourteen great grandchildren, one great-great granddaughter, nieces, nephews and dear friends. He was preceded in death by both parents, two grandsons, three brothers and two sisters.

Bart will be remembered as a loving father, with a passion for the environment and all living things. He will be greatly missed by all who knew him.

The family thanks the doctors, nurses and staff of St. Luke’s Boise and Mountain Home for their special care and compassion.

Celebrate Bart’s life on Friday, November 29 at 11am at the Elks Lodge 325 S Third West Street, Mountain Home. A reception will follow. In lieu of flowers the family appreciates gifts to the Sierra Club Foundation, or the National Wildlife Federation. Please share your photos and memories at bart-eben.forevermissed.com