Gean Villeneuve

Gean Villeneuve of Mountain Home, Idaho passed away peacefully at home following a brief illness. Dad was born in Dresden, North Dakota to Archie and Matilda Villeneuve and grew up on a small family farm with four brothers and one sister. His childhood experience was unique even then, with his family following traditional farming methods, including using a team of horses to plow their fields. They also lived in a home heated by a wood stove without electricity or running water. During his early years, school was held in rural one-room schoolhouses. These experiences influenced his appreciation for hard work and simple living.

Dad began working life at age 13 with a full-time job as a farm hand at a neighboring operation. There he gained experience with the top-of-the-line tractors and farm equipment of the day. Along with tractors, this job introduced him to automotive repair.

In 1953 Dad joined the United States Air Force working in communications and began a career that would take him to Wyoming, Alaska, Newfoundland, Germany, Texas and California. Of the multiple highlights in his military career, he most valued the camaraderie he shared with his fellow airman. He retired as a Master Sergeant in 1978 before moving to Mountain Home, Idaho to live on a rural property and be near an air force base.

An advocate of education, he encouraged the whole family to continue to learn and follow the path of their choosing. He took the family on annual vacations to visit friends and relatives in other states and also made a point to see natural and historic places for educational enrichment. As a military man, he ran a tight ship at home. He led his family with love and a sense of humor and had a way to make every person feel special.

As a life-long car enthusiast, he not only kept the family cars in top shape and used his talents to earn extra money fixing others’ vehicles throughout his life. He shared his knowledge and experience with his children, ensuring we were armed with a basic level of automotive knowledge (for a smile, ask about the automotive encyclopedia). From 1986 through 1996, he and his sons carried the automotive torch further by beginning a successful stock car racing hobby. This involved the entire family; in the pits and cheering in the stands. He didn’t race for trophies, but he ended up with a bunch.

Dad’s greatest joy and proudest legacy was his family.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Archie and Matilda Villeneuve, brothers William, Armond, Wilbur, Kermit, and sister Carol Gaines; sons Donald William (Billy), Douglas Howard, and Walter Eugene Villeneuve.

He is survived by his beloved family including his wife of 59 years, Dorothy Dean Villeneuve, son Kenneth Lee (Melissa Sizemore), daughter Donna (Villeneuve) Kovaleski (Dayo Ayodele), Grandchildren: Crystal Beale (Steve), Rachel Tews (Walter), Sheryl Bustamonte (William), Garrett Kovaleski (Erin), Austin Kovaleski, Jake Villeneuve, David Villeneuve, and 11 great grandchildren.