Joe Pretl

Joe Pretl, 88, formerly of Castleford, recently of Twin Falls, passed away peacefully the morning of November 11, 2017 at Twin Falls Care Center knowing that he was loved very much by both family and friends. He was born Joseph John Pretl on March 12, 1929 in North Loup, Nebraska to Matt Pretl and Mildred Herzinger Pretl. At the age of two years he and his family moved to Buhl. Joe attended schools in Buhl and Castleford, graduating from Castleford High School in 1947.
Joe married Verda Bean in 1951. They had four children and later divorced. Joe began farming in the Castleford area and continued to farm until 2010. Joe also worked at Northwest Crane and Rigging as a heavy equipment and crane operator for nearly 30 years. He was instrumental in the construction of the ramp used in Evel Knievel's 1974 attempt to jump the Snake River Canyon. He also helped to build the much more reasonable crossing, Perrine Bridge, which replaced the Twin Falls-Jerome Intercounty Bridge in 1976.
On January 21, 1978, Joe married his friend and love of his life, Shirley Crumrine. Joe and Shirley enjoyed their lives to the fullest traveling throughout the United States. A highlight of his life was camping and four wheeling with many of their friends and family. He and Shirley always enjoyed dancing together as well. He was a collector of cars and many other items, much to Shirley's dismay. He had a smile for everyone he met and was loved by many.
Joe was always supportive of his children and grandchildren and whenever possible he attended the many functions that they participated in over the years.
Joe is survived by his wife Shirley, brother Leonard (Sally) of Huntington Beach, California; three children; Sherry Wright of Buhl, Karen Pretl (Al) of Buhl, Rene' Jones (Jason) of Middleton, and Shirley's two sons Glenn (Stephanie) of Boise and Galen (Tomi) of Twin Falls; 15 grandchildren and 18 great-grandchildren. Joe was preceded in death by his parents Matt and Mildred Pretl, sister Marie Gio Vengo, brother Melvin Pretl, son Rick Pretl, stepson Vernon Bean, and son-in-law Steve Wright.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made in Joe's name to the Castleford Quick Response or Hospice Visions Inc., 1770 Park View Dr. in Twin Falls. The family would like to thank the staff at St. Luke's Hospital and Hospice Vision Inc. for their supportive and kind care in Joe's last days.
A funeral service will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Saturday, November 18, 2017 at Farmer Funeral Chapel in Buhl Idaho. A time of viewing will be held from 1-2 p.m., prior to the service. Burial will follow services at the West End Cemetery.