Ronald Kofoed

Ronald K. Kofoed, 86, of Buhl, passed away June 5, 2014 at Evergreen Assisted Living in Buhl. The blessing of a life cycle has been completed for a beloved husband, father and grandfather.

Ron (as he was known to his friends and family), was born August 10, 1927 in Moreland, Idaho to Lial and Isabel (Kidd) Kofoed and proudly spent his life in Idaho. He attended Idaho State University in Pocatello, graduating with a degree in music education.

He met his first wife, Arlene Roselius at ISU. He later earned a Master's degree in Music from the University of Idaho. Music was a lifelong love and his career focused on music education in secondary schools where he taught band, chorus and orchestra in Idaho schools including; Soda Springs, Hansen, Jerome, Moscow and Filer school districts. His groups routinely received superior ratings in regional music competitions. He was always happy to cross paths with former students, many of whom would tell him that he was the most inspirational teacher they'd had. Several of his students went on to pursue careers in music.

He served as President of the Idaho Music Educator's Association. He also served on the Idaho High School Activities Association which was responsible for regulating all intramural activities in the state.

He was a veteran of the U.S. Army serving in Korea in 1946-47 as part of the occupational forces following World War II.

Ron was a man of many talents. He was skilled in a variety of crafts and even built a home from scratch for his family by himself. He was a generous care giver and after going back to school and getting a nursing degree, tended to his first wife, Arlene until her death in 1983. He was giving of his time and many talents in helping others and never asked or expected anything in return. He was to put it succinctly, a very good man.

He remarried and happily spent 30 years with his second wife Norma, who brought him great joy. In addition to both of them being nurses, they shared a great love of music. They enjoyed travel and taking in the beauty of the outdoors. Together they shared a strong faith.

He is survived by his wife Norma of Buhl; children, Lial (Pam Grauer) Kofoed of Spearfish, S.D., Janet (Bill Craig) Schaumburg of Houston, TX., Bruce Kofoed of Twin Falls; step-children, Andrea Kokes and Scott VanDerWalker both of Buhl, John (Sandy) VanDerWalker of Hayden Lake, Id.; 11 grandchildren and great-grandchildren; two sisters, Louise (Bob) Shaw of Pocatello and Carrol Lauritzen of Houston, TX.

In lieu of flowers, tax deductible donations may be made in his memory to: Outreach International (129 W. Lexington Ave. Independence, MO. 64050)

A memorial service will be 11 a.m., Monday, June 9, 2014 at the Buhl Community of Christ, (20264 Highway 30), with John VanDerWalker officiating. Services are under the direction of Farmer Funeral Chapel.