Norman Ralph Alldredge

Norm (26 Dec 1977)-"I'm Norman Ralph Alldredge, born 30 July 1954 in St Anthony Catholic Hospital, Pocatello, Idaho. My lineage is of good Mormon stock-the same crowd that tamed Southern Idaho-made it a civilized place to live-that fact alone, more or less, gives me license to act like I own the place."

Norman left this worldly existence Sunday, November 17, 2024 at the age of 70. He left behind devoted life-long friends and family whom he loved with all his heart. He had caregiver's, as well, who sincerely cared for Norman, became good friends, and watched out for his best interests. And he had his little dog, Gigi, who was his constant comfort and companion.

Norman was raised in Pocatello, on South 8th Street. He graduated from Pocatello High School in 1972 just after the draft and war in Viet Nam ended, to his great relief. He attended the old Second Ward and there and at home he developed a love and dedication to following the gospel. He often struggled with what he saw as his personal failing but never doubted his strong faith.

In December, 1974, Norman had the opportunity to serve as a missonary for the LDS Church in the Washington DC Mission. He served his 2 years and was happy to return to Idaho. 

In 1982, Norman married Vickie Lynn Deshotel. He had previously joined the US Army and during his marriage, he spent nearly a year helping to keep the border of South Korea secure, working as a heavy equipment operator. Norman wrote stories of the people he knew and worked with keeping us endlessly entertained, feeling as if we were there with him looking through his eyes. Norman and Vickie divorced in 1985, not long after he returned to the US and after his honorable discharge from the army.

This was a challenging time for him but he kept up with his journaling, his devotion to his church, and connecting with dear friends.

In 1986, Norm met Marcia Bair and later that year, November, 28, they were married in the Idaho Falls Temple. Marcia supported the family while Norman advanced his education at Idaho State University. They eventually were blessed with two beautiful daughters, Liz and Sarah. Norman and Marcia later divorced.

Norman was always a "spirited" fellow. He enjoyed good food and as a toddler his favorite phase was "cookie, ma, cookie". He grew fast and big. He had a great imagination and a big personality. One entry in his high school album read, "Norm, with your famous Dr Alldredge's Famous Indian Guide Snake Bite elixer you ought to go a long way." Another, "To a guy who got away with everything in 5th hour. You should be ashamed of yourself. But keep up the good work anyway." He had nicknames like "Uncle Norm", "Nasty Norm" and "Nuclear Norm". He could be larger than life.

Norman had an incredible interest in, and fine collection of, military medals and insignias. He knew the individual history of his hundreds of "distinguished insignias". So much so that he was featured in an article in the Idaho State Journal in 1987. He also had an intense interest in railway memoribilia. He had been a railroader for a few years and, early on, loved to collect model trains.

Norman will be remembered for the overalls he loved to wear, his quick wit, his intense appreciation for the good things in life, and his just as intense disgust with anything he judged to be unfair or wrong with life. He was extememly gifted in his ability with words, both spoken and written. He loved his family, his faith, his friends, and the little dogs that were his constant companions. Norm will never be forgotten.

Services to be announced and held at a later date.