George Abo

George Abo, 97, of Burley passed away Monday, November 16, 2020 at Rosetta Assisted Living. With his wife Shizue and his daughter Joyce at his side, he passed peacefully. He was born on January 13, 1923 to Sawataro and Yoshi Abo in Paul, Idaho. He was the second youngest of three sisters and five brothers. He grew up on a farm and graduated from Rupert High School in 1941 where he played trumpet and was active in track and gymnastics. For four years he was employed by Abo Brothers on a 300-acre irrigated farm raising hay, grain, row crops, and livestock. On January 23, 1945, George entered active service duty in the United States Army. He served with the 240th Quartermaster Depot Company in Zirndorf Germany and was honorably discharged on November 26, 1946. During that time, he received the Good Conduct Medal, World War II Victory Medal, and Army of Occupation Medal-Germany. He was stationed with occupation forces in Nuremberg, Germany after the German surrender. While he was there, the Nuremberg trials occurred. After his enlistment ended he returned to Paul, Idaho to begin farming. His Japanese immigrant parents were not permitted to purchase or own land, so his family rented land to grow crops. He met Shizue Nishizaki at a Japanese picnic in Twin Falls, Idaho prior to his enlistment in the service and they married on November 27, 1949 at the Twin Falls United Methodist Church. They were able to celebrate 70 years of marriage together last year. They had five children, Pam, David, Steve, Vicki, and Joyce. Eventually he was able to buy land and farmed with his brother Roy until his retirement. He was highly active in the Paul Methodist Church and the Paul American Legion. He served on the Board of the Agricultural Stabilization and Conservation Service. He was an avid bowler and loved playing cards. He and his wife would host pinochle parties for their friends. He learned to fish at a young age from his older brothers and sister and fished almost every reservoir in south central Idaho. He enjoyed taking relatives that came to Idaho to visit. Many relatives still comment on how they remembered those trips. He and his brothers would often call each other to compare where the fish were biting, and they would arrange time to take a break from farming to get in a day or two of fishing.
He was not able to get involved with many activities that his children participated such as 4-H, Little League, band, and library visits, but was always present for night programs, concerts, and high school sports. He knew the value of a college education and financially supported all his children in going to college, something that he was not able to do himself. In return all his children and grandchildren earned college degrees. During the winter months, he started making English toffee. It was a unique way to give Christmas gifts to relatives and friends. He expanded his talent to making peanut brittle, caramels, pecan brittle and truffles. He would make sure that his children received this Christmas candy every year. In turn they would share with their friends who would ask "When is your dad going to send his candy?"
He is preceded in death by his parents, three sisters and four brothers. He is survived by his wife Shizue, his daughter, Pam (Doug Lehrman) Vancouver, Washington, their son, Scott (Kim)Lehrman, Pasco, Washington, their children Ella, Landon, Lily, and Laila. Their daughter, Julie (Matt)Greco, Vancouver, Washington, their children Carson and Camdyn. His son, David (Barb)Abo, Boise, Idaho, their son, Jay (Jennifer)Abo, Boise, Idaho, their children, Alison Douherty and Kira Abo, their son Ryan (Katie)Abo, Watertown Massachusetts, their children Simon, Oscar, and Clover, and their Son Kurt (Annie)Abo, Boise, Idaho. His son, Steve (Christine)Abo, Boise, Idaho, Steve's daughter, Linsey (Gregory Betts) and their children, Elsie Frederick, and Olive. His daughter, Vicki Lehrman, Boise, Idaho and son, Eric Lehrman, Baker City, Oregon, His daughter; Joyce (Tim Praegitzer)Rupert, Idaho, their daughter, Michelle (Greg Martens) Puerto Rico, their children, Sophia and James, their daughter, Sara (Peter Race) San Jose, California. His younger brother Roy Abo, Paul, Idaho.
Our family wishes to thank the staff at Rosetta Assisted Living and Pomerelle Place for the care provided over the past three years. And a special thank you to Kathryn from Harrison Hope Hospice. You are an angel. 
Funeral Service will be held 2:00p.m. Monday, November 23, 2020 at Morrison Payne Funeral Home in Burley, Idaho. Viewing will be held an hour prior to the service at Morrison Payne. Due to Covid-19 the service is limited to family. Service will conclude with burial at the Pleasant View Cemetery for family and friends. In lieu of flowers, please donate to the Paul United Methodist Church. A Celebration of Life is being considered for a later date. Arrangements are under the direction of Morrison Payne Funeral Home.

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