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Francisco Chapa Saldaña

May 1, 1943 - Sep. 26, 2024

Date of Service: Oct. 5, 2024

HEYBURN – Francisco “Frank” Chapa Saldaña, an 81-year-old resident of Heyburn, returned to his Heavenly Father on Thursday, September 26, 2024.

Frank was born May 1, 1943, in Uvalde, Texas, to Francisco Mendoza and Eva Galvan Chapa Saldaña. He was the sixth of nine children – six sons and three daughters. As a young man growing up, his family traveled to many states for work. He learned from an early age about the meaning and importance of hard work and commitment to family and faith.

In 1962, when Frank was 18 years old, his family moved to Burley, Idaho. He, along with his brothers, helped his father with the small farm their family had purchased.

In March of 1963, Frank married the love of his life, Lois Marie Boswell. They would both tell you that it was love at first sight, and that love spanned 61 years of marriage and commitment to each other. They bought their home in Heyburn and raised three children, Tina, Frank Jr., and Mashell, who all still reside in the area.

Frank was a wonderful provider for his family and he became employed with a local Burley farmer in 1963 and then later at Ore-Idaho Foods. A few short years later he went to work for the State of Idaho, USDA Potato Inspection Service, and worked for them for 40 years. He was very dedicated and he also ran many of the seasonal crews during harvest for them. He was very proud of his accomplishments as a USDA Potato Inspector.

Frank loved fishing and camping with Lois and his three children. During the summers they enjoyed their many trips to Lake Cleveland. Frank also loved fishing at Oakley Reservoir, Minidoka Dam, and Alturas Lake. In his early 70s he bought a boat so he could get out there where the big fish were. He and Lois also planted a bountiful garden of vegetables each summer and worked on it together. They enjoyed working side by side in their yard and garden and they kept both looking so nice.

You could find Frank in one of the local coffee shops on any given day having a few cups of coffee, which he loved, with his coffee buddies. He made friends easily and enjoyed the company of the people he encountered there. He enjoyed telling jokes and making people laugh. He loved life and wanted others to as well. He had the respect and love of so many people because of his honest and caring nature.

There are no words to express how much he will be missed by his family and friends.

He is survived by his wife, Lois Saldaña of Heyburn; his children, Tina Saldaña Hanssen of Rupert, Frank Saldaña Jr. of Heyburn, and Mashell Saldaña (AJ Wolf) of Twin Falls; his brother, Adolfo (Eloise) Saldaña of Burley; his grandchildren, Jaime Hanssen, Tyler Hanssen, and Justin Pederson; and a great-grandson, Jeffrey Bernabe Diaz.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Francisco and Eva Saldaña; his brothers, Saul Saldaña, Abel Saldaña, Adam Saldaña, and Florencio “Frez” Saldaña; his sisters, Eva Saldaña, Rosie Saldaña, and Mary Saldaña; and his son-in-law, Jeffrey Scott Hanssen.

The family expresses sincere appreciation to the staff and CNAs of Minidoka Memorial Hospital, Countryside Care and Rehabilitation, Rosetta Assisted Living, and Hospice Visions. Thank you for the wonderful care given to our loved one.

The funeral will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday, October 5, at Rasmussen-Wilson Funeral Home, located at 1350 E. 16th Street, in Burley, where family and friends will be received from 5 until 7 p.m. Friday, October 4, and one hour prior to the funeral on Saturday. Officiating will be Pastor Travis Turner. Burial will follow at Pleasant View Cemetery in Burley.

A live webcast of the Funeral Service will be available and maintained at the following link: https://youtu.be/yiVO-Gts6w0.

Condolences for Francisco Chapa Saldaña

Comments may be screened and removed by the staff as deemed appropriate.

From Monica Rose Riverside Electric :

Tina, My sincerest condolences to you and your family. May you look back on the precious memories and find peace in knowing that your father raised an amazing person.”

From Dee Ann Jacobsen Holm:

So sorry for your loss. I have many fond memories of "neighbor Frank". Your family is in our prayers at this time.

From Marjorie Jensen:

RIP I remember him when he worked for Ore Ida when I worked at the O @ W truck stop.He was always playing jokes.Later worked with his wife.Your in my thoughts and Prayers.

From Elena Mejia Perez :

Lois and family, our condolences to all of you.

From Connie Harkness :

Im so sorry to hear of Franks passing . It was a honor to have been able to be around Frank everyday.. He made my day much more enjoyable and bearable . So sorry to hear of his passing Lois. If I could have wrote a book about us and the crazy times it would be a best seller.

From Charlene White:

So sorry to hear of the passing of your beloved Husband and Father .
Frank was a kind and living man and I enjoyed our visits with you all when I've came to stay at Mashells and AJ's . Sending you all love and hugs during this hard time . I'm sending you each a gift that I hope reminds you he is always near . Mashell and AJ will bring them to you. Love you all and thinking of you all .
Love Charlene

From John Walsh:

Had many a chat with Frank at the Wayside, and always got something out of them. Frank had a quick mind and a quick wit. My condolences to his family.
John Walsh in Western New York

From Pastor Rick Molina, Kristine:

Frank was a good friend to Kristine and I, he will be missed by many. Our condolences to the family. I knew Frank since I was 15 years old. He intimidated me because of his strong voice. It wasn’t until he smiled at me that I realized he was harmless. I did enjoy his jokes and laughed at his interaction with others. He was full of life and always had an encouraging word for me. He would often asking me what I was going to do with my life. He would stand up for me when other coffee drinkers would say I was gonna be a dishwasher all my life. Pearl diver as they put it. He would tell them I was strong and smart and that all they had to do was watch me excel in where ever I decided to go. Thank you Frank. I got a chance to visit him a couple of days before he passed. He was still happy and remembered me, which brought a tear to my eye. I will always remember him. Love you Louis, Tina, Franky, and Mashell!

From Russ and Lisa Patterson :

Tina
We got to know Frank from inspection of our potatoes at the plants. He was always very helpful, knowledgable, and respectful. We have always admired him!

From Rosalinda n Jonah Burns :

Lois n Tina n family my condolences to you all. You will be in my prayers. Sending my love n hugs. Frank will sure be miss n he was a great man. May he R.I.P

From Mary Withrow:

Oh Tina, I am so sorry to learn of your Dad’s passing. I know you were very close. Thinking warm thoughts for you and your family. Take good care.

From Kathleen May:

Lois and family, my heart goes out to you all as you grieve the loss of your beloved Frank. May you find comfort and healing in the arms of The Savior.

From Lorie Casey:

My heart goes out to the family . I’m so sorry for your loss. Frank was a sweet man. Met him when I had my first job as a waitress at Adam’s Cafe. Also him and his wife were my in-laws neighbors, kids loved going to there house on Halloween. He will be missed my many. Love you guys

From Virginia Ortega Pollard:

Frank had another gift besides the gift of humor. It must have been in the 70’s he attended our small church where my Father pastored. God touched his heart about that time. It was also about the same time when the song “Why Me Lord” made famous by Kris Kristofferson’s song became popular. My fondest memory of Frank was to hear Frank sing that song. He’d get up on the platform and sing with all his heart. When he was done singing we’d all be in tears. And that’s because he meant every word of that song. He was everyone’s favorite soloist. I’m sure he touched Gods heart also.
Today when I think of Frank singing this song it still blesses me.

From Lori Bird:

I started waited on Frank or Frankie baby has he was know to me, my children and grandchildren! Was the best friend to all of us. He always made us laugh. He was always the light of the day when he came in the Wayside. As he got old we saw him less and less. But when he showed up. He was still that fun guy. He will remain in my heart forever! One of my lifelong favorites. RIP MY SWEET FRIEND. Condolences to his amazing wife Lois and his kids.

From Connie Johnson:

Dear Mashell and family. Sorry for your loss. Our hearts go out to you all. Hugs for strength. Love to all

From Liz and Salvador Ruiz and family:

Tina, our thoughts and prayers are with you, Lois, Frank Jr , Michelle, and the Saldana family during this difficult time. God bless.

From Phyllis and Jack Garner:

We are so sorry for your loss. Keeping you and your family in prayer.

From Michelle Andersen:

Frankie Tina Ruben and sweet Lois : I’m so very sorry . My heart goes out to your entire family Please know I care and I’m thinking of you in prayer

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