PROVIDENCE, UTAH: Jesse J Zollinger, 91, passed away peacefully September 13,2003, at the Providence Assisted Living Center. He was born October 26, 1911, in Providence, Utah.

Jesse was the fourth of eight children born to William R. and Bertha F. Zollinger.Jesse received his early education at the Providence Grade School; however, because of the depression and the need to support his older brother, Homer, on a mission in Switzerland, he had to drop out of school in the 9th grade to help on the farm.

As a young man, Jesse served a mission to the Hawaiian Islands for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Upon his return, he married his sweetheart, Idona Ruth Schow, in the Logan Temple on July 29, 1936. Early in their marriage, they ran the Island Floral and Nursery on third South in Logan that had previously been run by Idona's grandfather, Ola Larson.

With Jesse's father and brother they also partnered to operate the Zollinger family farm east of River Heights. In addition to the nursery, Jesse managed the fruit production on the farm. In 1948 they sold the nursery and built a home on the fruit farm in River Heights. Jesse built a business that became widely known for its quality berries, cherries, and especially apples and cider. The farm has become a landmark of beauty and industry in Cache Valley. Not only has Jesse been credited with teaching a strong work ethic to numerous young people who earned spending money by picking fruit at his farm, but he and Idona have instilled that value in their eight children as well.

In 1964, the Blacksmith Fork Soil Conservation District named him Conservation Farmer of the Year. In addition to his work as a full time farmer, Jesse was the Sexton for the Providence Cemetery for 27 years and served as the president and secretary for the Spring Creek Water Company for over 36 years.

An active member of the LDS Church, Jesse was active in various leadership positions in both the church and the community. With Idona he filled a second mission in England from 1980 to 1981 and they served as officiators in the Logan Temple for several years.

Although Jesse was never able to return to school, he loved to read and learned to write with style and grace. During the last few months of his life he read all nine volumes of Gerald Lund's Mormon pioneer narrative, The Work and the Glory.

An avid genealogist, he has researched, written and assembled multiple volumes about his ancestors in addition to writing his own personal history-a truly valuable legacy for his family. Jesse had a great love for his country, the land he farmed, his religion and his family. He was known for his strength of character, integrity and deep faith in Jesus Christ.

He will be greatly missed by both family and friends. Jesse is survived by his wife, Idona Ruth, of Providence, Utah, and his eight children: Jerry (JuDean) Zollinger, Claremont, CA; Carol (Irvine) Barfuss, Los Gatos, CA: Wendell (Camma) Zollinger, Silver Spring, MD; Linda (Wendell) Morse, Logan, UT; Lorin (Jerri) Zollinger, River Heights, UT; Donna (Seldon) Daniels, Bothell, W A; Ron (Daina) Zollinger, River Heights, UT; and Joyce (Joel) Beasley, Bloominton, IN. He is also survived by his 47 grandchildren, 57 great-grandchildren and three brothers: Clinton (Ethel deceased) Zollinger, Dallas (Margaret) Zollinger and Chester (Mary) Zollinger. He was preceded in death by three sisters and their husbands: Ruth (Kenneth) Everett, Rachel (Basil) Folkman, and June (Eldon) Bingham; one brother and his wife: Homer (Trudy) Zollinger and two grandchildren: Debra J. Zollinger and Spencer H. Smith.

Funeral services will be held at 12:00 pm on Thursday, September 18, in the Providence Stake Center at 800 S. 600 E., River Heights, Utah. Friends and family may call from 6:30 to 8:30 on Wednesday, September 17, at the Allen-Hall Mortuary, and from 10:30-11 :30 a.m. at the stake center on Thursday. Burial will be in the Providence Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the LDS Perpetual Education Fund in his memory. Online condolences may be sent to the family at www.allenhallmortuary.com