Early on the morning of March 4, 2019, Wilford Samuel "Sam" Krebs, Jr. passed away peacefully in his sleep at the age of 88 years. Sam was born on October 29, 1930 to Bill and Dorothy Krebs in Pocatello, Idaho. He was the 3rd of 5 children. He grew up on a farm in Pocatello milking cows by hand where he learned the work ethic that would serve him the rest of his life. He diligent-ly did farm chores both before and after school, and as if that didn't require enough energy, he would race the school bus home. He smiled when he re-counted those days saying he was sure the bus driver thought he was crazy! And to top it off he usually beat the bus the several miles home (because of the stops I'm sure). His stories of his childhood floated among the laughter at family gatherings. He pulled some pretty wild shenanigans with his best friend Bill Lystrup, as his kids and grandkids learned. Oh how we loved those stories!
There was a very beautiful neighbor girl he had his eye on, and during his high school years, he would ride his horse down to her house to flirt. He ended up winning that special girl's heart and they were married soon after his high school graduation. Treva became his bride on December 19, 1948. They were later sealed for time and eternity in the Logan, Utah temple.
His first job as a married man was at Ralston Purina Co. in Pocatello. He worked hard and loved his job as a truck driver for Purina. His hard work and honesty soon caught the eye of his supervisors. He was promoted to a "desk job," where he later said he knew the first day, it was a mistake to pen him up indoors at a desk. Restless, he soon found a Purina business to buy where he could work physically and be his own boss. This new business was in the little town of Grace, Idaho. It not only had a Purina feed store, but a little fast food drive-in on the opposite side of the building. It fit exactly what they were looking for so they made the leap and bought the business in 1955, bringing their children Linda, Susan, and Brent with them. Treva worked the drive-in while Sam worked the feed business. The drive-in was affectionately named Treva's Trip Inn. They successfully ran this business for several years before Sam made another leap and bought Grace Hardware. During these years Sam took on a part time job also inseminating cows for the local farmers.
After few years into this business adventure, Gilbert Nelson bought half of the growing hardware business. Sam and Treva added another little girl, Karla, to their family, and soon another new business opportunity emerged. Selling their half of the hardware store, they bought the little grocery store across the street and he became a self taught grocer and butcher. Working hard and long hours, the grocery store proved a keeper. Sam's Market was run by Sam with Treva at his side helping the whole way as usual. They sold Sam's Market to their son Brent in 1987, when their retirement years began.
Throughout his life Sam was extremely adventurous. He acquired his pilot's license and purchased an airplane. Sam and Treva took to the air. Not to be passed up by an opportunity, Sam later bought a Goldwing motorcycle and put Treva on the back to enjoy the United States via motorcycle. Their daughter Linda and son-in-law Ward wanted in on the fun and purchased a Gold-wing of their own. This foursome enjoyed every single moment from the Canadian Rockies to Monument Valley and beyond. Sam had a unique ability to remember every road and campground he went to. He always lead the way because he knew right where he was going including which curve was coming up! He was even talking about these motorcycle trips right to the end of his life. Never having a lull in his life, they also had a fifth wheel in case there was ever a vacant weekend! Sam always took such good care of his lovely bride, going on walks with her to make sure she was alright. Sam and Treva celebrated their 70th wedding anniversary in December. He even wished her happy birthday the day before he died. He became a member of the Grace Lions, Grace Business Association, and the airport committee.
During his lifetime he enjoyed flying his Cessna airplane, riding his Honda Goldwing motorcycle, camping, fishing, hunting and maybe some activities we'd best skip. Sam and Treva were a team throughout life. They went to Nevada and Arizona during the cold winter in their fifth wheel for many years. He loved his family and enjoyed spending time with them. He was a jokester and enjoyed entertaining his family and teasing them.
He is survived by his wife and best friend Treva, their four children, Linda (Sam) Ecker of Grace, Susan Gentry of Soda Springs, Brent (Diane) Krebs of Grace, and Karla (Steve) Rigby of Pocatello, 16 grandchildren and 56 great grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents, one brother Harmon, one sister Toots, a baby sister Pauline, two grandchildren, Kip and Lori Staley, son-in-law Ward Staley, and one great grandchild, Brinlee Mathews. The family would like to thank those "dedicated angels" at Edgewood for the service they provided for our father and still are providing for our mother.
A viewing will be at the Grace Stake Center Friday evening March 8th from 6:00 to 8:00p.m. Funeral services will be held at noon on Saturday March 9th with a viewing from 10:00 to 11:30 a.m. at the Grace Stake Center. Burial will follow at 3:45 p.m. at the Restlawn Memorial Gardens Cemetery in Pocatello.