Joseph John Koudelka III

Joseph John Koudelka III passed away on July 10, 2026, in Meridian, Idaho, at the age of 84. 

John was born on October 7, 1941, in Idaho Falls, Idaho, to Joe and Madge Koudelka. He graduated from Nampa High School before serving a faithful two-and-a-half-year mission for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Mexico, an experience that strengthened his lifelong testimony and love of the Savior. 

After returning home, John attended Utah State University, where he worked hard milking cows to put himself through college. During those years, he played softball and first noticed the woman who would become the love of his life, Priscilla. While playing flag football, he admired her from afar, convinced she was out of his league. The very next day, as he sat on the stand preparing to give a talk in church, Priscilla walked forward to sing with the choir and gave him a wink. From that moment on, the rest was history. 

Early in their marriage, John suffered a serious construction accident, falling 17 feet onto a concrete floor. Determined to provide for his growing family, he chose to return to school and earned a degree in Business Management from Brigham Young University. While living in Springville, Utah, John and Priscilla welcomed three children—Joe, Pat, and Pam—and were expecting Jeff. Throughout those years, John continued milking cows to support his young family while working toward his degree. 

After graduation, the family returned to Nampa, where they built a beautiful life together on a small farm on Lake Hazel Road. There they raised nine children, along with Black Angus cattle, which became one of John's greatest hobbies. He took pride in the Little "K" Cattle Company, and with hard work he built a high-quality angus herd known for its excellence. He loved talking cattle and had an eye for exceptional livestock. One of his proudest moments came when he took two prized black angus bulls to a sale in Montana. The bulls earned both Grand Champion and Reserve Grand Champion, an accomplishment he treasured. 

John was a hardworking man whose life was defined by faith, integrity, and service. Through his work in construction, he built many landmarks throughout Idaho that continue to serve the community today, including Nampa City Hall, the Canyon County Courthouse, portions of Nampa High School, the Len B. Jordan Building, and numerous meetinghouses for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. He served as a construction manager for the Church, overseeing projects throughout South America and then in the United States until his retirement. 

Throughout his life, John faithfully served in many callings in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, one of which was serving as a patriarch. He prayerfully gave patriarchal blessings and cherished this sacred responsibility. He approached this calling with deep humility, love, and devotion to the Lord. 

While John accomplished much professionally, nothing meant more to him than his family. He loved hearing about the lives of his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren—their adventures, accomplishments, and everyday experiences. Their visits, phone calls, and stories brought him immense joy and gave him something to look forward to each day. 

John is survived by his beloved wife, Priscilla; his daughter-in-law, Jill Koudelka; his children Pamela (Clark) Moore, Patricia K. Draper, Jeff (Denise) Koudelka, Penni K. Nordstrom, Paulette (Mike) Romeril, Petra (J.D.) Simpson, Judd (Staci) Koudelka, and Jake (Erin) Koudelka; 31 grandchildren; and 24 great-grandchildren. 

He was preceded in death by his parents, Joe and Madge Koudelka; his son, Joe Koudelka; and three beloved grandchildren: J.J., Joshua, and Justin Koudelka. 

Our family extends heartfelt gratitude to the many family members and friends whose visits, phone calls, and acts of kindness brightened his days and reminded him how deeply he was loved. John’s friends were friends for life. 

John will be remembered as a devoted husband, loving father and grandfather, hardworking provider, skilled builder, faithful disciple of Jesus Christ, and loyal friend. His legacy lives on in the family he cherished, the buildings he helped construct, the values he instilled, and the countless lives he touched through quiet acts of service, unwavering faith, and enduring love.

A Memorial service will be held Saturday, July 18, 2026, at 11:00 am, at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 3904 E Greenhurst Rd, Nampa, ID 83686.  Burial will be held at Kohlerlawn following the service.