Born: Friday Jul-27-1956
Died: Thursday Mar-05-2026
Funeral: Friday Mar-13-2026

Morrison Funeral Home
& Crematory
188 S. Hwy 24
Rupert, Idaho 83350
Contact and Directions

Pastor Brian J Bell was born July 27, 1956 in Rexburg, Idaho to Lorea Miller (deceased January 24, 2026) and Darrel Bell (deceased December 13, 1978).

He is survived by his wife, Tammy Bell, eldest brother, Bryce Bell, and youngest sister, Sue Wilson. He was preceded in death by his younger sister, Leslie Stedtfeld.

Brian is the father of five children: Kirk Brian Bell, Holly Bell Bailey, David Kristian Bell, Nicole Kayla Bell, and Riley Johnathan Goodrich.

He is the proud Grandpa to eight wonderful grandbabies: Mackaylee Bailey, Kohen Bell, Brynlee Bailey, Elijah Bailey, Layla Chestnut-Bell, Cleopatra Stukenholtz, and two Bell baby boys expected to arrive in April.

Brian attended Madison High School where he graduated in 1974. He was an avid musician, playing the cornet in pep and jazz bands. He was also an accomplished martial artist, attaining his black belt in Kung Fu. During his youth, Brian’s siblings were no stranger to hijinks and teasing. Bryce recalls a time when Brian was 4 or 5 years old where he convinced his younger brother to stick his tongue to a metal railing. Of course it stuck and Brian lost a little skin when pulling it away. It’s no coincidence that one of Brian’s and his children’s favorite movies during the holidays is “A Christmas Story,” famous for a similar scene.

His youngest sister Sue recalls every New Years Eve when their parents would attend a Lion’s Club New Year’s Eve event how Brian and their sister, Leslie, would go to Idaho Falls and get McDonald’s then go bowling after. She described it as a “big thing,” for them. She also recalls riding on Brian’s Yamaha motorcycle at their family property in Island Park. Brian would purposefully find the bumpiest roads simply to give her a scare. She also recalls their dad having an incredibly strong work ethic which trickled down to Brian.

Brian eventually met Kim Berger (Lindstrom) over a CB radio which led their first date in 1976 when he came home after attending Boise State University for two years to help with cleanup efforts following the Teton Dam Flood and to assist in the family welding shop following Darrell Bell's passing in 1978. They were eventually married on February 19, 1979. While living in Rexburg, Brian continued to work at their family welding shop with his brother Bryce and the Food Center grocery store. Brian and Kim became proud parents to Kirk (1980), Holly (1982), and David (1988) before eventually relocating to Soda Springs, ID in 1989 for a new job opportunity as a territorial sales representative for Associate Foods. While living in Soda Springs, they welcomed one more child, Nicole (1991), to this earth. They were divorce in 1994 but maintained a good friendship which grew closer over the years and remained that way through his passing.

In 1995, Brian relocated to Paul, ID due to work requirements. Kirk followed him roughly one year later in January 1997.

In the summer of 1998, Brian and Kirk moved to Burley, ID where they were joined by Holly shortly thereafter.

While living in the Magic Valley, Brian forged very close friendships. Chad Van Tassel, a close work colleague and good friend, recalls his commitment to his children's visitation weekends. Chad described it as the pinnacle moment every two weeks when he drove to Pocatello to meet Kim at the McDonald’s parking lot where he would pick them up and drop them off through the entirety of their children’s youth. Chad and Brian worked together for over 28 years and maintained their friendship after his retirement in June 2024 as the territory manager for DeJarnett Sales.

Brian began attending Mini-Cassia Faith Center in 1995 where he took on the role of assistant pastor under Jason VanBuskirk in 1999. Jason and Brian built a strong friendship during their time together. Jason described their pastoral relationship with Brian being the even-keeled, level heart and mind that evened out Jason’s high energy and vibrant approach in the congregation.

Often in imparting a message to parishioners, Jason recalls Brian often saying “You need to tell the truth in love and not just love to tell the truth.” This strikes to the kind heart that most who knew Brian when pointing out his strongest attributes in conjunction with his unwavering faith.

In the year 2000, Brian met Tammy while they attended the Mini-Cassia Faith Center. Tammy was married at the time to her late husband, Earl. After Earl’s passing, Brian would go to Tammy’s house and mow her lawn. He did so in a quiet and respectful manner. It was in-and-out. Eventually they started dating and eventually attended a conference in Eugene, OR where they really got to know each other. Eventually Brian knew she was the one. On the night he proposed to Tammy, she had already told her friend, Shanin VanBuskirk (wife to Jason), that she was going to propose to Brian if he did not. He got down on one knee with a rose, asking Tammy to be his wife. She has been the love of his life ever since. They were betrothed on July 13, 2002 and were married over 23 years prior to his passing. Brian embraced Tammy’s son, Riley, as his own.

Tammy recalls Brian dancing in front of her to make her laugh and their dog, Liberty Bell, would begin dancing, too. She recalls seven memorable trips they took together and countless camping trips where they were able to create so many different memories. Some of their favorite travels were to go see and support their grandchildren, fondly known to Tammy as their grandbabies, in their multitude of activities ranging from choir concerts, plays, dance performances, basketball games, or simply to just be present in their lives. The love for family was always emphasized when the annual Bell Party would come around each summer welcoming family and friends, both near and far.

Most everyone who encountered Brian would speak to his character in a similar thread. He is a man of undiluted faith, honest and objective truth, beneficial kindness, and clear love. Jesus was the center of his life.

As an avid runner you could often see him wearing one of his numerous race shirts along with either Boise State Broncos or Chicago Bears apparel. The Fit One race in Boise was one that he looked forward to with his daughter Nicki, son Kirk, and Kirk’s eldest children, Kohen and Layla. Tammy would often be waiting for them at the finish line.

A celebration of his life will be held at 11:00 a.m. Friday, March 13, 2026 at the Amazing Grace Fellowship, 711 21st Street, in Heyburn.  Urn placement will follow in the Paul Cemetery.  Services are under the direction of Morrison Funeral Home, located on the Burley, Rupert Highway.

In lieu of flowers, Tammy and the family have asked that you make a donation in Brian’s name to St Luke's Cancer Institute. The link is provided below:

https://stlukesonline.org/en/giving/our-foundations/treasure-valley-foundation/

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