Shane Travis Arnzen

Shane Travis Arnzen, 47, of Craigmont, passed away April 14, 2025 in Nezperce, Idaho.  Shane was born May 16, 1977 to Dale and Char (Bovey) Arnzen in Lewiston, Idaho. 

Shane spent his childhood on the family farm in and around Craigmont.  He attended Highland High School and graduated in 1996.

After high school, Shane worked for his grandpa, Maurice Bovey, until realizing his true love of auctioneering and cattle.  Shane attended Western College of Auctioneering in Billings, Montana then came home and started trading cows and doing several auctions in the region ranging from benefit to 4-H to estate auctions.  Shane was an excellent auctioneer and could quickly get the attention of any room with his salesman “one liners” and quick wit.

Shane’s first horse he ever owned was named “Lady”, he dearly loved the horse and went on rides frequently and every time he would leave the house that horse would only go to the 4th electrical pole and then return to the house. So, every time Shane would saddle up “Lady” his famous line was “to the 4th pole and back Lady”! Shane’s other pet he held dear to his heart was a border collie dog named “Flash”. While only a dog he was our farming mascot and kept comedy amongst the workday. Flash was a regular at several local watering holes and knew every back road from the bar to their home. We often believe that “Flash” probably even drove home on some occasions from the bar.

In 2017 Shane was given a second chance at life and chose Coors Edge (non-alcoholic) over Coors Light and was proudly sober until the day he died.

Shane worked in sales yards throughout the northwest and wherever Shane went the cattle followed.  He was extremely smart and any cattle deal he did was always in his head and never on paper.

Shane never met a stranger and had friends from every walk of life. This may come as a shock to some, but he could talk the horns off a billy goat. Shane will be greatly missed by all that knew him.

Shane is survived by his mother, Char; brothers: Brett (Amy) and Jared (Madison) Arnzen along with nieces: Maci and Teagan; and nephews, Macklin and Maverick with another one on the way.  He is also survived by his maternal grandmother, LaVina Bovey, many aunts and uncles and cousins. 

Preceding Shane in death, his partners in crime and best friends: Dale, his dad and Maurice, his grandfather.

A graveside service will be held at 1 PM on Thursday, April 24th at the Craigmont Cemetery with Rosary and Mass to follow at 3 PM at St. Anthony Catholic Church in Greencreek. Please join the family for a reception in Greencreek Hall. Come join us with a toast and stories in Shane’s honor. 

In honor of Shane and his auctioneering of many non-profit events, in lieu of flowers please consider donating to a local non-profit of your choice.

Funeral arrangements are under the care of Accent Funeral Home of Meridian and Blackmer Funeral Home of Grangeville.