Robert 'Bob' Allyn Riplinger, 64

Robert “Bob” Allyn Riplinger, 64, of Idaho Falls passed from this life to his Heavenly Father on April 3, 2010, at Eastern Idaho Regional Medical Center from complications of Polycystic Kidney and Crohn’s diseases.

Bob was born Nov. 28, 1945, in Coeur d’Alene. He was adopted by John (Jack) G. and Kathleen Hobson Riplinger. He graduated from Immaculate Heart of Mary High School in Coeur d’Alene. He attended North Idaho College, University of Washington, Oregon Health Sciences University and Mt. Hood College of Mortuary Science.

Bob worked in the finance industry as branch manager in wholesale and retail financing. He worked for Sunshine Mining in Kellogg. He was a mortician’s apprentice at English Funeral Chapel in Coeur d’Alene, Downard’s Funeral Home in Pocatello, and Pegg, Paxson and Springer Funeral Home in Beaverton, Ore., where he obtained his mortuary science degree. He worked as a licensed mortician and funeral director for Hennessey Funeral Home in Spokane, Wash., Buck-Sullivan Funeral Home in Idaho Falls and part time at Coltrin Mortuary. His compassion, competence and dedication will be remembered by the many families he served. His friends and family benefited from his high tech computer expertise.

Bob was in the U.S. Army, Idaho National Guard, U.S. Army Reserves from 1964 until 1972, serving his country during the Vietnam crisis and honorably discharged in 1972.

Bob married Kathy Burke, divorcing in 1978. They had one adopted daughter, Barbara. In 1986, Bob married the love of his life, Marlene.

Bob was a member of the National Kidney Foundation, Kiwanis, Rotary, Coeur d’Alene Jaycees, was president of Gem State Dialysis Patients’ Association and Chasewood Homeowners Association.

Bob participated in competitive water skiing, snowmobiling, boating, golfing, fishing and hunting. He enjoyed the many “camping” friends made at 7N Ranch and Heise.

He is survived by his wife, Marlene of Idaho Falls; daughter Barbara Aparicio of Post Falls; sister Jill (Terry) Best of Leesburg, Ind.; stepsons David Covert of Anchorage, Alaska, and Darrell (Janine Covert of Pocatello; eight grandchildren, one great-granddaughter, many nieces and nephews; two birth siblings and a birth aunt. Polycystic Kidney and Crohn’s diseases are genetic in his birth family.

Bob was preceded in death by his parents; a brother, Bill and grandparents.

Funeral services will be at held at 2 p.m. Saturday, April 10, 2010, at Coltrin Mortuary, 2100 First St., Idaho Falls. The family will visit with friends one hour prior to the services. Military rites will be performed by the Bonneville County Veterans Team and the Idaho Honor Guard.

Memorials may be made to the Polycystic Kidney Foundation, 8330 Ward Parkway, Suite 510, Kansas City, Missouri 64114-2000, (800) 753-2873.

The family extends their sincere thanks to the doctors and staff of ICU-A at Eastern Idaho Regional Medical Center for their compassion and dedication. Also, the family gives their thanks and appreciation to the Drs. Rahim and staff at Idaho Kidney Center and to the staff of Gem State Dialysis.

Online condolences may be sent to the family at www.coltrinmortuary.com.