Roberta Anne 'Birdie' Karpach, 79
Roberta Anne "Birdie" Karpach, 79, passed away peacefully in her sleep on Tuesday, Feb. 17, 2015, in Coeur d'Alene.
Roberta was born Sept. 22, 1935, in Redfield, S.D., to Robert Carl and Ravena Mary Schwichtenberg. She lived in Redfield and Butte, Mont., before the family settled in Tacoma, Wash., where she graduated high school. Roberta was the Daffodil Queen during her senior year. She was very proud of her father's occupation, working for the railroads, and enjoyed traveling by train her entire life.
Roberta married Joseph Karpach, Sr., in Aug. 1953 in Tacoma. They moved to Boise, Idaho, in 1967. During their marriage they had four children: JoAnne Marie, Joseph Jr., Michael David and Patrick Allen.
Roberta was in the fruit orchard business in Emmett, Idaho, before she re-opened the historic Bank Club in Eagle, Idaho. She sold the Bank Club and retired, enjoying family, traveling around the world and visiting grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
Roberta later joined the Red Hat Ladies, and was an avid bridge player and Boise State fan. She loved dancing to The Entertainers and attending the Sun Valley Jazz Festival. She was especially known for her love of all things related to birds.
Roberta was preceded in death by her parents; her brother Daniel and his wife Diane; her son Michael; Dr. James and Dorothy Ribar; and her dear friend, Jim Place.
She is survived by her daughter JoAnne Wilson (Steve) of Coeur d'Alene, sons Joseph Jr. and Jannie of Boise, and Patrick Allen (April) of Boise; her sister Mary Lou and Frank Bartenetti of Federal Way, Wash.; 15 nieces and nephews and their families; grandchildren: Shane and Shannon Wilson of Yountville, Calif., Tyler and Angela Wilson of Coeur d'Alene, David Karpach of Boise and Mary Anne Karpach of Boise; great-grandchildren Seton, Marion, and Elliott, and another great-granddaughter on the way.
A small family get-together was held in Coeur d'Alene, and a celebration of life will be held at a later date in Boise.
Yates Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to your favorite charity.