August 23, 1929 - August 26, 2026
Date of Service: Oct. 9, 2026
Edward Wayne Wilske
August 23, 1929 - August 26, 2026
Barbara Covert Wilske
October 26, 1932 - June 3, 2021
Dear Mom and Dad, we thank you for the way we were raised, the role models you were, and the good times we had as a family. We danced, laughed and cried together throughout life!!!
Our dear mother and father, Barbara and Wayne Wilske passed away in Reno, Nevada. Though they were longtime residents in Rupert, Idaho, they moved to Reno in 1999 to be closer to family.
Mother passed away June 3, 2021, at the age of 88, and Dad passed away August 26, 2026, at the age of 97. Mom and Dad were married for 68 years. Their wish was to be buried together at the same time. As always, Mom has been patiently waiting.
Mom was born in Rupert, Idaho, and was the oldest daughter of Aline Rupard Covert and Clifton LeRoy Covert. Mom has shared many fond memories of her childhood, roaming wild and free in the hills while her father tended his flock of sheep.
Barbara worked for many years at Minidoka Dam for the Department of Wildlife. When the office was dissolved, she worked for the Bureau of Reclamation, also at Minidoka Dam, where she retired in 1994. She knew every pothole in the road to the “Dam.”
Mom participated in many community organizations and could never refuse a request to volunteer. She was a member of the Minidoka Memorial Hospital Auxiliary Group as a “Pink Lady” for more than 20 years. Mom also volunteered for the Red Cross Blood Drive and Health Fair, Caring and Sharing, Rupert Alumni Committee and the Rupert Voting Poles.
Dad was born in American Falls, Idaho, and was the oldest son of Eva Haberer Wilske and Edward Wilske.
The family moved from American Falls in 1943 to Minidoka Dam where Wayne grew up going to school at Acequia, Idaho. Wayne had many fond memories of his childhood; driving school bus at the age of 16, playing basketball for Acequia with the likes of Thurm Hess, under the coaching of Paul McCoy. He furthered his education at the Albion Normal College.
Wayne worked for many years as a carpenter for Wright Brothers Construction, to include working on the original Sun Valley Hospital. He retired with 39 years of service with the Idaho National Guard with the rank of Master Sergeant. He and mom really enjoyed his 34 years as a member of the Snake River Flats (a men’s barbershop chorus), where Dad was involved in several quartets. Dad loved to perform and sing. In addition, he participated in many various Rupert community organizations; Boy Scouts and coaching in various sports for Rupert Parks and Recreation.
Wayne and Barbara were very active in the Rupert Methodist Church and loved their “church family.” They both held several officer positions and sang for numerous years in the church choir. At church, Mom was known as the Hat Lady. She took great pleasure in wearing one of her many “church” hats to Sunday services.
Mom and Dad loved retirement life. They made Quartzsite, Arizona, their second home in the winter for many years. Dad and his coffee buddies were a staple at Sophie’s for years. They were instrumental for completing several honey-do-lists for the community widowers.
Mom also enjoyed meeting up for coffee and Saturday breakfast with her “coffee buddies.” She spent her free time gardening in their yard on H street and enjoying a good book.
Wayne and Barbara are survived by their daughters, Cindy Kildow (Rod) and Gae Lynne Cooper; Dad’s brother, Reuben Wilske (Louise); Mom’s sister, Veneta Weber; their brother-in-law. Al Jones; five granddaughters, Kelli Jones, Brooke Garrett, Lacy Cooper, Lindsey Solberg and Neelie Kildow; six great-grandchildren; and numerous cousins, nieces and nephews.
Dad and Mom’s lives will be celebrated at 1 p.m. Friday, October 9, at the Rupert United Methodist Church, located at 605 H Street. Burial will follow at Rupert Cemetery. Military rites, in honor of Wayne’s devoted service to the United States Army National Guard, be be provided by the Idaho Army National Guard and the Mini-Cassia Veterans Group.
In lieu of flowers, the family welcomes donations to Rupert United Methodist Church.
Arrangements have been entrusted to the care of Rasmussen-Wilson Funeral Home of Burley.
