Kenneth Bruce Bigler

1940 - 2025

Kenneth Bruce Bigler, beloved husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, and friend, returned home to his Heavenly Father on September 12, 2025, at the age of 85.

Born on June 15, 1940, to Earl and Thora Bigler in Blackfoot, Idaho, Bruce grew up surrounded by family, faith, and a deep love for the outdoors. He was a graduate of Blackfoot High School and went on to study percussion at Ricks College on scholarship before continuing his education at Brigham Young University. Alongside his love of music, he also developed a passion for building and creating with his hands, becoming a Journeyman plumber and later holding a Contractor's License.

On May 31, 1966, Bruce married the love of his life, Rae Arlene Stone, in the Idaho Falls Idaho Temple. Together, they built a beautiful life rooted in faith, hard work, and family. Their journey took them from Blackfoot to Rexburg, Provo, Seattle, and back again, with every home filled with laughter, love, and music.

Bruce was a devoted disciple of Jesus Christ and a lifelong member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. His faith shaped his life and service: he served a mission in the Central Atlantic States Mission, set apart by Joseph Fielding Smith, an experience he always described as "the best decision I ever made." Bruce went on to serve in many callings, including as a Young Men's leader, Scoutmaster, Ward Clerk, in Sunday School presidencies, in Elders Quorum and High Priest leadership, and in Bishoprics. One of his greatest joys was serving as a temple officiator with Rae for five years, calling it "the best calling in the Church."

His love of service extended to the community as well. He was an active leader in the Boy Scouts of America, earned his Wood Badge, and influenced countless young men with his example of integrity and kindness. Professionally, he worked at Ernst Hardware in Seattle, Tanner Welding in Blackfoot, and West Side Plumbing and Heating, which he later owned. After its closing, he enjoyed driving for Pocatello Regional Transit before restarting the plumbing business with his son Mark, which they ran together for 15 more years.

Bruce's life was filled with adventure, music, and family. As a child, he loved spending time at the family ranch in Greys Lake with his horse, Paint, and later passed that tradition on to his children and grandchildren through camping trips and reunions. He was an avid water and snow skier, loved road trips, and never missed the chance to take a deep breath of mountain air. He coached little league baseball and basketball, sang with a rich tenor voice, and played the drums in both college and church bands.

Above all, Bruce cherished his family. He adored his wife Rae and treasured the many adventures they shared together-traveling, camping in their fifth wheel, riding their four-wheeler, and gathering with their children and grandchildren for holidays and reunions. His children and grandchildren were his pride and joy, and he found happiness in every concert, game, and milestone. He once wrote in his journal after listing the struggles of his family, "I think we all need to go camping"-a testament to his love of togetherness and his simple, grounding wisdom.

As his earthly journey drew to a close, Bruce expressed peace and anticipation at being reunited with his parents and loved ones who have gone before him. He left his family with the loving charge to "love God and love your neighbor."

Bruce is survived by his devoted wife of 59 years, Rae Bigler of Farmington, UT; their nine children: Joseph (Julie) Bigler of Chubbuck, ID; Ann (Matthew) Andreasen of Kaysville, UT; Mark (Linda) Bigler of Blackfoot, ID; Sandi (Trevor) Bigler of Layton, UT; Dwight Bigler of Christiansburg, VA; Nathan (Marci) Bigler of St. Louis, MO; Grant (Tasha) Bigler of Centerville, UT; Brenda (Adam) Nickell of Idaho Falls, ID; and Matthew (Natalie) Bigler of St. George, UT. He is also survived by his sisters Nancy (Stan) Williams of Pingree, ID, and Wendy (Peter) Brooks of Lehi, UT, and step-siblings Kathy (Lynn) Farris Wootton and Larry (Jan) Farris; along with 29 grandchildren and 7 great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Earl and Thora Bigler, infant sister Christine Bigler, a grandson, Dallin Andreasen, stepmother Betty Bigler; and stepbrother Jeff Farris.

Bruce's legacy is one of faith, family, hard work, and love. He will be remembered for his kind heart, his quick smile, his love of music and the outdoors, and the way he made everyone feel valued and important.

We love you Dad.

Funeral services will be held at 11:00am Tuesday, September 16th, 2025 at the Blackfoot Stake Center, 1650 Highland Dr., Blackfoot, ID. Friends and family are welcome to attend the viewing from 9:00am to 10:45 prior to the service. Services are under the direction of Hawker Funeral Home.