Brandon Michael Wertz

Brandon Michael Wertz

Born: May 4, 1987 - Passed: July 16, 2025

Caldwell, Idaho

Brandon Michael Wertz passed away on July 16, 2025, in Caldwell, ID, due to a car accident. He was 38 years old. Brandon was born on May 4, 1987, in Nampa, ID, to Steven Jay Wertz and Tammy Lyn Wertz. He was the youngest of three sons and is survived by his two older brothers, Jake Wertz and Travis Wertz, both of Nampa, ID.

Brandon spent his early years growing up in Nampa. He attended Centennial Elementary School, West Junior High, and graduated from Greenleaf Friends Academy. He went on to study Fire Ecology at The College of Western Idaho, Anthropology at Boise State University, and Microbiology at a college in Mayville, North Dakota. Over the years, he earned several U.S. Forestry certifications and was always expanding his knowledge and skills.

On May 4, 2010, Brandon married Katie Perry in Weiser, ID. Together, they built a life rooted in nature and adventure. They homesteaded on 13 acres in Council, ID, where they raised horses, goats, chickens, and tended to a large garden. The family had seven dogs who were always on alert-especially when it came to keeping the bears away. Brandon and Katie had two children, Jude and Lily Wertz, who were the pride and joy of his life.

Professionally, Brandon worked as an Electrician Assistant and as a U.S. Forest Service Firefighter. He had a deep connection to the outdoors, which reflected in both his work and hobbies. He was passionate about hunting-particularly deer and elk-and loved hiking, snowboarding, whitewater rafting, and cliff jumping. He found great joy in trekking the Cuddy Mountains and was always looking for the next adrenaline rush. He was a fierce competitor from a young age, playing youth football and basketball all through high school.

Brandon had a special ability to make people laugh. His humor was a constant in his life, and he loved nothing more than seeing others smile. He often joked that his first favorite toy wasn't a toy at all-it was simply "being outside." Whether working or playing, Brandon gave it his all, and most days, there wasn't much difference between the two.

He also had a generous and compassionate spirit. He would give the shirt off his back to someone in need. Once, he collected winter blankets and socks to help those living under the bridges along the Snake River. He also rewired an elderly man's home so he could use a CPAP machine, all without expecting anything in return. Brandon had a soft spot for animals too. He once rescued and rehabilitated a baby bunny and a wounded bird-a common coot. But when a rattlesnake showed up in his garden, he dispatched it with no hesitation. Then, in true Brandon fashion, gave it a little "kiss on the head" before skinning it. Goodbye, snake.

He loved foraging for wild morel mushrooms and huckleberries and was known for knowing exactly where the best patches were. He often took friends and family on those foraging adventures. Music was another major part of Brandon's life. It helped him process difficult times, and he wrote and performed many original songs. A recent favorite was "Save My Soul"-a reflection of his faith and longing for healing. One lyric stood out to him: "Can you save my soul, 'cause I need you."

Brandon had a deep belief in Jesus as his Savior. He prayed, even through his struggles, and held onto what some might call a mustard seed of faith.

He met Katie through his brother, Travis, and the two of them were always on some sort of adventure-cutting wood, butchering animals, or just living the homesteading life in Council. Even though their relationship later changed, Brandon's love for their children never wavered. He hoped that the broken dreams brought by addiction and recovery could one day be healed-for himself, and especially for Jude and Lily.

Brandon was an unexpected gift from God to the Wertz family. He brought laughter, love, and sometimes tears-but always heart. His life was one built on grit, passion, joy, and deep purpose. He believed in living fully and giving generously.

We miss him deeply. And we hope that, in some way, his short but powerful life touched yours.