Robert "Bob" Wilkinson

1928 - 2025

Robert "Bob" J. Wilkinson, 97, of Idaho Falls, Idaho, passed away peacefully on December 23, 2025, at Eastern Idaho Regional Medical Center.

Bob was born on May 26, 1928, in Salinas, California, to Leonard G. Wilkinson and Mable Lawhead Wilkinson. He grew up on his parents' farm outside of Soledad, California, where he learned the values of hard work and family that guided him throughout his life. He attended high school in King City, where he discovered his love for music and became proficient on the saxophone and clarinet. He especially enjoyed playing at school dances, where his musical talent and easygoing personality brought joy to those around him.

After graduation, Bob spent time in San Francisco, where he attended the very first San Francisco 49ers football game at Kezar Stadium in 1946-becoming a lifelong and loyal fan of the team. His adventurous spirit later took him to Yosemite National Park for a season, where he developed a deep appreciation for the outdoors.

When health concerns prevented him from serving in the military, Bob's path led him to Sun Valley, Idaho. There he met his first love, Anne Byington. The two married in Twin Falls, Idaho, in 1955 and together had four children-two of whom were born in the upstairs maternity ward of the historic Sun Valley Lodge, which also served as the area's first hospital.

The family left Sun Valley and settled in Idaho Falls in 1959, where Bob and Anne opened the first Arctic Circle restaurant in the early 1960s. Through dedication, hard work, and community spirit, they expanded to three locations, becoming well-known and respected local business owners.

Bob never left Idaho after falling in love with the Mountain West. He enjoyed tennis, golf, and especially skiing, as well as camping, hiking, exploring ghost towns, and taking long drives-especially through the Teton and Wood River valleys, which he cherished.

After his first marriage ended, Bob married Julie Anne Green on August 6, 1976. Together for 47 wonderful years until Julie's passing on June 25, 2023, they built a blended and loving family. Julie had five children of her own, and their union brought together two families that shared laughter, love, and countless memories.

Bob was gratefully able to remain in his home with the company of his beloved pets right up until the time of his passing. This would not have been possible without the consistent and loving support he had from family, friends, and neighbors.

Bob is survived by his daughters Jenny (Sid McGuire) Emel of Boise; Becky (Dewitt) Marshall of Jerome; and Christy (Roger) Raymond of Driggs, Idaho; his stepdaughters Gina (Steve) Swem of Idaho Falls, Shera (Marty) Plum of Idaho Falls, Tami Rumsey of Idaho Falls; Debbie Nelson of Idaho Falls; 12 grandchildren, 32 great-grandchildren, and 2 great-great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Leonard G. and Mable Wilkinson; his wife, Julie Wilkinson; his sister, Marge Tidwell; stepsons Faron Rumsey and Bradley Rumsey; and James Robert Wilkinson, infant son.

Bob will be remembered for his humor, generosity, love of music, entrepreneurial spirit, and deep devotion to his family. His warmth and zest for life touched everyone who knew him, and his legacy will live on through the many lives he influenced.

A graveside celebration of life will be held at a later date.