Verle Glen Kotter

We are saddened to announce the passing of Verle Glen Kotter, 94, who peacefully passed away surrounded by his loving family on January the 13th 2026, in Idaho falls.

Verle was born on June the 7th 1931, to loving parents, Victor and Edna Kotter. He was raised on their family farm with his four brothers and two sisters, Lamar, Cleon, Keith, Larene, Doris and Doyle. They worked hard growing crops and raising animals.

He met his sweetheart and love of his life Lyla Sanders, while he was on Christmas break from BYU, both of their parents introduced them to each other and they had their first date on New Year's Eve, this was the start of their whirlwind romance that would last forever, On May 31st 1957 they were married in the Idaho Falls temple. They were blessed to expand their family, and they had five children, Alana, Michael, Verla, James and Selina. Their family was built with lots of love and joy; they made lots of memories with laughter that would last forever. They had the perfect love story. He cherished his wife, Lyla. They were blessed with 19 grandchildren and 47 great grandchildren with 3 on the way.

Verle attended Ricks College, which was later put on hold as he was drafted into the United States Army as a communication officer, this took him to Korea where he learned Morse Code, He fought in the Korean war, Verle was very proud to Serve his country, He regularly attended the Veterans program in Firth.

Upon his return from the military, he served a mission for the church of Jesus Christ of latter-day saints to the Central states mission. After his Mission he continued his education at BYU in Provo, Utah and became a graduate of Brigham Young University, He then began his teaching career, he taught in the Firth and Blackfoot school districts, he loved to teach. He later worked for Chesbro’s Music store, Verle loved music It was his passion. He was always humming a tune and could play anything by ear.

His passions were theatre; he was always in a play in firth high school he excelled at putting on the full character. He was also a really good Featherweight boxer this was a highlight for him while at Ricks College. He loved sports. He was a big Utah Jazz and BYU fan.

Verle was a man of honour, integrity and service, He was an active member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, He sought out any opportunity he could to serve anyone he would meet. He loved the Savior, Jesus Christ with all of his heart, his testimony was strong and powerful.

Verle is survived by his children, Alana, Michael (Gina), Verla (Andy) and James (Kirsten), many grandchildren and great grandchildren, brother, Doyle and sister, Doris.

Verle was preceded in death by his parents, his loving wife, Lyla, and his daughter, Selina, his siblings, Lamar, Cleon, Keith, Larene and son-in-law, Curtis.

Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m. Saturday, January 17, 2026 at the Firth Stake Center, 823 N 675 E in Basalt. The family will receive friends Saturday morning from 9:30 a.m. till 10:45 a.m. at the church. Burial will be in the Shelley Hillcrest Cemetery with military rites. Arrangements are under the direction of at Nalder Funeral Home.

Those who would like to participate in the funeral service remotely are invited to view the service on a live broadcast at the following link:

https://zoom.us/j/95113126429

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