Talmage Kugath

2007 - 2023

Talmage Kugath returned to his heavenly home after 16 years on this earth on Sunday, November 26, 2023. He was sincerely loved and will be fiercely missed. There will be a viewing Friday, December 1st from 6-8 PM at Flamm Funeral Home and again on Saturday, December 2nd from 9:30-10:30 AM at the Crest Haven Ward Building, 1070 S. 2nd E. Rexburg. His funeral will be held following the Saturday viewing at 11:00AM. His interment will be in the Sugar City Cemetery.

Talmage was a Rexburg native, born at Madison Memorial Hospital to Serena and Steven Kugath. From Lincoln Elementary to Madison Senior High where he was a Junior at the time of his passing. Talmage was a renaissance man. His pursuits ranged from avid soccer player, bold black diamond skier, adventurous scouter, relentless tennis and pickleball player, robotics enthusiast, a Duolingo-ist, Pokemon-Go/Minecraft/Super Smash Bros aficionado, and even a reluctant ballroom dancer. Talmage was also intellectually gifted and loved word puzzles and riddles. He took on scholastic challenges such as AP classes and foreign languages. Talmage's powerful spirit and heartwarming smile could light up any room, making even the most ordinary moments extraordinary.

As the beloved #8 child, in a lively family of ten kids, his banter provided comic relief. He was responsible for dishing out the best retorts, sarcasm, and wisecracks. As the beloved uncle of 12 young nieces and nephews, he was both the fun and the funny. In particular, Talmage was tender with his infant nephews and nieces, talking to them in a funny duck voice, always happy to snuggle them, as well as nibble constantly on their fingers and toes. This was evidenced at a birthday party for one of his 8 year-old nieces: after playing hard with all the kids, one of the other little girls afterwards asked "Can I invite your uncle to my birthday party?"

Talmage was a dedicated member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. His faith was paramount to him, and his devotion ran deep. He made and kept covenants to keep him closer to his Heavenly Father and elder brother, Jesus Christ. Talmage served as a priest in his ward, where he was honored to serve as a ministering brother, bless the sacrament, and assist as a family history consultant. He was always willing to serve in the temple, neighborhood, and his family. As a final act of service, Talmage was an organ donor.

Through much of his life, Talmage battled juvenile diabetes and depression, both chronic illnesses that require constant attention and effort. Talmage did not want to let these illnesses define him. Instead, he was always endeavoring to manage these conditions while making the best of his life in the face of enormous daily pressure. We honor his struggle.

Talmage was preceded in death by his grandfather, Donald Arthur Kugath, a man whom he resembled closely and with whom he shared a love of robotics. He leaves behind his parents, Steven and Serena Kugath; his nine siblings, Jesse (Sam) Head, Maddie (Brent) Cline, Aleena (Jeremy) Moss, Josh (Tsia), Noah (Sharra), Elijah, Malachi, Cannon, and Hyrum; grandparents Frank and Sherry Baines and Nana Judith Kugath; and many nieces, nephews, aunts, uncles, and cousins. He was a true son, brother, uncle, cousin, grandson, brother-in-law, nephew, and friend. He helped each of us feel special and loved. His memory will continue to brighten our days.