Kent Butikofer

Kent Hulse Butikofer, 85, passed away on May 25, 2026, at his home in Teton, Idaho.

He was born on October 22, 1940, in the Idaho Falls LDS hospital, to Sam and Naomi Butikofer. He grew up in Rigby, Idaho on the family farm where he learned the value of hard work - milking cows and tending the crops - and loved riding and racing horses. He attended Rigby high school from 1954 to 1959, where he made lifelong friends and represented his school singing at several events and as a member of the varsity basketball team. 

He served a two-and-a-half year mission for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints in Vienna, Austria, from 1960 to 1963.

Following his return, Kent attended Utah State University where he met Margaret Ann Miller. Kent and Margaret were married in the Manti Temple on July 2, 1965. He later obtained his bachelor’s and master’s degrees in Political Science in 1966 and 1967, respectively.

Kent and Margaret settled in Teton, Idaho, where they raised their four children together. He founded State Realty, a real estate company serving the people of the Snake River Valley.

Kent served as bishop of the Teton Ward for five years.

Above all, he loved his wife and partner, Margaret. A gifted singer and performer, he sang at countless events in his community and throughout eastern Idaho over the years, with Margaret accompanying him on the piano. Performing together with Margaret was one of the great joys of his life. He loved to play his guitar and sing. He was also a devoted writer and reader with a deep interest in history and world events.

He was preceded in death by his parents Sam and Naomi Butikofer and his son, Jed Kent Butikofer.

He is survived by his wife, Margaret Ann Butikofer; his children, Chet Miller Butikofer (Jen), Zachary Hulse Butikofer (Sabrina), and JoAnna Sutherland (Rusty) nine grandchildren; and one great-grandchild.

He is also survived by his nine brothers and sisters; Gary (Pat) Butikofer, Ann Nelson, Rees (Kathryn) Butikofer, Val (Daleen) Butikofer, Karma (Warren) Hudman, Kaye (Paul) Field, Ned (Jocelyn) Butikofer, Scott (Wynette) Butikofer, and Jana (Mike) Garrison.

The Funeral service will be held on Friday, May 29, 2026 at 11:00 am at the Teton LDS Church. A visitation will be held prior to the service from 10:00 am till 10:45 at the church.