William Howard Newkirk II, of Rigby, died from cardiac arrest on Monday, September 5, 2022, while swimming in the Henry's Fork River with his family.

William was born on February 3, 1984, in Provo Utah. Later that year his family moved to Rexburg, Idaho. In January 1986, his family moved to Vancouver, Washington where William received all of his K-12 education. William was baptized a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints in 1992. Two years later his family moved into their first home. William helped his dad with multiple remodeling and expansions until he left for college.

William joined the Boy Scouts of America in 1996 and became an avid outdoorsman. He never missed a campout or hike. The highlights of his scouting life included week-long wilderness hikes, a canoe trip down the Willamette, and receiving his Eagle Scout award.

He served as a missionary for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints for two years in Tampa, Florida. He kept a special love for the people and the area where he served.

William attended Brigham Young University Idaho and graduated with a Bachelor's Degree in Public Health. This is where he met the love of his life, Sierra Owens. They were sealed for time and all eternity in the Rexburg, Idaho Temple. The happy couple moved to Salt Lake City for William to get a Master's Degree in Industrial Hygiene at the University of Utah. While in Salt Lake their first child, baby girl Weslie Marie, was born. After graduating from U of U, Will took a job with Moly Corp Mining Company and their family moved to Las Vegas. While in Vegas, their second child, his namesake, was born, William Howard Newkirk III. William loved his family and wanted to live near grandparents, so he eventually secured a job with the Idaho National Laboratory and was able to move his family near grandparents and relatives in Idaho. It was here that his last two children were born, Jacksen Boyd and Eleanor Jane.

William loved hiking, kayaking, rafting, rock climbing, going to sporting events, reading, and traveling. He loved this family fiercely as well as the Gospel of Jesus Christ.

He is survived by his wife, Sierra Jane Newkirk of Rigby, ID; his children: Weslie Marie Newkirk, William Howard Newkirk III, Jacksen Boyd Newkirk, and Eleanor Jane Newkirk; his parents: Greg and Ericka Newkirk of Rexburg, ID; his in-laws: Jasen and Lindy Owens of Rexburg, ID; siblings: Brooke (Jaron) Miller of Parker, ID; James (Dezmon Eyer) Newkirk of Kelso, WA; siblings-in-law: Trude (Chelsea) Owens, Sheridan (Brandon) Perry, Reagen Owens, and Royce Owens of Rexburg, ID; grandparents: Thomas Folsom of Tigard, OR; and Deanna Green of Rexburg, ID.

Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m. Monday, September 12th at the Ririe Stake Center, in Ririe Idaho. The family will receive friends Sunday evening from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. at Flamm Funeral Home in Rexburg and again from 9:30 to 10:45 a.m. at the church prior to services. Condolences may be sent to the family online at www.flammfh.com

Services may be viewed at: https://my.gather.app/remember/william-newkirk-ii