Gene Roice

Gene Edward Roice, 51, of Ririe, Idaho, passed away January 29, 2026, at Eastern Idaho Regional Medical Center following a 30+ year battle with diabetes and kidney failure. He was under the care of Aspen Home Health and Hospice.

Gene was born March 15, 1974, in Driggs, Idaho, to Kenneth Gene Roice and RuLinda Ann Jacobson Roice. He was raised in Jackson, Wyoming, where he graduated from Jackson Hole High School in 1992. Much of his childhood was spent on the Melody Ranch with the Jacobson family. Gene loved the outdoors—camping, fishing (especially ice fishing on Jackson Lake with his dad, sister, Jayann, and family friend, Randy Johnston), and hunting deer and elk up Granite Creek. Family camping trips to Big Sandy and winter snowmobiling with the Blair’s, Johnston’s, Scherr-Thoss’s, and the Roice clan were among his most cherished memories.

Gene met the love of his life, Wendy Carlisle, in Jackson in July 1989. They welcomed their first son, Dustin Kent Roice, on December 5, 1991, and were married the following Valentine’s Day. Together, they raised four sons: Dustin, Derrick Gene Roice (May 18, 1993), Ryan Michael Roice (October 9, 1996), and Branden Kenneth Roice (June 3, 1998). Despite Gene’s health challenges and their young age, Gene and Wendy built a life centered on family—camping trips, football games, concerts, BBQs, and holidays that they always made memorable. Gene loved Wendy and his boys with everything he had.

The family lived briefly in Phoenix, Arizona, then Twin Falls, Idaho, where Gene became a mechanic at Latham Motors. In 1998, they moved to Idaho Falls where Gene worked for Wright Tire and Oil, then for Bill Buckley at Outfitter’s Truck and RV. Gene often said Bill was like a father to him and remained deeply grateful to Bill and Lorraine for their lifelong support.

While working at Outfitter’s, Gene lost one eye and became legally blind in the other—but continued working as a mechanic by feel alone. In 2008, Gene received a pancreas and kidney transplant, a gift he never took for granted. Shortly afterward, he was severely injured in a workplace accident, suffering fractures in his back and pelvis and a crushed kidney. He was life-flighted back to Intermountain Medical Center, where doctors were able to save his transplanted kidney. During recovery, Gene underwent a right below-the-knee amputation due to complications from diabetes. Once healed, he returned to work, determined to provide for his family.

After Outfitter’s sold in 2013, Gene worked at Pro Power in small engine repair, then made his final stop at RT Motorsports in Idaho Falls, where he worked until his donor kidney began failing in October 2023. Gene was immensely proud when his sons joined him at work. Wendy and two of the boys continue working there.

In later years, Gene found profound joy in being a grandpa to his ten grandchildren: Brayden, bonus granddaughter, Whitley, Chloe, Brycen, Draven, Nevaeh, Carter, Xavier, Domnic, and Hazen. He treasured time with his wife, sons and daughters-in-law, bonus daughter, Connie and her husband, Trevor, his best friend and brother-in-law, Steve, Steve’s wife, Nicole, nephew, Cody, his mom who he spent weekdays with his last two months, his sister, and fishing whenever he could.

Gene was preceded in death by his grandparents, Jack and Betty Roice, Ruland and Naomi Jacobson, uncle, Monty Roice, uncle, Barry Robbins, cousin, Jack Robbins, and mother-in-law, Mae Moran.

He is survived by his wife, Wendy Roice of Ririe, Idaho; sons, Dustin (Tosha) Roice of Dillon, Montana, Derrick Roice, Ryan (Kimmie) Roice, and Branden Roice and his fiance, Whitney Rees, all of Idaho Falls; bonus daughter, Connie (Trevor) Lewis of Rexburg, Idaho; ten grandchildren; mother, RuLinda Roice of Swan Valley, Idaho; father, Kenneth Roice of Logan, Utah; sister, Jayann Carlisle of Swan Valley, Idaho; brother-in-law, Steve (Nicole) Carlisle of Idaho Falls; brother-in-law, Michael Longie of Idaho Falls; sister-in-law, Kelly Longie of Dillon, Montana; nephews, Kenny Donahue of Broomfield, Colorado, and Cody Carlisle of Swan Valley, Idaho; many aunts, uncles, cousins, and friends who loved him like family, including Bill and Lorraine, Kurt, Shane and Rose.

Gene’s passing leaves an enormous hole in the hearts of all who loved him, but we find comfort knowing his suffering has ended, he is whole again, and reunited with our Lord and Savior.

Gene will be remembered as hardworking, strong, courageous, resilient, selfless, kind, and deeply devoted to his family.

The family would like to express their gratitude to Dr. Naeem Rahim and Dr. Fahim Rahim. Without them, these last 18 years would have never been possible and to his unknown donor and their family. God bless you all.

Gene has always been a donor, but was sure he had nothing to donate. He would be so proud to know that he was able to donate the cornea of his remaining eye, despite being legally blind.

In lieu of donations, please encourage people to become donors.

A celebration of Gene’s life will be held in early spring, likely on his birthday, March 15. Details will be shared on social media when finalized.