Kaede Maciej Butikofer

Kaede Maciej Butikofer, 23, of Idaho Falls, tragically passed away July 2, 2023, in a floating accident on the Henry’s Fork of the Snake River.

Kaede was born November 26, 1999 (the day after Thanksgiving so his mom could get in one last good meal), in Idaho Falls, Idaho, to Thayne Butikofer and Kristi Heard. He grew up and attended schools in Idaho Falls and graduated from Lincoln High School.

On May 16, 2023, he married Beck Oliver Larson. Kaede and Beck made their home in Idaho Falls with their menagerie of pets where Kaede worked as an electrical apprentice.

Kaede had many talents and was very creative. He enjoyed art, music, and sewing patches onto his jacket. He loved hanging out with friends, traveling to new places, playing card games, and putting puzzles together. He loved his pets and dog training. If Kaede was spending time in the outdoors, he was riding dirt bikes, camping, or driving like a madman!

Kaede always had a lust for knowledge, and was incredibly insatiable to even the most random of facts. Every day, he had something new to tell us, even if we didn’t ask for it. He loved to donate his money to people in need, even if he didn’t know them or needed the money himself—his heart was always so full of love and selflessness. He spent most of his down time volunteering at the local animal shelter, spending time with the senior dogs, and those who had been there the longest. He loved trying to fix everything he could even when it would cause him insane frustration; there were times it would move him to tears, but he always got the job done.

Kaede spent the majority of his time with his husband, Beck, and their friend, Ryan. They loved spending time cooking, watching movies, playing with their dogs, and spending time at a local bar "The Golden Crown." His extroverted character and open heart infected many people who are now lifelong friends.

Kaede is survived by his loving husband, Beck Larson of Idaho Falls, ID; father, Thayne Butikofer of Idaho Falls, ID; mother, Kristi (Jason) Heard of Idaho Falls, ID; siblings, Anna Butikofer, Bryce, Corey, Maudie, Jay and Matthew Heard of Idaho Falls, ID; and grandmothers, Diane McMullin and Phyllis Kay Butikofer.

He was preceded in death by his grandfathers, Dayrl J. McMullin and John R. Butikofer.

Services will be held at 2:00 p.m. July 15, 2023, at Wood Funeral Home, 273 North Ridge Avenue in Idaho Falls. The family will visit with friends from 1:00 p.m. to 1:45 p.m. prior to the service. Burial will be in the Grant Cemetery.

Services will be broadcast live on this page.

In lieu of flowers, please donate to either the Bonneville Humane Society or your local animal shelter.