Lyle Gene Packer

Lyle Gene Packer, 65, of Rigby, passed peacefully away January 30, 2021, at his home in the loving care of his wife.

He was born November 10, 1955, in Blackfoot, Idaho, to Dio Gene and Janice Lorraine Lees Packer.

He attended school at Riverside Elementary, O.E. Bell Jr. High, and Skyline High School. Lyle ran track and was extremely fast. Lyle went on to earn his Welding Degree at Eastern Idaho Technical College in Idaho Falls.

He worked for various companies in Idaho Falls as a mechanic, welder, semi driver or large equipment driver. In 1981, he started a partnership with two of his brothers hauling, cutting, and delivering firewood. Lyle never had any problems finding customers. He was always honest and fair with his customers and gave great service. He worked for the City of Idaho Falls operating the street sweeper and snow plow until he retired.

In November 1982, Lyle met and fell in love with Marla Madsen. She was the most beautiful girl he had even seen. He knew that she was the one. Both of them had a mischievous smile and a contagious laugh. Lyle had the “Lyle Grin” and Marla had the “Beautiful Smile.” They were the perfect match.  They were engaged on Christmas Day and married May 7, 1983. They had 37 wonderful years together.

Lyle was always his siblings’ protector. Lyle was large in stature and very strong. He was protective when it came to his family and friends. Lyle was also the most mellow, easy going person and got along with everyone unless you tried to cross someone in his family. Then he would get his “Lyle Grin” that meant “don’t mess with me,” and they didn’t. Lyle was a huge, huggable teddy bear.

Lyle’s family was close and enjoyed doing things together. In his youth and with his family, he learned to ride motorcycles, snow machines, jet skis, and waterski. His love for camping and being in the outdoors came with being with his family. He had fantastic parents that taught him to be honest and hard working. His parents taught him good values and to love God. They taught him to be happy.

Lyle was an expert dirt bike rider. He always drove the fastest bike or snow machine.  He loved to high mark when he was out snow machining. He was a Member of Trail Machine Association for many years. He was a strong swimmer.  He and Marla loved to camp. They went camping every chance they could.

Lyle loved hot food. He made the hottest salsa in the state of Idaho. He was known by family and friends for his mega hot jerky. He also made the best omelet any man could ever eat. His family looked forward to these treats every time they went camping together.

Lyle was well known not only for his awesomeness but his loyalty to his family, friends and his job.

Survivors include his beautiful wife, Marla Madsen Packer, of Rigby; father, Dio Gene Packer, of Idaho Falls; siblings, Carry (Todd) Cook, of Syracuse, Utah, Monte (Kelly) Packer, of Idaho Falls, Lane (Gail) Packer, of Rigby, and Travis (Cheryl) Packer, of Ucon; 31 nieces and nephews who loved and adored him.

Funeral services will be at 2 p.m. Saturday, February 6, 2021, at Wood Funeral Home, 273 N. Ridge Avenue, with Todd Cook officiating. The family will visit with friends Saturday from 1:00 to 1:45 p.m. prior to the service. Burial will be in Grant Central Cemetery in Rigby, Idaho.

In Memory of Lyle - Casual Dress Requested

The family would like to thank all the workers at Hands of Hope Hospice especially Lorie, Kathy, Shelia, Sharla, Amy, and Megan for the wonderful care they gave Lyle and the support they gave Marla.