Robert E Hudson

Robert E Hudson, 82, of Idaho Falls, Idaho, passed away October 11, 2024, at Eastern Idaho Regional Medical Center.

Robert was born May 1, 1942, in Idaho Falls, Idaho, to Ray Hudson and Ruth Sobieski Hudson. Robert didn't have an easy childhood as he was born with a heart defect. His parents were told to name him the day he was born because he wouldn't make it through the night, but he made it 82 years.

Robert had his first heart surgery at 11 years old (1953). During this surgery, Robert's heart stopped beating for 28 minutes, and twenty-one electrical shocks were needed before his heart resumed beating on its own. The first surgery was followed by a second heart surgery at 17 years old (1959) that took over 8 hours to complete. Robert's sisters, Janaye and Radean, were his fierce protectors as he grew up and he wasn’t able to participate in normal activities. He was told multiple times he wouldn't make it, but that just made him more determined to do so.

On June 5, 1970, he married Virginia Gellings in Idaho Falls. Robert and Virginia made their home in Idaho Falls where Robert worked as a cook for the family owned, Hudson's Cafe. He always said he was the luckiest man alive for having met and married Virginia. He met Virginia at one of his favorite hang outs, Bowl-ero, where he was also an active bowler for many years.

Robert had to have other heart surgeries throughout the years. He lost most of his vision due to one of these surgeries, but would still ride his bike around town to have coffee with his friends. With what Robert went through in his life, it would be easy to be angry or bitter, but Robert was known for always smiling, laughing, and telling jokes.

Robert is survived by his wife, Virginia Hudson; daughter, AnnMarie (Theron) Marshall of Herriman, UT; son, Ray Hudson of Boise, ID; sister, Janaye (Dale) Berggren of Idaho Falls, ID; sister, Radean (Kent) Wilcox of Idaho Falls, ID; and 3 grandchildren, Kiearon, Logan, and Mikaela.

A gathering will be held from 5-7 p.m. Friday, October 25, 2024, at Wood Funeral Home East Side, 963 S. Ammon Road.

Donations can be made in his name to the Idaho Heart Foundation .