Born: Saturday Apr-12-1947
Died: Tuesday Apr-18-2023
Funeral: To Be Announced

Morrison Funeral Home
& Crematory
188 S. Hwy 24
Rupert, Idaho 83350
Contact and Directions

Robert Wayne Nelson was born on April 12, 1947 to Robert Wilford and Jessie Jean Nelson in Burley, ID.  He passed away peacefully at home, surrounded by his loved ones, on April 18, 2023, at the age of 76.

Wayne was the fourth of eight children.  He grew up and attended school in Burley. He drove truck and retired as a loader operator after working for the same company for over 40 years seeing several ownership changes.

In 1967 he married Gloria Poulton and had three children; Carie, Kelly and LaNae. They have many fond memories of their childhood.  

His love of cooking began at a young age.  It evolved from baking cookies as an after-school snack to preparing meals for loved ones.  He cooked many times in his mother’s back yard for friends and family.  He was well known for his salsa and would sometimes surprise his friends with an extra spicy jar. He also made a pretty good bowl of mac and cheese.

He cherished spending time with people. He was known as Uncle Wayne to his nieces and nephews and to many others who looked up to him. He especially enjoyed spoiling his grandkids and was affectionately known to them as Grandpa Whiskers.

If Wayne could be outdoors, that is where you would find him, happy to share a cold beer and good conversation.

In 2008, Wayne married Gayetta Patterson. They loved traveling and spending time with each other. One of their favorite places was Mackay, ID. They went on numerous trips camping and 4 wheeling. He loved Gayetta’s girls and their families as his own. 

Wayne is survived by his wife Gayetta; his children, Carie (Chad) Call, Kelly (Gina) Nelson, and LaNae (Josh Duhon) Kauffman; Gayetta's children, Amy (Chantel) Brown Lopez, Amanda (Mike) Montoya; 16 grandchildren; 13 great grandchildren with two more on the way; siblings, RaeDene (Marty) Gillette, Gary Nelson, Linda Cutler, Meah (Arthur) Espinoza, and Darla (Mike) Legault.   

Wayne was preceded in death by his parents, Robert and Jean; son-in-law, Jeff Kauffman; sisters, Paula Ramey and Sharon Fairchild; and great granddaughter, Elly Brey Trujillo. 

A private family gathering will take place at a later date.

The family would like to thank Intermountain Hospice especially Kay, Tiffany Ilene and Carey.

Cremation arrangements are under the direction of Morrison Funeral Home, 188 South Hwy 24 in Rupert.

Condolences: I am so sorry to read of Wayne . I have many memories at Garry’s shop. The whole Nelson family just good people. My thoughts n prayers to the family. So sorry for your loss. Granny has cold beer on the other side...Michelle Andersen

Gayetta, I am so sorry for you and your families loss. My heart is with you....JoEtta Abo

We're so very sorry to hear about Wayne! A very good man, who will be missed! Gayetta, hold on to your faith, memories & family…hope it gives you some peace & comfort! Carie, Kelly & LaNae…wish you the same! Love you all!...Gene & Juanita

Say hi to mom for my Uncle. Mom loved you so much and always shared stores of when you guys were little. I have so many fond memories as kids. You are so missed.
Sending you guys so much love....Krista & family

Wayne will be missed so much by so many! I am so sorry LaNae, Kelly, Carrie, Desiree and Brenden. I have so many memories that I will keep forever  I love you guys and I hope to see you soon....Johnna McCartney

My dear friend Gayetta, you and your families are in my thoughts & prayers. Hugs..Cathy N Ingalls

I’m sure sorry to hear about Robert. What a hard thing to go through! I can’t even imagine!
Great big ((HUG)) and lots of love!!!! Love your cousin, Marjorie Rodela