William "Bill" Ivan Rekow

   William Ivan Rekow, “Bill”, of Lowman, Idaho passed away on September 30, 2023, at the age of 75. Born in Emmett, Idaho to Ivan Eugene Rekow and Coleene Ploeger, he was the first of 4 children. Bill moved with his parents and sisters to Lowman when he was eight and never truly left. 
   He lived in Boise during his teen years and was active at the Berean Baptist Church where he accepted Jesus as his Savior; he graduated from Boise High School in 1968. He joined the United States Navy and served in Vietnam at Ben Luc and Tan Mai and at Naval Communications Station, Harold E. Holt, Exmouth, Western Australia. After traveling Australia and returning to Lowman he attended Horseshoeing school in Colorado and worked for the United States Forest Service as a horse packer on the Boise and Salmon Challis National Forests, enjoying the outdoor life he loved. 
   He was briefly married to Mari, and they had a son, William D. Rekow, “Buck”. He worked many jobs, all involving living outdoors. He was always busy with firewood, horses, checking on his bees, picking huckleberries, hunting, fishing, taking pictures or dancing and occasionally trapping. Bill worked for Boise County in the Solid Waste Department and was a fixture at the Garden Valley transfer station for 15 years then another 5 years at the Lowman transfer station. He was an accomplished leather worker, baker, beekeeper, and wood whittler. 
   He was a beloved brother and uncle passing on many of his skills and love of the outdoors over the years. He excelled at doing things “the old way” and living the life of a simpler time. Bill always said; “It’s OK to talk to yourself as long as you don’t answer ‘Huh?’”. 
   Bill is proceeded in death by his parents; longtime partner Rayleen Rousch; and sister-in-law, Cindy.
   He is survived by his son, William “Buck” of Emmett; sisters, Dorothy (Jerry) of Emmett, Charlotte of Billings, Montana; brother, Paul (Victoria) of Lowman; and many nieces, nephews and great nieces and nephews. 
   A Memorial Service will be held after the thaw. Arrangements are in the care of the Potter Funeral Chapel, Emmett ID.
   Bill desired that his ashes be scattered at Bull Trout Lake on Warm Springs Creek trail, a place he truly loved. 
   Donations may be made to the Idaho Youth Ranch or the charity of your choice. 
"It ain't your years, but how you spent 'em. Ain't the cares that life may bring. It's the joys and dreams and friendships, these are worth remembering. "

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