Jere Benjamin Wilkinson, 77, passed away Saturday, August 26, 2017, of natural causes at Fairwinds Retirement & Assisted Living Community under the care of OneSource Hospice.

Jere was born August 31, 1939, in Burley, Idaho to Lloyd V. and Jacqualine (Hogan) Wilkinson. Jere's early years were spent in Utah and Idaho. Although Jere's birth parents later divorced, Jere gained six step-brothers and sisters when Lloyd married Clea May Preston. At age 16 Jere went to Casper, Wyoming to live with his Aunt where he graduated high school. Jere married Ingeborg Alosia Miranda in 1958, and they had one child, Kelly Lynn (Berry). They made their home in Burley where he worked for his Dad on the family farm. Jere and Ingeborg were later divorced.

Jere was drafted into the U.S. Army in 1961, where he served stateside for two years in the 5th Battalion 16th Field Artillery Regiment. Jere then married Janet Rose Hecker in 1964, and they lived in Burley where Jere managed Carl's Shoes. Jere and Janet had two children, a daughter, Jacqualine Fran in 1966, and a son, Jyle Jock in 1968. After Jackie was born, the family moved to Idaho Falls where Jere co-owned and managed Lyle's Texaco auto repair and gas station with his brother Lyle. In 1976, Jere went to work for Gem State Supply as a sales representative for Idaho Falls and the surrounding area. In 1982, Jere made his last career change when he went to work at the Idaho National Engineering Laboratory for Westinghouse, Inc. until his retirement in 2000. It was during this time that Jere and Janet were divorced.

After Jere retired, he spent his time traveling, golfing, fishing, taking care of his yard, and spending time with his children and grandchildren. Other hobbies that he enjoyed throughout his life included fishing, hunting, camping, bowling, motorsports (cars, motorcycles, snowmobiles), and playing cards with his lifelong friends Ed, Harry and Dick.

Jere was a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day-Saints, and began attending Watersprings Church in Idaho Falls toward the end of his life.

He was preceded in death by his parents, and his brother Lyle.

Jere is survived by his children, Kelly Berry (Baton Rouge, LA), Jackie Darrington (Idaho Falls, ID), Jyle (Michelle) Wilkinson (Idaho Falls, ID), four grandchildren and six great-grandchildren.

Funeral services will be at 1:00 p.m., Friday, September 1, 2017, at Coltrin Mortuary, 2100 First Street. The family will visit with friends one hour prior to services. Graveside services will be held at a later date. Online condolences may be sent to the family at www.coltrinmortuary.com .

The family would like to thank all of Jere's caregivers during the past year including EIRMC, Promontory Point, and especially the staff at Fairwinds and OneSource Hospice.